As released by the Phuket Gazette newspaper last week, the final regulations and requirements of Thailand’s foreign-flagged superyacht charter licence, also featured on CharterWorld on May 14, were announced during a public meeting. This took place on June 19, 2015 in the fabulous Phuket yacht holiday destination.
Thailand – Image credit to Tourism Authority of Thailand
The charter licenses will be available for superyachts measuring over 30m in LOA that accommodate a maximum of 12 guests, and have a full hull as well as third-party liability insurance. To be issued by the Ministry of Transport, they will take approximately 30 days to be processed.
The new 12-month charter permit, allowing foreign-flagged superyachts to charter in Thailand, is expected to be signed off by the Ministry of Transport next month, as confirmed by Marine Department Director-General Chula Sukmanop.
Stephen Crone, director of AYC Superyacht Recruitment, comments: “The meeting is a step in the right direction. However, consideration is still required for the professional crew onboard, and their visa status within Thailand. If the crew are issued a 30-day tourist visa upon arrival, then this theoretically restricts the stay of the yacht and its crew to just 30 days. Countries with similar legislation have introduced a ‘crew visa’ class, permitting a stay equal to the yacht’s cruising visa. This enables the crew to safely operate and maintain the vessel for the duration of its stay.”
Mr Chula stated that visa, tax, as well as custom issues are expected to be addressed, following the superyacht charter licence request being approved.
