On my recent visit to Patong I decided to hire a car for a few days . I was recommended to David Car hire based in Phuket. On Day 1 the car was delivered to my hotel by a thai lady who spent all the time on her mobile phone whilst taking all my details off me (International Driving licence and Credit card details of course). The car was automatic but I had ordered manual.There was hardly any petrol in it even though on the contract form it was showing a third full(Which meant they wanted it back a third full)I never realised this until the lady had gone and I was with the car on my own.
The car a toyota soluna was fine (About 1000bt per day)I travelled to Phang Na and into Krabi District with my girl to her home. The roads were really good dual carriage way all the way and not busy making it a pleasure to drive compared to the UK.
I kept the car for 3 days and on the fourth morning they had arranged to pick the car up at 10 am from the hotel. 2 hours later No sign of them and after a phone call or 2 they eventually rolled up at about 4pm.I had left the keys behind the hotel reception for them. As i was I was in my room when they picked up the keys and the lady on reception called me to tell me this.
I waited in reception for the man to bring the car back (It was parked at end of sansabai-same road as my hotel Yorkshire Inn.He was on the phone and handed it to me when the same woman (I presumed)who delivered the car said 'Sir there is damage to the car'.Expecting a big dent I asked the thai guy to show me the damage to which he pointed out a small scratch .It was obvious they were trying to con me as the car had done over 70k kilometres.
I certanly did not lose face but NO way was I paying for that and I let the thai guy know it as well. After letting my feeling known to her as well The lady said 'OK If you say you dont do it ok No problem'.
He promptly gave me my credit card details back and I paid him in cash(Including a 400 bt pick up charge also I did not know about).No money has since been taken from my credit card.
Lesson Learnt. If you hire a car check for damage when you pick it up.
DAVID CAR HIRE
