Yesterday, September 16, 2015 in Bangkok, was marked by the official launch of the Thailand Yacht Show at an international press conference and private launch party, hosted by Deputy Prime Minister, General Thanasak Patimaprakorn. Dedicated to luxury superyacht charter, the event is set to run in and around Ao Po Grand Marina, a lovely Thailand yacht holiday destination, from February 8 to 14, 2016.
The Deputy Prime Minister, General Thanasak Patimaprakorn, spoke of the importance of the superyacht charter licence: “Before embarking on this major yacht show to invite the local and international boating industry to promote Thailand as a yachting destination, we decided to create a national framework which would attract more yachts to visit and stay in Thailand. This includes the change in superyacht charter regulations, more yachting friendly immigration and customs rules, introduction of new locations for marina and investment promotion packages for marina.”
The proceedings were hosted by the Port Authority of Bangkok’s VIP Reception Rooms, before guests were invited on board the iconic Norman Foster-designed 41m charter yacht Ocean Emerald – the first yacht to have been presented with the new Superyacht Charter Licence by Minister of Transport – anchored alongside the conference party in the Port of Bangkok.
Boasting breath-taking cruising grounds, Phuket is strategically located for private yachts and charter yachts coming from the Mediterranean to visit South East Asia and the Pacific beyond. It is considered the main infrastructural ‘hub’ for large yachts visiting the region, with more than 100 superyacht berths available between the Ao Po Grand Marina and Phuket Yacht Haven alone, as well as ample first class service companies.