webfact Posted November 22, 2016 Share Posted November 22, 2016 Koh Samet: No mafia here say operators as tourist arrivals tumble Pictures: Thairath KOH SAMET: -- An angry meeting of tourism operators on Koh Samet yesterday said there was no mafia in Rayong and none on the island. And they challenged the head of the national parks to name names saying that spreading unfounded rumors about the island is only damaging tourism, reports Thairath. Some operators - notably jetskis - said that tourism had been hit drastically since word about the mafia was spread. While others claimed that tourist arrivals were down 80-90%. The claims came as the military prepared to claim back the island after after what they see as years of corruption, encroachment and illegal activity - much of which was openly denied at yesterday's crisis meeting of operators at the Khao Laem Ya - Koh Samet local office on the island. Officials have served notice about encroachment to some two dozen businesses. Half have accepted that they have encroached and will move but the other half are contesting that they are doing anything wrong. A memorandum of understanding about Phakjira Thongkhao-orn of Sai Kaew Villa 2 led the way saying that the idea that mafia were controlling the island was a myth and had caused tourist arrivals to drop drastically by 80-90%. Representatives of the jetski businesses - that have effectively been told to clear off from the national park - were equally vociferous. They said the idea that mafia was in control was "rubbish" and even "funny". They said that virtually no tourists were coming now and it was deathly quiet on the island. They said that claims about the mafia running the place had only caused trouble. Meanwhile boat operators claimed they were doing nothing illegal. It was stated that 100 speedboats and other boats had permission from the harbor authorities to operate. Last week it was stated that only one had the proper permission and speedboat operations would be shut down along with most of the jetties they use. Speakers at the meeting called on the chief of Thailand's National Parks authority Nattaphon Rattanaphon to stop spreading rumors about the mafia. They said he should name mafia figures and people with influence so they can be prosecuted rather than spread ideas in the news that had a terrible effect on tourism and the image of the island. They claimed the governor of the province Surasak Jaroensirichot agrees with them and said that he and other officials have been working hard over the last few years to rid the province of dark figures involved in corruption. Source: Thairath -- © Copyright Thai Visa News 2016-11-22 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoePai Posted November 22, 2016 Share Posted November 22, 2016 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maverell Posted November 22, 2016 Share Posted November 22, 2016 I suppose its all to do with how people define 'mafia' Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
impulse Posted November 22, 2016 Share Posted November 22, 2016 On an aside, are the jet ski scams as prevalent on Samet as they are (were?) by Mike's in Pattaya? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seismic Posted November 22, 2016 Share Posted November 22, 2016 I stopped going to Samet 15 years ago, it was heading the same way as Samui, Phuket and now Koh Chang also. Its all about making money, they have no respect for the land or the environment. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
borisloosebrain Posted November 22, 2016 Share Posted November 22, 2016 They says there's no Mafia ....then say they've been working hard the last few years to get rid of dark figures and corruption. i.e.: Mafia.....55555 can't anyone just talk straight ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mortenaa Posted November 22, 2016 Share Posted November 22, 2016 No Mafia? Haha. Ask one of the taxi drivers on the island. He'll give you an honest opinion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bangkok Barry Posted November 22, 2016 Share Posted November 22, 2016 So why were the 80 officials removed? And why did takings in August rise dramatically once they were moved out? No word of course about the corrupt officials being prosecuted though. That would be a step too far I suppose. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smedly Posted November 22, 2016 Share Posted November 22, 2016 No Mafia.........it is so endemic they don't even see that it is there Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
siam2007 Posted November 22, 2016 Share Posted November 22, 2016 As any goods, services and accommodation on Samet are so ridiculously overpriced and the quality delivered miserable, this is a crystal clear indication that a Mafia is running the show Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NoBrainer Posted November 22, 2016 Share Posted November 22, 2016 So there is no Mafia, but officials have been working hard over the last few years to rid the province of dark figures involved in corruption. So I suppose that due to the lack of Mafia, a lot of dark figures, and other influential persons, moved in to take over all the scams and encroachment then. Case Closed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elgordo38 Posted November 22, 2016 Share Posted November 22, 2016 Somebody's nose is growing over this statement. Must check a recent picture of the TAT lady. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimstar1 Posted November 22, 2016 Share Posted November 22, 2016 Thai Joke of the Month No Mafia 555555555555 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lupatria Posted November 22, 2016 Share Posted November 22, 2016 Even though Sicily is part of the much hated west, they adopt the name change: There is no Mafia there is only "La Familia". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
