Organised by JAND Group, the Thailand Yachting Conference 2026 was held at The Slate in Phuket, and was the lead-in event for the Thailand International Boat Show (TIBS) that was held 15-18 January. The Asia-Pacific Superyacht Association (APSA) was a Supporting Partner for both events, and a number of APSA members were speakers at the Conference.
Held under the theme “Sailing Towards the Future,” the 2026 conference focused on the “STARS” framework—Sustainability, Technology, Advocacy, Regulation, and Safety. Key discussions addressed pivotal updates in immigration policies and cruising regulations, designed to streamline the experience for international vessels entering Thai waters.
“The success of TYC 2026 proves that Thailand is ready to lead the global conversation on sustainable marine tourism,” said David Hayes, Director of the Thailand Yachting Conference. “We have seen unprecedented collaboration between the public and private sectors this year. As we look toward 2027, we are evolving the conference to not only discuss the future, but to actively shape it through a more inclusive and dynamic business model.”
The afternoon panel sessions focused on the superyacht sector. The session on ‘Asia-Pacific Ascends: The Superyacht Horizon’ consisted of presentations covering the superyacht cruising grounds of Myanmar, Indonesia, Hainan, Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area (GBA). Jojo Singhmanee (Asia Pacific Superyachts) spoke about the magical superyacht cruising grounds of the Mergui Archipelago which consists of over 800 islands in the Andaman Sea.Fitri Tresnawida (Marina Development Indonesia/Bali Gapura Marina) presented Indonesia’s new flagship development – Bali Gapura Marina – and outlined why Indonesia has a strong maritime culture – hint: it is the biggest archipelago nation in the world.Nina Lee Boudoul (Sunreef Yachts) was not able to present in person, but sent along a slide show showing how China is embracing the boating culture, and how quickly the expansion of the pleasure boat industry is taking place in this region. Moderator Suzy Rayment (APSA Executive Director) covered the new marina developments in Hong Kong and outlined the ‘Yachting Tourism’ developments in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area of China.
Next panel discussion featured four industry experts: Gordon Fernandes (Asia Pacific Superyachts), Benjamin Tabuteau (Fraser/ASIAMARINE), Scott Finsten CMM (Ocean Marina) and Balan R Aramagan (Royal Phuket Marina).Their topics covered the superyacht developments on the west coast of Thailand and developments at Ocean Marina, a review of the Thailand Superyacht Charter License, and the changes needed in order to attract more superyachts to the region, along with the new developments in the Andaman Islands, and the opening of the Red Sea route. Other APSA Members speaking at the Conference included Simone Centola highlighting key legal aspects that parties and advisors should implement before entering into yachts transactions such as legal due diligence on title, VAT on sale, etc.
Looking ahead: TYC 2027 Organisers are pleased to announce that the next Thailand Yachting Conference will take place on 14 January 2027. “We are shifting our focus to create a platform where commerce, culture, and conservation meet,” added Hayes. “We invite industry leaders to join us next January to showcase their innovations and drive the next decade of growth for Thailand’s blue economy.”
For more information on sponsorship opportunities or to register for updates, please visit www.thailandinternationalboatshow.com