PHUKET: Asia’s top boat show, the Phuket International Boat Show (Pimex), opened this morning (January 8) at Royal Phuket Marina (RPM).
Officiating at the ribbon-cutting were Phuket Governor Nisit Jansomwong, marine owner Gulu Lalvani, Thailand Elite President Apisit Chuenchompoo and show organiser Andy Dowden.
Pimex has become Phuket’s largest annual showcase of boating and lifestyle, with the largest in-water consumer boat show in Asia – 50 boats on display this year.
Now in its 12th year, Pimex has established itself as a key event in the regional marine and lifestyle event calendar, as well as attracting a traditional core of visitors from Hong Kong, Singapore and Europe. Over recent years, Pimex has seen growth in visitors from Russia, China and Thai nationals.
A strategic partnership with Thailand Elite, the world’s first country membership programme, this year, will showcase Phuket’s and Thailand’s yachting lifestyle to Thailand Elite members and provide a marketing and networking platform showcasing Thailand Elite to the growing number of very wealthy people who have holiday homes in Phuket and will be visiting the show.
Eighty exhibitors are showcasing more than 120 brands at this year’s Pimex. Here’s a run down of what visitors can see.
Boats: This year’s in-water line-up is one of the best ever with everything from small day boats up to superyachts, including 11 boats over 20 metres and a good mix of power and sail on offer.
Cars: Visitors can view top auto brands including, for the first time, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, who will exhibit the iconic Phantom and Wraith models in the Exhibition Hall and in Town Square.
For the sporting motorist, Aston Martin will be exhibiting. Aston Martin has been the featured car of choice for James Bond 007 since 1964 and has appeared in nine films to date, and visitors can view the latest models following in the footsteps of the legendary DB5. Joining them are BMW and Mini.
Property: Displaying in the Exhibition Hall are Chic Condo, Karon Hills, Krabi Boat Lagoon, Property Plus, Royal Phuket Marina and The Archi Studio.
For the second year, Pimex has teamed up with organisers of the Smart Property Expo series who will be adding an international flavour to the property offerings at the show.
Marine services and accessories: No boat show is complete without the bits and bobs: yacht supplies, brokers, marine services, toys and all the accessories. Plenty of these will be on show this year.
Activities and entertainment: If you’re heading to Pimex this year, make a day of it. The line-up of activities and entertainment is impressive and both in the Hall and on the boardwalk there will be an array of dining and drinking options for everyone.
In the Hall there are offerings from Two Tales Craft Beer, Bliss Beach Club, BB&B lounge and the Andaman Wine Club.
Family Fun: There’s plenty on offer for all the family. As well as the huge choice of dining and drinking options around the show, on Saturday (January 10) and Sunday RPM is organising a film club for children five years and over, and during the weekend visitors should keep an eye out for the clowns and entertainment along the boardwalk.
Special offers: Uber Thailand is offering special taxi discounts for visitors, as are Sixt Rent a Car, and there will be a daily draw for dining vouchers at restaurants around Phuket.
Opening times: Pimex is open until Sunday (January 11), from midday to 8pm daily. Entry is free to all.
Class Act Media is delighted to be a media sponsor for the show.