Question 1

What is the "Jet Ski and Water Sport Damage Extortion" scam in Koh Phangan?

Accepted Answer

Jet ski and kayak rental operators at Haad Rin beach and Chaloklum Bay rent equipment then claim pre-existing scratches or damage were caused by the renter. Operators may hold passports as collateral — a practice illegal in Thailand — and demand cash payments of 5,000–20,000 THB to release documents. Damage claims are frequently fabricated or exaggerated with no pre-rental inspection report provided. Photograph or video the entire equipment thoroughly before and after the rental, capturing any existing scratches, dents, and hull markings. Never surrender your passport as a deposit — leave a copy only. Use only operators with a visible business licence posted on-site. Pay by credit card if possible to enable a chargeback.

Question 2

What is the "Compromised ATM Card Skimming at Party Areas" scam in Koh Phangan?

Accepted Answer

Standalone ATM machines positioned near the Haad Rin beach strip and around the Thong Sala pier have been reported to contain card skimming devices installed by organised fraud networks. The machines appear fully functional and dispense cash normally, but a thin reader attached to the card slot and a micro-camera above the keypad capture card data and PIN simultaneously. Card details are later used for online purchases or cloned onto blank cards. Use only ATMs attached to bank branches (Kasikorn, Bangkok Bank, SCB) with physical branches visible behind the machine. Cover the keypad with your free hand when entering your PIN on any machine. Check your card statement within 24 hours of using an ATM on the island. Prefer paying by cash withdrawn before arriving on the island.

Money & ATM Scams in Koh Phangan

Jet Ski and Water Sport Damage Extortion

Compromised ATM Card Skimming at Party Areas

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