Thailand Yacht Show Set for February 2016

As Thailand seeks to grow in status to becoming a ‘superyacht hub’ of activity, its first yacht show, the Thailand Yacht Show (formerly known as the Phuket Yacht Show, postponed earlier this year) has been confirmed.

Taking place in partnership with Thailand’s Ministry of Transport, the event will showcase what the Asia Pacific region's charter industry has to offer alongside a selection of smaller yachts and boats for sale.

Its organisers are the same team behind the Singapore Yacht Show, which saw its 2014 edition attended by superyachts including the 76m/248ft Oceanco yacht ANASTASIA last year.

Founder Andy Treadwell commented, “With superyacht charter now being legalised in Thailand… and with the Government and all the other stakeholders aligned, the time is right for us to launch the new Yacht Show with industry-wide support. Ao Po Grand Marina is a perfect location for the event and we look forward to providing this new, crucial platform to capitalise on Thailand’s stated objective of becoming the principal yachting destination hub for Asia.”

The Thailand Yacht Show will be publicly announced on 16 September 2015 at an official launch party and press conference on Norman Foster-designed charter yacht ‘Ocean Emerald’ in Bangkok, hosted by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha. The Prime Minister initially proposed an international yacht event to help affirm Phuket as the go-to destination for superyachts in Asia. The show is also supported by new Minister of Transport Arkom Termpittayapaisith and Minister of Sport and Tourism, Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul.

The 41-metre (135ft) superyacht Ocean Emerald will be the first yacht awarded Thailand’s new Charter Licence, allowing her to take advantage of new legislation (officially passed on 20 August) allowing foreign-flagged superyachts to legally charter in Thailand. The move followed 3 years of lobbying by leading industry figures to make chartering in the country easier.

The hosting marina, Ao Po Grand Marina, offers berths for up to 260 yachts measuring up to 100m+ in length for visiting yachts, surrounding by first-class facilities for those facilities.

Over 75 yachts reportedly cruised through Phuket, without the ability to charter in the area, so it is hoped the combination of new legislation, marina developments and events like the Thailand Yacht Show will help the country be the destination of choice for many looking for an alternative to the Caribbean charter circuit during winter season and beyond.

For more information on the 2016 Thailand Yacht Show, please get in touch with your preferred charter broker.

View all superyachts for charter in Thailand here.

the time is right for us to launch the new Yacht Show with industry-wide support.