In their multi million Dollar Ad-campaigns Thailand and especially Phuket don't market themselves as third world dumps only appropriate for child molesters.
and since when has marketing had any bearing on the actuality of a product.

doesn't mean that some short term tourists should be required to make a survival course before visiting the country.
thats true, and why ambassadors should be more pro-active in informing their people about destinations and their reputations and making a stand with the authorities against the rip offs that plague destinations like phuket.

if they are powerless to affect any change they should advise against travel. full stop.

that should eradicate the problems in 5 minutes.