Phuket Police Seize Unlicensed Jet-Skis, Arrest Five in Tourist Scam Crackdown
PHUKET, April 19, 2025 — Marine police in Phuket have seized eight unlicensed jet-skis and arrested five individuals during a crackdown on scam operations targeting tourists.
The operation, led by the Marine Police Division under orders from the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) in Bangkok, responded to ongoing complaints from visitors about exploitative rental practices. Authorities said some operators would overcharge tourists and later accuse them of damaging the vehicles, demanding exorbitant repair fees.
Police arrested five suspects — Kritsada Jaija (32), Cherdchai Anuphraiwan (31), Phanomphorn Phrom-ouan (25), Bancherd Bulan (40), and Anchalee Tiangnoi (34) — for renting out jet-skis without licenses, a violation of the Navigation in Thai Waters Act.
The jet-skis were seized from Kamala Beach in Kathu district and a pier in Koh Kaeo, part of Muang district. All suspects have been transferred to local police stations for legal proceedings.
Officials emphasized that the crackdown is part of broader efforts to restore tourist confidence and eliminate predatory practices on the island.
