PHUKET is flying through Thailand's political turbulence much better than Bangkok and other national destinations, say the experts.

But bookings in advance are showing signs of suffering compared to Bali and other international rivals.

And there's that growing problem: rip-offs.

The reds need to end their protest before China charters begin to stop seeing Phuket as a safe destination, says Somboon Jirayut, President of the Tourist Association of Phuket.

His prediction of occupancy at 70 percent for April is at variance with the estimate of regional Tourism Authority of Thailand Director Bangornrat Shinaprayoon, who believes Phuket resorts will top 80 percent next month.

But Khun Somboon remains concerned that the China charter market, which has just recovered for this coming low season, could easily vanish again if the region's most sensitive travellers become alarmed by what they see happening in Bangkok.

''The low season is shaping up to be better than last year,'' he said. ''Last year it was 40 to 50 percent and this year it could go to 50 to 60 percent, which would mean no loss of jobs in the industry.

''But we need the red shirts and the government to consider what might happen if their argument continues. Tourism can help to boost the national economy around the country.''

Khun Somboon said that in Germany for the ITB Berlin travel fair, the Scandinavian tour firm TUI Nordic had indicated they would bring 120,000 passengers to Phuket this year.

''There were lots of agents who said Phuket still had a good environment but that the Phuket people had changed,'' he said. ''They are worried now about ripoffs.

''I'd like to suggest that Phuket people, whether they are at a six-star resort or a no-star guesthouse, need to keep showing hospitality to bring the tourists back.''

The same applied to jet-ski operators, tuk-tuk drivers and vendors, he said. Khun Somboon was speaking to media at the Merlin Hotel in Phuket City, which he owns.