The Thailand International Boat Show: A Luxury Lifestyle Event (TIBS) 2025, held at Phuket Yacht Haven Marina for the first time, ran from 9–12 January 2025. Officially opened by the Prime Minister of Thailand, Ms. Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the opening ceremony was attended by dignitaries and distinguished guests from central and local government — demonstrating the show’s importance as an economic driver for luxury tourism and a platform to showcase Thailand’s soft power in support of its marine industry.
Government VIPs attending included Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn (Minister of Labour), Mr. Sorawong Thienthong (Minister of Tourism and Sports), Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool (Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand), and Mr. Sophon Suwannarat (Governor of Phuket).
Record Yachts, International Reach
This year’s show featured a record-breaking line-up of 59 yachts in-the-water, ranging from superyachts to sailing yachts. An air-conditioned Exhibitors Pavilion on shore featured boat service companies, charter agents, marinas, marine gadgets, lifestyle products, and luxury real estate. Attracting visitors from over 50 nationalities, TIBS 2025 is now firmly recognised as a bona fide international event.
“The Thailand International Boat Show showcases the best of the best in Thailand’s yachting and luxury lifestyle industries. Following on from a successful 2024, this year’s show doubled in size and welcomed in international brands and businesses.”
— David Hayes, Chairman & CEO, JAND Events
Superyachts on Show
One of the stars of the show was the classic sailing yacht Cariad 1 (36m), built in 1896 and recently renovated to her original condition at the Blue Ocean Shipyard in Thailand — scooping the prestigious Boat International ‘Neptune Award’ in the Classic Rebuilt Yachts category at the 2024 awards.
Northrop & Johnson Asia Pacific turned heads with their 36m power catamaran SpaceCat, built by Silver Yachts — quickly becoming one of the show’s most talked-about vessels. “We’ve already received several charter requests following the show,” said Lies Sol of Northrop & Johnson Asia-Pacific.
Simpson Marine presented the Sanlorenzo SL90A — a blend of classic Italian design with innovative asymmetrical layout that expands the main saloon and master stateroom — alongside the Bluegame BGX63, a bold and adventurous yacht for those who seek exploration without compromising luxury. Other superyachts on display included M/Y Tyee, a Horizon FD90 presented by Camper & Nicholsons.
Lifestyle, Family, and Evening Events
Off the water, the Garden Lounge offered food trucks and pop-up bars, while the Churchill Cigar Lounge drew crowds to watch a skilled Thai cigar maker roll cigars by hand using local tobacco. Live music performances created a relaxed atmosphere for sunset networking throughout the event.
Saturday 11 January was a family-friendly day featuring a Children’s Day celebration with face painting, a clown, and the UWC Children’s Skiff Regatta — where young sailors showcased their skills and created memorable moments for spectators and participants alike.
APSA at TIBS
The Thailand International Boat Show 2025 was a strong opportunity for APSA members to connect and grow the Asia-Pacific superyacht community. APSA members exhibiting included: Camper & Nicholsons International, Gulf Craft, Simpson Marine, Ferretti Group, Frigomar, Lee Marine, Northrop & Johnson Asia, ONE°15 Marina, SEABOB, and Sunreef Yachts. Visitors from the APSA community included Asia Pacific Superyachts, Burgess, Clearvac Engineering Asia, Cowie and Co, Lodestone Yachts, Maritime Cook Islands, ONE°15 Marina, Sea Leisure Yachting Group, and Sevenstar Yacht Transport.
For more information visit www.thailandinternationalboatshow.com.