PHUKET - The European Union has called for improvements for tourists from Europe visiting the resort island.

Transport, safety and jet ski scams were all high on the list of problems facing European visitors, said David Lipman, the EU ambassador to Thailand, who led a delegation in talks on Friday.

Michelangelo Pipan, the Italian ambassador to Thailand, suggested flags be put up to warn tourists to avoid swimming and taking boat trips during the monsoon season. More safeguards should be deployed on beaches for the safety of vacationers, he added.

The European diplomats from 18 countries also said their citizens had been complaining about high public transport charges on the island.

Phuket governor Maitree Inthusut pledged improvements in services for tourists visiting the island, including a plan to end jet ski scams.

Jet ski operators for years have been accused of extorting money from tourists who rent the units. Typically they accuse the customer of having damaged the craft and demand tens of thousands of baht for repairs of replacement. Their demands are sometimes backed by threats of violence.

Tourists from Europe, including non-EU members, totalled 4 million last year, up 6% from 2011. Phuket was one of their favourite stops in Thailand.