PHUKET has attracted numerous major international resort brands to its shores over the past decade, with brands including the Hilton, Marriott and Best Western establishing and expanding their presence here.

Still more branded projects, including the Radisson and Jumeriah Private Island, are nearing completion.

But with the continued siege of both Bangkok airports and rising political tensions, the glittering announcements of more luxury resort properties coming to the island are certain to grind to a halt.

Here's what some in the Phuket property industry had to say about the situation:

CB Richard Ellis, Phuket branch The property market is tough to read quickly. There will be a long-term effect, but so far nothing has happened in the short term. When Phuket airport was closed earlier this year, we lost one buyer, but so far no one has pulled out following the Bangkok airport closures. Some branded developments we have been assisting were set to launch in 2009, but have decided to wait and see how the political situation develops. These are projects that have not been made public and have not begun building. Luxury projects including Jumeriah Private Island and The Yamu that are already underway are still going ahead as planned.
Comment from Charlotte Filleul, general manager

The Regent Cape Panwa It is too soon to comment on the airports' occupation effect to the Phuket property market. Unlike hotels and travel-related businesses, the property market is not immediately hurt by such events.
Comment from developer Methee Tanmanatragul (also president of the Thai Hotels Association Southern chapter and developer of Rising Sun Residences luxury villas)

Phuket Real Estate Club Property is not like tourism, there have been no short-term effects. The financial crisis has been having more of an effect. Maybe next year projects will have a problem because they will not be able to sell their properties.
Comment from spokesman Phummisak Hongsyok (former mayor of Phuket City and member of family with large landholdings on Phuket)

Phuket One Real Estate We have not had any cancellations but we don't know how people will react to the situation long term. With hotel bookings down by up to 20 percent, it means that out of 100 people we expect to see, some 10-20 will not be coming. Year-on-year for the past three years mid-December through the end of January is our peak sales period, coinciding with the high season for resorts. We don't get customers unless they come and stay here on holiday first. In general, this will have a very negative effect on people's perceptions of Thailand. Developers may have difficulty since they need to reach a certain level of sales in order to complete their projects. If sales don't go through, it will have an effect.
Comment from Paul Martin, sales manager

Bangkok Airports Siege: Phuket Businesses Hit
Phuket businesses lost millions of baht this week in the wake of the Bangkok airport closures. More uncertain are the long-term effects of the political crisis.
Bangkok Airports Siege: Phuket Businesses Hit

Phuket Resorts Facing Cancelled Bookings
Hopes for a good high season have been shattered as Phuket resorts face cancellations following strengthened travel advisories to Thailand.
Phuket Resorts Facing Cancelled Bookings

Phuket King's Cup Set to Race
Update: Racing Delayed to Dec 2. Bangkok airport closures have forced sailors joining the King's Cup Regatta to find alternative ways into Phuket, but the event is going ahead as planned.
Phuket King's Cup Set to Race