Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Prime Minister of Thailand officiating at today’s launch

The third edition of the Thailand International Boat Show was officially opened today by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.

Attended by dignitaries and distinguished guests from central and local government, including Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labour; Sorawong Thienthong, Minister of Tourism and Sports; Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor for Tourism Authority of Thailand; and Sophon Suwannarat, the Governor of Phuket, as well as industry stakeholders, including Ditapong Thitadilok, Executive Director of Port Macchanu; Thakoon Boonmak, Executive Vice Director of Port Macchanu, and Thai tourism leaders, the opening ceremony recognised the importance of the show as an economic driver for luxury tourism. It was noted as also being a platform to showcase Thailand’s soft power while supporting the sustainable growth of Thailand’s marine industry.

From left: Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labour; Thakoon Boonmak, Executive Vice Director of Port Macchanu; Ditapong Thitadilok, Executive Director of Port Macchanu, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra; David Hayes, CEO of Thailand International Boat Show organiser Jand Events; Sophon Suwannarat, Governor of Phuket; Sorawong Thienthong, Minister of Tourism and Sports

The show runs from January 9-12, 2025 at Phuket Yacht Haven Marina and organisers expect more than 6,000 visitors from around the world to attend the double-sized show to the previously-held edition, and view a record-breaking line-up of boats and onshore exhibitors this year.

Commenting on the importance of the show to Thailand’s marine tourism industry, David Hayes, CEO of Thailand International Boat Show organisers Jand Events said, “The Thailand International Boat Show showcases the best of the best in Thailand’s yachting and luxury lifestyle industries. Following a successful 2024, we have doubled the size of the show and welcome brands and businesses from all over the world to exhibit this year.

“We are expecting thousands of high-net-worth individuals from across Thailand and around Asia to visit the show and cement Phuket and Thailand as the leisure yachting hub of Asia.”

From dayboats to superyachts, there are 54 boats on display this year, complemented by marine gadgets and related services, charter agents, lifestyle products and luxury real estate.

Cessna and Beechcraft by Textron Aviation return as sponsors of the VIP Lounge which for the first time will be hosted on the Superyacht Lady Eileen II, and also for the first time the Exhibitors and Captain’s Lounge will be hosted on board the superyacht Free Bird.

In addition to the exhibitor displays, restaurants, pop-ups and many activities throughout Phuket Yacht Haven Marina will engage visitors of all ages, including Children’s Day activities on Saturday, January 11.

The Thailand Yachting Conference, which took place the day before the show, welcomed 150 delegates and expert speakers from across Asia-Pacific, and in tandem with the show creates a 360-degree B2B2C platform that connects industry stakeholders and showcases Thailand’s marine leisure industry to the world.

The third Thailand International Boat Show is taking place January 9-12 , 2025 at Phuket Yacht Haven Marina and is open daily from 1pm-8pm except on Sunday, January 12, when the show closes at 7pm. Admission is free. For more details, visit thailandinternationalboatshow.com.