Yo
Best answer
16
Yes — Patong jet ski and parasail scams persist: pre-existing damage blamed on you, passport held, inflated repair bills 10,000–50,000 baht. Licensed vendors exist but telling them apart is hard. Red flags: no proper contract, cash deposit + passport, price too cheap upfront. Safer: book watersports through hotel or TripAdvisor-reviewed shop with written terms. Many travelers skip jet skis entirely — banana boat less scammy but still negotiate price first. Film bike hull video before and after if you insist.
7
Kata jet ski slightly less aggressive than Patong — still video everything.
6
Refused — mate got billed 8000 baht "scratch" that was pre-existing. Skip.
2
Surfboard rental safer vibe — no motor, no passport drama.