Sharing this to warn others about my experience with a scooter rental place (Ploy Shop) in Koh Phangan.
I rented a scooter and had a minor accident. The damage was cosmetic only (scratches to plastic panels, scuffed exhaust cover, small crack, scraped brake lever). Note that they had my passport when we rented the scooter originally.
When I returned the bike, they initially quoted 5,000 THB. They said this was the “discounted” price. According to the research I did online, this was still a very high amount to pay for cosmetic damages. I pushed back and was negotiating aggressively, but was ultimately prepared to pay that amount.
As soon as I took out 5,000 THB in cash from my purse, they increased the price to 8,400 THB on the spot and said I was no longer eligible for the “discounted” price.
When I refused, they called the police, who came and told me to pay the higher amount. The police didn’t even bother listening to my account of events, and sided with the owners right away. Given the situation (injured and under pressure), I paid the 8,400 THB.
Key points:
• Price increase happened immediately after showing cash
• Police involvement did not help resolve fairly
• Damage appeared cosmetic and limited
• They held my passport until I paid the 8,400 THB
Posting this so others can make informed decisions. Please do not leave your passport with these scooter rental places and instead leave the deposit. Also, the tourist police will side with the locals.
Anyone who visits Koh Phangan in particular - would strongly avoid renting from Ploy Shop in particular.