Thailand Yacht Show kicks off in Phuket

PHUKET, THAILAND, February 12 (TNA) - Thailand Yacht Show 2016, the first of its kind in the country, has been kicked off in globally-renowned southern resort Phuket Province to show off the island province’s potential to be a center of Southeast Asian marinas A delegation of Thai authorities, including Deputy Prime Minister General Tanasak Patimapragorn, Transport Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith, Tourism and Sports Minister Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul and representatives of the state-run Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), opened the show on February 11, highlighted by about 50 participating world-class yachts. About 2,000 yacht owners, operators, dock operators and investors take part in the "Thailand Yacht Show 2016", organized at Ao Por Grand Marina in Phuket's Thalang District until February 14. Deputy Premier General Tanasak said Thailand is an attractive destination of marine tourists, thanks to local natural resources and beautiful marine destinations, especially those on its coastline facing the Andaman Sea. According to the deputy prime minister, yachts have become highly popular and Phuket has welcomed a large number of yachts; so, the Thai government plans to promote the country to be a hub of yacht-related services, including yacht building and maintenance, clubhouses and hotels. The transport minister pointed out that the popularity of luxury boats in Southeast Asia has been limited due to the lack of legal charter contracts and legal amendments are underway to regulate services and businesses relating to luxury boats, while immigration checkpoints will be developed to welcome international visitors on luxury boats. (TNA)