Almost every week, the local press in Phuket reports on an industry that does not abide by the rules or the laws, but apparently has nothing to fear from the authorities. Not for nothing has this industry earned itself the name Jet Ski Mafia.
Actually, it should be very easy on Phuket to enforce the existing laws and restore peace, peace and order overnight. However, the officials responsible for this enforcement do not only fail to take any action, they consistently deny that there is any problem with the jet-ski operators.
The implementation of the laws should not cause any problems, since everyone in Thailand requires a valid driving license to operate a jet ski. This interests the jet ski operators but less. For them, only the baht counts in their pockets.
Several surveys by the local press have already shown more than once that jet-skiing off the bather's beaches is undesirable and dangerous for swimmers.
The vast majority of respondents, residents and tourists have spoken out against these noisy, dangerous and disgusting machines. The authorities seem to it but little to itch.
Even the many tourists who died in a jet ski accident in recent years have not changed the situation. Add to that the many injured people or the people who were literally pulled off and ripped off after alleged damage to their rented jet ski. Blackmail and the threat of tourists is almost a part of everyday life of the outrageous mafia.
What's more, this industry also challenges Phuket's reputation as a safe and peaceful vacation home. Anyone who has ever swum in the "open sea" and has seen a jet-ski racing down knows the meaning of the words "naked fear" and "helplessness only too well.
If you wanna see how the scam works thake a look of the video below:
Not even the small, specially equipped float zones help. Too easily a jet ski can roar through the barrier and injure the swimmers or do worse.
Although much has changed on the beaches after the admirable work of the National Council for Peace and Order, the business of jet ski operators continues to flourish. The little man who has been making his living on the beach by providing services and selling drinks now has to look for a new job. But that does not apply to the jet ski mafia.
They continue to sit on the beach and park their water scooters wherever they think they are right. Apparently and obviously, the authorities are unable to apply the same right to everyone here. More than once, the suspicion has been voiced that influential people behind the mafia or maybe even own the devices.
The whole thing seems like a broken record, which rotates over and over again in a circle and does not change anything. How long will the bathers on Phuket endure this situation?
Sources: Phuketgazette.net, Thailand Tip, bangkokpost.com, youtube, der farang.com, changraibulletin.com