recom273 Posted November 22, 2016 Share Posted November 22, 2016 surely they don't mean us? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kingstonkid Posted November 22, 2016 Share Posted November 22, 2016 As one that goes to Samed every year it is nice in certain areas. I do agree though that many bars and businesses have buit onto the beach and ruin it. The first time I went was just nasty. No place to lay down and busy as hell The other location I now use is at the far end of the island quiet with only one hotel and n o bars Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spermwhale Posted November 22, 2016 Share Posted November 22, 2016 Thai journalism at its finest. How many times did the writer tell us the people said there was no mafia on the island. Robots Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redline Posted November 22, 2016 Share Posted November 22, 2016 Kick them off, tear it down, and confiscate everything that is still on the island after d-day. Bye bye Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chinostar Posted November 22, 2016 Share Posted November 22, 2016 They are all saints now.... Just look at angel face, so innocent. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
riceyummm Posted November 22, 2016 Share Posted November 22, 2016 Tourism is down? Might be a good time to visit. I went there regularly when I lived in Pattaya but with the prices, garbage, sewage, etc increasing it lost it's charm. Living in Khon Kaen now so not very convenient but I may give it another try in January. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandgroper2 Posted November 22, 2016 Share Posted November 22, 2016 3 hours ago, Seismic said: I stopped going to Samet 15 years ago, it was heading the same way as Samui, Phuket and now Koh Chang also. Its all about making money, they have no respect for the land or the environment. I still enjoy Samet, why should i worry who owns the resort, and of course they are there to make money. To say otherwise rediculous. The land the resort it built on? Doesnt affect my stay there one bit. The bars, the beer is just as cold no matter if mafia owns the place , or not. Loosen up. We are a long time dead. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DGS1244 Posted November 22, 2016 Share Posted November 22, 2016 No Mafia, now that is a joke. I was there a few weeks ago and the local beach masseurs where paying a third party on a daily basis and it was nothing to do with 'loans'. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TallGuyJohninBKK Posted November 22, 2016 Share Posted November 22, 2016 Maybe it would be a good idea if these non-corrupt operators could get their stories straight.... Quote An angry meeting of tourism operators on Koh Samet yesterday said there was no mafia in Rayong and none on the island. ........ They said the idea that mafia was in control was "rubbish" and even "funny". Quote They claimed the governor of the province Surasak Jaroensirichot agrees with them and said that he and other officials have been working hard over the last few years to rid the province of dark figures involved in corruption. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MaxLee Posted November 22, 2016 Share Posted November 22, 2016 4 hours ago, webfact said: Koh Samet: No mafia here say operators as tourist arrivals tumble Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcfish Posted November 22, 2016 Share Posted November 22, 2016 Suuuuck it boys. You feeling ripped off? Just ask how the tourists felt when you charged them 20k for that jet ski scratch. Happy dayz! Sent from my SC-01D using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeTexas Posted November 22, 2016 Share Posted November 22, 2016 They are right about one thing. Name names and prosecute. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thaibeachlovers Posted November 22, 2016 Share Posted November 22, 2016 4 hours ago, impulse said: On an aside, are the jet ski scams as prevalent on Samet as they are (were?) by Mike's in Pattaya? Lovin' it that the scum jetski operators are complaining. Banning them from every tourist area in Thailand would be a good thing. Also lovin' it that the atrocious resort owners that have ruined a once beautiful island are being hit where they care- in the pocket. No resort should be visible from the sea. I have been saying on travel sites for years that the island is a disgrace. Even more lovin' it that the corrupt park officials that did nothing to clean up the garbage everywhere are being given the boot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ramrod711 Posted November 22, 2016 Share Posted November 22, 2016 Anyone operating a business without a permit in a National Park should be fined and expelled. Any building without a permit, lease from the government or a chanote should be torn down. National Parks should be preserved and revenue accrued from leases to private businesses should be used for the preservation. What the hell is the sense of having National Parks that resemble Patong Beach. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thaibeachlovers Posted November 22, 2016 Share Posted November 22, 2016 10 minutes ago, sandgroper2 said: I still enjoy Samet, why should i worry who owns the resort, and of course they are there to make money. To say otherwise rediculous. The land the resort it built on? Doesnt affect my stay there one bit. The bars, the beer is just as cold no matter if mafia owns the place , or not. Loosen up. We are a long time dead. You would no doubt LOVE Penang beaches! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thaibeachlovers Posted November 22, 2016 Share Posted November 22, 2016 Even if they can't get rid of the resorts, I hope the publicity makes enough tourists stay away as to bankrupt the owners. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.