PRESSURE is increasing for a crackdown by authorities on motorcycle renters who insist on holding the passports of tourists who rent machines.

The practice is not lawful. More than one honorary consul has reported cases in the past few weeks where attempts have been made to rip off tourists in damages claims that, in some aspects, are similar to those involving jet-skis.

In at least one case, the claim for damages exceeded the cost of a new motorcycle. In another, a bid was made to claim 180,000 baht for a case involving a large motorcycle.

At the same time, honorary consuls admit that tourists have sometimes abused the rental system. One honorary consul cited a case where a tourist pushed a hired motorcycle over a cliff on Phuket before heading for the airport.

Another recent case of abuse by tourists occurred when a pair of Australian visitors admitted deliberately crashing jet-skis.

Efforts to create a system that protects both honest vendors and tourists from unscrupulous behavior are likely to continue through the Tourism Committee, which is headed by the Governor of Phuket, Tri Augkaradacha.

The Chief Executive of the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation, Paiboon Upatising, confirmed this week that he plans to make sure the committee follows up on several points made last month at the fourth meeting of Phuket's innovative ''Parliament.''

The gatherings, between Phuket honorary consuls and embassy representatives and the Governor, Phuket police and island leaders, have so far proven to be an ideal forum for highlighting problems affecting tourists - and those caused by them.

The Ambassador for Sweden, Lennart Linner, is to join the next ''Parliament'' on February 21, said a spokesperson for Swedish honorary consul, Dr Sompoch Nipakanont.

Earlier this month, Dr Sompoch met with Phuket Police Commander Major General Pekad Tantipong.

At the meeting, Dr. Sompoch raised the Swedish embassy's concern about police seizing the passports of tourists without reasonable cause.

Commander Pekad explained that he has already informed officers at all police stations on Phuket to contact him directly to decide whether the passport should be kept by the officer whenever a tourist commits a crime.

It is not necessary for passports to be confiscated except in cases involving violence or drugs.

Driving under the influence or disputes with jet-ski operators do not require tourists to surrender passports. A copy of the passport is all that needs to be provided.

Dr Sompoch also visited Police Captain Torphan Phusuntiae, the Deputy Superintendent of Phuket's Tourism Police. The Tourist Police HQ is located near the Phuket Police HQ in Phuket City.

Dr Sompoch asked Captain Torphan to inform the consulate if Swedish tourists seek assistance.

Dr Sompoch also visited Colonel Arayapan Pukbuakao, the Superintendent of Kathu Police Station, in Patong.

The doctor asked the superintendent to send a report or contact the consulate as soon as possible whenever Swedish nationals are accused of crimes or become victims.

Dr Sompoch also asked Colonel Arayapan to inform officers that they should not seize the passports of Swedish tourists.

The superintendent explained that there was a time when passports were taken as a matter of course while investigations were underway. This was no longer happening.

In cases where police investigators kept passports, the consulate was welcome to contact him directly for correct information, Colonel Arayapan said.

Colonel Arayapan pointed out that sometimes the lawyers or other people involved were the ones who asked for money from the tourists. In fact, officers do not know such things, Colonel Arayapan said.

The superintendent has a plan to arrange to supply information for tourists about their rights. Dr Sompoch agreed with that idea.

New Year baskets of flowers and goodies were presented to other Phuket police stations on behalf of the Swedish Embassy.