Tourism operators have reached an agreement with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to propose a visa fee exemption for international arrivals and an eligibility extension for visitors from nations not requiring a visa to enter the country from 30 to 45 days during the second half of this year, as reported in the Bangkok Post June 12th.

The Thai Cabinet approves 30 days extension providing a Special Tourist Visa privilege to visiting yachts on arrival. On 9th December 2020, the cabinet has approved a 30 days extension of providing a special tourist visa on arrival to visiting yacht. The Thai Yachting Business Association (TYBA) has submitted the extension request to the Thai Government to provide more time for visiting yacht to enter Thailand under this special visa promotion.

Thailand’s A-list celebrities and yacht owners are signing up for the second Blue List Expedition, which will be held in Phi Phi from December 18-20 and “finish the year on a high note”.

The second Blue List Expedition is filling up fast, with at least 80 guests and over a dozen yachts confirmed three weeks ahead of the fun-filled event, which will be held in the Phi Phi Islands east of Phuket from December 18-20.

Following the announcement that crew can now quarantine on board their vessels in Thailand the first three yachts have arrived at the quarantine anchorage near the island of Ko Nakha Noi just off Phuket. This morning the four crew of the three yachts were given their first Covid-19 tests.

On the 11th of November, the Phuket Marine Department the revealed the area where overseas yachts carrying tourists will be permitted to moor and serve on-board quarantine measures.

Phuket Marine Department Acting Chief Nachapong Pranit confirmed that the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) has granted permission for tourists aboard overseas yachts to dock in Thailand.

Following extensive efforts by the TYBA and its members we are delighted to announce that the centre for Covid-19 situation administration has agreed to allow pleasure yachts to once again enter the Kingdom of Thailand and for the crew to quarantine on board the vessel for not less than 14 days.

The TYBA has discussed with its members about their situations since the implementation of the lock down on international arrivals. The fact that yachts have not been able to come to Thailand since then, has had a severe effect on their businesses. Therefore, the TYBA has requested the Department of Health Service Support to consider allowing yachts that have no risk to enter Thailand, on a case by case basis.

This year’s Asia Boating Dialogue comprises two free-to-register webinars featuring speakers from across Asia.

The general public and members of the yachting industry are invited to attend this year’s Asia Boating Dialogue, which comprises 120-minute, free-to-register webinars on September 22 and 29. Please scroll down for the list of speakers and event website for free registration.

The Cannes Yachting Festival 2020, due to take place from September 8-13, has been cancelled.

The French government had initially given the show a special dispensation under the "Safe and Clean" label, which approved health and safety measures put in place to prevent risk to visitors and exhibitors.

However, organisers Reed Expo announced the cancellation of the event last week, amid fresh concerns over new cases of Covid-19 in the Alpes-Maritimes region.

Unfortunately due to the ongoing Covid-19 situation the Thailand Charter Week 2020 has been postponed to 2021. The new dates are the 12th to the 15th of November 2021. The preliminary plan is for the opening ceremony from 5pm on Friday the 12th of November followed by two days of on and off water displays at the Phuket Yacht Haven. On Monday the 15th all yachts will participate in a cruise in company to Phang Nga Bay before returning to the Yacht Haven marina for the closing party.

The Thai Yachting Business Association will hold its Annual General Meeting at 2pm on Friday the 4th of September 2020

The Royal Phuket Marina have kindly donated the use of the Skippers meeting room

All current TYBA members are invited to please attend

The 17th edition of Phuket Raceweek 2020 has been cancelled, below is the announcement from the organiser.

Dear Friends, Sailors, Sponsors and Supporters,

Having spent the last month not only looking for a temporary host venue but also trying to seek permission and clarification from the Thai Government to hold Phuket Raceweek 2020.

We have no alternative but to cancel this year’s event.