PHUKET: Government support for Phuket as the ''Superyacht Hub of Asean'' came yesterday at a public meeting where local business generally welcomed the concept.
However, it was noted that there must actually be benefits for Thai people in attracting the wealthy up-market niche.
A special permit for superyachts and improved repair facilities at Phuket marinas form part of the plan.
Chula Sukmanop, Director General of the Thailand Marine Department, told the gathering at Phuket Provincial Hall's ''Convention Centre'' that the Government was determined to make Phuket the region's premium marina hub.
Efforts were now being made to overcome problems that made gaining formal permission to enter Thailand difficult.
There would be a ''Superyacht Show'' sometime between November and February 2016 but it was not clear what form the event would take or where.
In a media release that came straight after the public meeting, credit for the genesis of the ''Phuket marina hub'' idea was attributed to Gulu Lalvani, Chairman of Royal Phuket Marina, and Mrs Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, Minister of Tourism and Sports, in January.
''I met with Khun Kobkarn in January after we had hosted the Phuket International Boat Show at Royal Phuket Marina and we discussed many ways in which to develop Thailand's marine industry.
''Among a series of ideas I proposed was to introduce a special charter licence for superyachts,'' Mr Lalvani is quoted as saying.
''There are many superyacht owners who would bring their superyachts to Phuket if they could charter them while here, and I know many people who charter superyachts around the world for in excess of USD100,000 per week.
''Introducing a charter license for superyachts who wish to charter in Thailand will significantly increase charter revenue for the country.''
The groudwork should be complete within two months, Khun Chula said.
However, it was noted that there must actually be benefits for Thai people in attracting the wealthy up-market niche.
A special permit for superyachts and improved repair facilities at Phuket marinas form part of the plan.
Chula Sukmanop, Director General of the Thailand Marine Department, told the gathering at Phuket Provincial Hall's ''Convention Centre'' that the Government was determined to make Phuket the region's premium marina hub.
Efforts were now being made to overcome problems that made gaining formal permission to enter Thailand difficult.
There would be a ''Superyacht Show'' sometime between November and February 2016 but it was not clear what form the event would take or where.
In a media release that came straight after the public meeting, credit for the genesis of the ''Phuket marina hub'' idea was attributed to Gulu Lalvani, Chairman of Royal Phuket Marina, and Mrs Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, Minister of Tourism and Sports, in January.
''I met with Khun Kobkarn in January after we had hosted the Phuket International Boat Show at Royal Phuket Marina and we discussed many ways in which to develop Thailand's marine industry.
''Among a series of ideas I proposed was to introduce a special charter licence for superyachts,'' Mr Lalvani is quoted as saying.
''There are many superyacht owners who would bring their superyachts to Phuket if they could charter them while here, and I know many people who charter superyachts around the world for in excess of USD100,000 per week.
''Introducing a charter license for superyachts who wish to charter in Thailand will significantly increase charter revenue for the country.''
The groudwork should be complete within two months, Khun Chula said.
Ahhhh another "hub" - excellent
It will be great until the taxi mob blockade the yachts until they get a piece of the action like they do to the U.S. Navy. Happy days !
Posted by Discover Thainesa on May 12, 2015 07:50