Basic details of applying for permits for foreign boats were revealed, such as that the yacht must be more than 30 metres in length, be carrying no more than 12 persons and must be fully insured.
“The application for the permit must be submitted by a natural or juristic Thai person,” Mr Chula said, adding that permit application fee will be levied at a rate of B40 per gross tonne of the yacht.
Mr Chula added that the application must be supported by an official letter of endorsement from an embassy or government agency, though exactly which authorities in the yacht’s country of registration and which embassies could provide the letter was not made clear.
Questions about crew visas and taxes on revenues earned through charters remained unanswered.
“This is a complex issue involving many laws and regulations, and I have to discuss this in depth with officials from other departments,” Mr Chula told The Phuket News.
“It is possible that we may be able to grant special conditions regarding tax and immigration.”