FRIDAY, March 29, 2024
nationthailand

Boat show floats Asean marina hub idea

Boat show floats Asean marina hub idea

DEPUTY Prime Minister Tanasak Patimapragorn opened the inaugural “Thailand Yacht Show” (TYS) in Phuket yesterday, as the country positions itself to benefit, directly and indirectly, from superyachts and their ultra-wealthy owners.

TYS, currently under way at Ao Po Grand Marina, will run until February 14 Sunday, with about 40 yachts and at least 14 superyachts on display.
Gracing the waters will be 51-metre traditional Indonesian-style superyacht Dunia Baru; 73-metre M/Y Titania; 50-metre M/Y Northern Sun; 69-metre M/Y Saluzi; 32-metre M/Y Nanou; 41-metre M/Y Ocean Emerald and many more luxury vessels.
The event aims to support the government’s move to promote Thailand as the “Marina Hub of Asean”, as well as to stimulate Thailand’s economy and further develop its marine tourism industry, Tourism and Sports Minister Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul said.
“Most important, Thailand Yacht Show 2016 will be a powerful platform for Thai entrepreneurs to unveil their products and one-stop services to high-end customers, ranging from yachting financial solutions to after-sales services,” Kobkarn said. 
“However, many of the benefits and opportunities to the community will flow in after the show, as this is more than just a yacht show. This is Thailand’s grand opening for the marine tourism industry.”
Early in the development of the TYS, there were murmurs within the industry that “just another” boat show in Asia was unnecessary. Quick to agree was Andy Treadwell, the managing director of 3L Events (Thailand) Co and organiser of Thailand Yacht Show 2016, as well as the Singapore Yacht Show. “The region certainly doesn’t need any more boat shows whatsoever – unless they are providing a genuinely international, all-embracing marketing platform for the whole length and breadth of the yachting and boating industry, encompassing all sectors, in a strategically important location. And that is what TYS is going to provide here,” Treadwell said. 
He described the TYS, which is surrounded by some of the best cruising grounds in the world, as the perfect sister show for the Singapore Yacht Show, which is known for attracting businesspeople, but not so much as a yachting destination.
“What is different about TYS is that visitors will be able to get on board boats from some of the biggest and best-known brands in the world and take them for a trial sail – even some of the superyachts will be going out on short familiarisation trips. 
“The show’s berthing arrangements at Ao Po Grand Marina allow this. It’s a fantastic setting in the middle of Phang Nga Bay and positively entices people to get out on the water. 
“At the same time, we will have on-water activities for all the family and water-sports enthusiasts from all ends of the scale – paddle boards and jet-skis, as well as sailboats, motorboats and superyachts – plus the opportunity to try them out.
“Phuket is the first and the most obvious stop-off point for all the big boats coming to Asia from the Mediterranean via the Gulf of Thailand, the Indian Ocean and the Maldives. There are plenty of superyacht marina berths, hotels, refit and repair facilities and supply chain – and most importantly, it is a world-class cruising destination in its own right,” Treadwell said.
“I think there is a genuine desire among Western yacht owners, captains and charter guests to find somewhere new and less crowded than the Caribbean for winter cruising – and here, even though it’s twice as far away, they will find unspoiled and virtually limitless cruising grounds, beautiful beaches and diving spots, as well as great service from friendly, happy people.” 
Thailand has become the focal point for the superyacht cruising and yachting industry in Asia, and yet it hasn’t had a show that caters for superyachts until now, he said.
“The government of Thailand has been very receptive to our proposals to change the regulations here and allow foreign superyachts to come here to charter. We believe that is going to change things dramatically here, and will encourage big boats to come here in big numbers and spend big money. 
“This is all good news for Thailand and its economy – it will positively affect the whole community. But we need a properly marketed international superyacht show to promote this.”
The long-term success of the government’s push to develop the marine industry and better cater to superyachts will come down to legislation, concurred Transport Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith.
“We have recently announced the regulations and requirements for the new superyacht charter licence that will allow foreign-flagged superyachts to stay and operate in Thai waters for one year. So far, three superyachts have been presented with the licence,” he said. 
“In addition, we will collaborate with the Immigration Bureau to facilitate extending the length of stay for crew working on board a superyacht to one year, or equal to the yacht’s cruising duration. Meanwhile, the tax issue is being discussed among relevant agencies such as the Revenue Department. 
“All these efforts reflect the government’s commitment to show to the world Thailand’s potential to become the ‘Marina Hub of Asean’ and to promote Thailand as an operation base for superyacht charters.”
Despite the progress already made, laws and regulations regarding foreign superyacht visits may need to be reviewed, Arkhom admitted.
“The ministry will discuss the matter with relevant agencies including the Marine Department, the Customs Department, the Revenue Department, and the Immigration Bureau to seek further solutions,” he said. 
“This year, the Cabinet approved a fund of Bt15 million to organise this event and assigned the Ministry of Tourism and Sports to take full responsibility to ensure the success of the show and promote the good image of Thailand.”
The push to develop the marine tourism industry in Thailand comes directly from the prime minister, Kobkarn said.
Kobkarn said the promotion of the TYS and the support for the marine industry were not just Thailand catering to high-net-worth individuals, but in fact were a way to bring additional income into the lives of people of many economic backgrounds.
“Promoting yachting businesses will create employment and distribute sustainable income to local people, while providing constant learning for entrepreneurs and labourers to increase their specialised skills,” she said. 
 
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