Bangkok, The Europe Today – September 23, 2024 : Thailand’s Transport Ministry has relaxed regulations to allow larger cruise ships, or super yachts, to operate in Thai waters, aiming to establish the country as a regional hub for maritime tourism. The new regulations, designed to boost Thailand’s appeal as an Asian marina destination, were announced by Deputy Minister Manaporn Charoensri.
The Marine Department has amended its existing regulation on super yacht and sports boat arrivals, originally introduced in August 2015. “The regulation needed revision to reflect the current maritime landscape and support the government’s focus on attracting wealthy foreign tourists,” Deputy Minister Manaporn said.
The new rule adjusts the definition of super yachts, lowering the minimum length from 30 metres to 24 metres, while maintaining a maximum capacity of 12 passengers in line with international standards. The required insurance coverage has been set at US$5 million (approximately 171 million baht) per incident. Applications for permission can now be submitted through an electronic service system, with supporting documents accepted in both Thai and English. The time frame for processing permissions is capped at 25 working days.
Kritpetch Chaichuay, Director of the Marine Department, noted a surge in super yacht arrivals to Thailand, particularly in Phuket, over the past three years. Data reveals that 41 super yachts visited Phuket in 2021, compared to 117 in 2022 and 148 in 2023. Phuket and Koh Samui remain the most popular destinations for these vessels in the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, respectively.
Thailand’s Ministry of Transport is currently developing two major cruise terminal projects at Laem Chabang Port and Koh Samui, further enhancing the country’s infrastructure to support its ambitions of becoming a leading regional centre for ocean tourism.
