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) 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. 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.”
David Hayes, Director, Thailand Yachting Conference
Asia-Pacific Superyacht Sessions
The afternoon panel sessions focused on the superyacht sector. The session on “Asia-Pacific Ascends: The Superyacht Horizon” featured presentations covering the superyacht cruising grounds of Myanmar, Indonesia, Hainan, Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area. Jojo Singhmanee (Asia Pacific Superyachts) spoke about the 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 and outlined why Indonesia has a strong maritime culture as the world’s biggest archipelago nation. Nina Lee Boudoul (Sunreef Yachts) shared a presentation on China’s rapidly expanding pleasure boat industry. Moderator Suzy Rayment (APSA Executive Director) covered new marina developments in Hong Kong and the “Yachting Tourism” initiative in the Greater Bay Area.
The next panel discussion featured Gordon Fernandes (Asia Pacific Superyachts), Benjamin Tabuteau (Fraser/ASIAMARINE), Scott Finsten CMM (Ocean Marina) and Balan R Aramagan (Royal Phuket Marina). Topics covered superyacht developments on the west coast of Thailand, a review of the Thailand Superyacht Charter Licence, changes needed to attract more superyachts to the region, new developments in the Andaman Islands, and the opening of the Red Sea route. APSA member Simone Centola also highlighted key legal aspects of yacht transactions, including due diligence on title and VAT considerations.
Looking Ahead: TYC 2027
Organisers are pleased to announce that the next Thailand Yachting Conference will take place on 14 January 2027, once again as the lead-in event for the Thailand International Boat Show. For more information on sponsorship opportunities or to register for updates, visit thailandinternationalboatshow.com.