Asia Pacific Superyachts Promotes Charter in Thailand

The presence of the Prime Minister of Thailand, Ms. Paetongtarn Shinawatra, and dignitaries and distinguished guests from central and local governments, at the opening ceremony of Thailand International Boat Show (TIBS) shows the importance of the 2025 edition of the TIBS as a platform to showcase Thailand’s marine industry.

Held for the first time at the Yacht Haven Marina in Phuket, Asia Pacific Superyachts (APS) co-founder Tanyuta (Jojo) Singhmanee was proud to assist in the Prime Minister’s visit, and have the opportunity to discuss how Thailand’s marine industry can attract more superyachts. Discussions focused on key issues regarding the implementation of the Thailand Superyacht Charter License, and the need to extend crew visas.

The Thailand Superyacht Charter License was introduced in 2024, and represents a major change in the maritime regulations for the nation, and helps to promote superyacht tourism in the country. Phuket is considered a top charter superyacht destination, and this regulatory change has removed the major obstacles discouraging many yacht owners and charter operators from operating in Thailand. Now foreign-flagged superyachts over 30m can legally operate charters in Thai waters without paying a 7% VAT on the yacht’s value.

Other issues that still need to be addressed in order to encourage more superyachts to visit and remain for extended periods of time in Thailand include the option to have an extended crew visa. The current situation only allows visiting crew to receive a 30-day visa; APS and other industry professionals have been working hard to change regulations to include 90-day or 180-day crew visas.

Gordon Fernandes, APS co-founder and Asia-Pacific Superyacht Association Committee member, says, “Thailand can boost superyacht tourism by revising these charter laws, and redefining yacht size and insurance policies to align with international standards, along with crew visa changes”. Fernandes was one of the panel of experts who discussed the superyacht sector at the recent Thailand Yachting Conference that welcomed 150 delegates and was the lead in event into the TIBS.

Several superyachts were part of TIBS this year, and Fernandes says "it’s been amazing to see the growth in both visiting and permanently based superyachts in the region. I have 27 years of experience of operating in this industry, and now that TIBS has moved to a marina which can accommodate the larger yachts this can only be a good thing for Phuket and the industry in Asia.”

Superyachts participating in the TIBS included the classic sailing yacht Cariad 1 (36m) which was built in 1896. Recently renovated to her original condition in Thailand, the yacht received the prestigious Boat International ‘Neptune Award’ for the new category of ‘Classic Rebuilt Yachts’ which was included in the 2024 award ceremony.

SpaceCat (36m), a power catamaran built by Silver Yachts and presented by Northrop & Johnson Asia, quickly became one of the show’s most talked-about vessels.  With the catamaran’s sleek design and spacious layout, it is proving to be very popular with charter clients. Simpson Marine presented the Sanlorenzo SL90A, a blend of classic Italian design with innovative features, and the Bluegame BGX63, a bold, versatile, and adventurous yacht that is perfect for those who seek exploration without compromise.

m/y Tyee, a Horizon FD90, was presented by Camper & Nicholsons, and this popular superyacht model embodies the space, layout and performance that makes it one of the most popular models in the Fast Displacement range coming out of this Taiwanese shipyard. Another yacht from Taiwan was the 85ft Fleming Yacht, which is renowned for its exceptional craftmanship combined with continuously-updated and innovative design.

The TIBS VIP Lounge was hosted this year on Lady Eileen II (28.96m) another Taiwanese yacht, and VIP guests enjoyed exclusive hospitality sponsored by Cessna and Beechcraft by Textron Aviation. The Captain’s Lounge was hosted on Free Bird (32m), a Thai built and owned superyacht, which proved popular with exhibitors and APSA members, who enjoyed the relaxed air-conditioned networking space, as well as a free happy hour every afternoon.

Other superyachts visiting Phuket in January included: Starlust (68m), Scott Free (60m), Atlas (51m), Northern Sun (49.74m), Dream (57.3), Berzinc (44.2), Dolce (43.3m), Annabella (43.7), Masquenda (40m), Silent World (40m), SeaD (39m), Indigo (32.37) and Malia (23m).