Thai yacht charters now legal

On Thursday 20th August 2015, the Harbor Master in Phuket received a royal decree that confirms that it is now legal for visiting superyachts to charter in Thai waters.

This decree is both the result of a three-year lobbying effort by stakeholders of the marine industry in Phuket, including marina owners, yacht brokers, charter agents, and the willingness of Thai authorities to attract superyachts in Thailand to boost the tourism industry.

Thailand is a popular destination of choice for privately-owned superyachts, offering stunning cruising grounds, picture-perfect coastlines and sophisticated hotels, restaurants and spa's, as well as world-renown tourist attractions.

Unfortunately, very few superyachts make the long journey from Europe to Thailand to charter in and around Thai waters due to the unfavorable laws. The new legislation will certainly create new opportunities for superyachts around the world,  bringing potential for increased revenue to the tourism and marine industry in Thailand.

Attracting such high-net-worth-individuals (HNWIs) sits perfectly in line with the objective to promote luxury lifestyle in Thailand. The new one-year charter license is available for vessels of 30m and above, and will allow superyachts to cruise and commercially charter in Thai waters within the one-year term. The new license, which will be issued by the Ministry of Transport, must be applied for through an appointed agent in Thailand.

JStar & Stapel, a yacht agent in Thailand, is the first company in the country to assist superyachts with the application for the superyacht charter license. Having been one of the driving forces behind the three-year lobbying effort and working closely with the Thai authorities, JStar & Stapel is a one-stop service for yachts wanting to apply for the new superyacht charter license.

For more information, contact JStar & Stapel.

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