With some 2.5 million visitors to the island this year, Koh Samui has generated around 12 billion baht (approximately £170 million) in tourist revenue - and it's forecast that this figure will increase to 15 billion baht (around £212 million) next year.

The tropical island is certainly many people's idea of paradise on earth, and investors have seen the potential growth opportunities as well as taking advantage of the lower price tags on Thai property compared to the established European destinations. Developments like Paradise Hills, for example, offer luxury villas in exclusive Choeng Mon from 16,000,000 baht (£228,571) for a two-bed, two-bath luxury villa with infinity pool (pictured). However, even a modern-day version of paradise isn't without its challenges.

Koh Samui's airport is the only civil airport in the kingdom with flight restrictions, and these may have stunted visitor's options when it comes to getting there. Authorities currently limit the maximum number of flights to and from Samui to 34 a day (18 by jets and 16 propeller-driven aircraft) and restrict the landing and take-off period to 6am-10pm to limit environmental damage and noise pollution. But in a radical move that is sure to please developers and investors in Thai property, though possibly not environmentalists, Bangkok Airways is prepared to loosen its long-standing monopoly on domestic air services to Koh Samui by supporting Thai Airways' plan to fly there.

The privately owned airline has also agreed to establish a joint flight operation agreement, in the form of code-sharing, under which Thai Airways passengers can travel to and from Samui on Bangkok Airways aircraft. Thai Airways intends to initially operate two flights a day, using Boeing 737 jets, and hopes to start code-sharing on the route next month.

But the launch date of Thai Airways' first service to Samui is still pending a positive outcome from the ongoing public hearing. This involves some 190 affected families as well as approval from environmental and civil aviation authorities who have frowned on plans to make the skies over the island any busier than they are now.

Perhaps either outcome is positive for would-be purchasers of Thai property. Either they have better access or quieter skies. After all, you can't have everything - even in 'paradise'.

Read the latest World Property Bulletin ezine now FREE

Search for Thai property

Request a FREE copy of World of Property magazine

For further information about Thai property:
Our Home Abroad

Read other articles about Thai property:
Tourism driving the Thai property market
Head for property in Thailand islands
Look east for some property bargains in Asia

Article published on 1 December 2006