Jet Ski Scam in Thailand

biko

In case some one is renting jet skis, cars, mopeds or whatever when travelling.
The police seems to be in on it too.
Make sure you inspect the vehicle first, together with taking a snap or two.

It won't stop scammers from tricking tourists but at least they won't trick you.
"Thieving is a living too"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zsPuoaktoAw

Stinicker

Pattaya in Thailand is the worst for it, dozens of people (mainly Russians and Indians) get scammed there every single day. Just don't rent a jet-ski, you can do that in Spain or somewhere more reputable. There is no consumer protection in Thailand and the police force is notoriously corrupt and most likely receives kick backs from these scammers.

This is a good read for newbies to Thailand:

http://www.stickmanweekly.com/Reader2007/reader4672.htm

rossie1977

yeah there was a piece on them trying to rip off british marines on "Big Trouble in Tourist Thailand", some neck on them

Owen

Happened to us in Patong, but we stood firm and argued the point for what seemed like an hour and the guy gave up. To be fair though, Thailand's tourist industry is alright otherwise IMHO.

kirving

I'm going in a month or so, so I've read a bit about this, seems very common.

I'd still love to rent a jet ski though, but only if I know it's safe. Do bigger resorts and hotels also have renting facilities?

chainsawman

BIB (Boys in brown) is involved into the scam... Pattaya probably the worst Jetski scam ever on earth, Lots of Indian tourist now get caught into the scam, lots of Westerners avoids the scam, Hotels and Guesthouses in Pattaya should have leaflets to warn about the scam... PLEASE DONT RENT JETSKI IN PATTAYA...

Savman

This was highlighted on Sky TV, so it's been well documented. Plenty of threads on Trip Advisor too, so you'd be a bit silly to go jet ski-ing in any of those spots. You might be fine, but you might not by the sounds of things. Is it worth it for 25mins on a jet ski?

As much as I love the adrenaline rush, I don't think I'd try it outside of the US or EU or developed nations. Stick to Spain, Florida etc and you should be fine unless you do actually blow the thing up.

Keitho_san

Read about this as I am about to embark on one of the most dangerous tourist destination. You just to keep your wit about and use common sence. Not all location are scammers but they do have different prices for locals and tourist which is also legal there.

If it sounds to good to be true, dont do it.

Oh I dont do drugs there, bank up abroad is deadly.

christmas2012

i heard hotel scams are big there too rip you off on all sorts of accomodation there..

chainsawman

christmas2012 wrote: »

i heard hotel scams are big there too rip you off on all sorts of accomodation there..

Never heard of hotel scams there ? Been there 15 times, maybe you talking about Safe scam in hotel ? What hotel scam you talking about ? Best book hotel yourself in thailand is directrooms.com (some offers hot deals) or Latestays.com...

geecee

I know someone that had their arm detached in a Jetski accident in Pattaya

His jetshi collided with a speedboad....
The speedboat propellor severed his arm


And NO the insurance did not cover themedical expenses!

I would be more scared of bodily harm than a scam