PHUKET: European Union envoys and the Australian Ambassador are set for a summit on Friday with tourism chiefs and top police at which a better Phuket will be the main topic.

The gathering, at 10am at the Ministry of Tourism and Sport in Bangkok, brings together Minister Somsak Pureesrisak, the department's Permanent Secretary, the chief of the Royal Thai Police and the chief of the Tourist Police.

Since the EU envoys met with Phuket Governor Maitree Intrusud on Phuket a fortnight ago, the move to improve Phuket has gained momentum.

The ambassadors' statement listing seven needs for Phuket has been viewed in some quarters as a negative indictment of the island. Actually, it's nothing of the kind.

Phuket remains an appealing holiday destination and it's the intention of the ambassadors to help keep it appealing for generations to come.

The active involvement of the ambassadors simply reflects their desire to help Thai authorities overcome some of the issues that have grown in scale with Phuket's sudden popularity.

Since Chinese Ambassador Guan Mu called for Phuket authorities to do more for tourist safety and security on Phuket almost one month ago, the Minister himself has visited the island and released his own list of 13 issues for Phuket.

Phuketwan believes that the intense activity of the past month represents a subtle change on Phuket from the island being a Thai international destination to being more obviously an international Thai destination.

At some times of the year, tourists, expats and legal and illegal Burmese workers now outnumber the registered Phuket resident population. While Phuket must always stay uniquely Thai, the island also has to adapt to international standards.

Phuket's Thai-language media is also beginning to grasp that Phuket's future no longer involves turning a blind eye to corruption and rip-offs where the victims are usually ''foreign.''

Phuketwan's list of issues for Phuket is different to the other lists but with the same aim: creating a better Phuket, and making the island a role model for Thailand's other tourist destinations.



Corruption Start a well-promoted public campaign to end corruption on the island and prosecute any official caught taking bribes. Investigate all allegations about Immigration officers and police.

Sustainability Begin an investigation into what's required to keep Phuket a natural and appealing destination and set limits on development and tourist numbers based on the results of that investigation.

Transport Require all tuk-tuk and taxi drivers to register again and to meet international standards of service before being given new licences. Reduce their numbers by 10 percent a year for three years, offering alternative training. Introduce a call centre and abolish double-payment for journeys passengers don't make.

Crime Provide an extra 500 police for Phuket based on its actual population. Take up the Australian ambassador's suggestion of obliterating all illegal weapons and make the island a no-guns, no-knives zone.



.. An efficient and fairly priced public transport system in Phuket which is available to foreign tourists and residents alike.

.. An end to intimidatory and violent behavior by an element of tuk-tuk and taxi drivers.

.. Strict enforcement of marine safety standards, including flags on beaches to indicate when it is safe to swim.

.. Strict enforcement of standards of behavior for public officials, including police and Immigration, to ensure that foreign visitors and residents feel protected, treated in a fair way and never at risk of extortion.

.. An end to scams involving hiring of equipment such as jet skis or motorbikes.

.. Strict enforcement of road safety regulations.

.. Promotion of environmental issues, including monitoring of water quality.




.. Increasing airport arrivals, poor infrastructure

.. Traffic

.. No controlling strategy, development occurring all over

.. Environmental degradation

.. Attacks on beaches and public land

.. Garbage mounting

.. Bad water

.. Tourists' and residents' safety and security

.. Rip-offs (timeshare touts etc.)

.. Tour guides

.. Authorities at odds with private sector

.. Taxis and jet-skis

.. Zero baht tours