Phuket jet-ski operator banned after attempted shakedown
Phuket Gazette (PHUKET) -- A jet-ski operator was banned today from running his rental business for one month following an incident in which he demanded two tourists to pay 200,000 baht for repairs to two uninsured jet-skis.
The Bang Tao jet-ski operator, Air Yotharuk, had his helmsman license suspended and his two jet-skis Yotharuk 1 and Yotharuk 2 banned by the Phuket Marine Office today.
“We have also charged Mr Air 10,000 baht for not renewing his insurance," said Phuket Marine Office chief Phuripat Theerakulpisut.
“The Marine Office and Phuket Governor Nisit Jansomwong wanted this to serve as an example to all jet-ski operators on the island."
The ban and fine are compromises, as Governor Nisit originally asked that a stronger message be sent to jet-ski operators by banning Mr Air for life, Mr Phuripat added.
