The Thailand International Boat Show 2026 (TIBS) officially opened at Phuket Yacht Haven Marina, running until Jan 18, bringing together international yacht operators, marine technology firms, investors and tourism stakeholders from Europe, the Americas and Asia.
The opening ceremony was presided over by Natthariya Thaweewong, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, together with Phuket Governor Nirat Pongsitthaworn. Also attending were Manat Anawat, President of Thailand Privilege Card Co Ltd and David Hayes, CEO of JAND Events, the organiser of the Thailand International Boat Show.
Officials said the event reflects Phuket’s growing role in Thailand’s strategy to shift tourism from volume-driven arrivals to higher-value, long-stay and premium travel segments.
TIBS 2026 is being held in collaboration with the private sector, particularly Thailand Privilege Card Co Ltd, which operates the ‘Thailand Privilege’ membership card programme under the supervision of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). The programme targets long-stay visitors, high-net-worth tourists and international investors through visa privileges and premium services.
Organisers said Thailand Privilege Card’s participation in TIBS forms part of a broader strategy to elevate Thailand’s tourism offering, promote long-stay visas and support luxury lifestyles, in line with Phuket’s development as a global marine and high-end tourism destination in Asia.
Phuket was identified as a key province in the Thailand Privilege Card programme, with one of the highest membership numbers nationwide and continued growth. Officials noted that this reflects confidence among international residents and visitors in Phuket’s quality of life, infrastructure and investment potential.
The continued hosting of the Thailand International Boat Show in Phuket was also highlighted as a key driver of the marine tourism economy, providing an international platform for business networking, technology exchange and investment opportunities across the yachting and marine sectors.
Authorities said cooperation between government agencies, international event organisers and private-sector partners would help further strengthen Phuket’s competitiveness, increase spending by high-end tourists, create employment and generate long-term economic benefits.
Meanwhile, a second major marine event, the Thailand Boat Festival 2026, also opened yesterday at Phuket Boat Lagoon Marina, further underlining Phuket’s prominence in the regional yachting industry.
The opening ceremony was presided over by Kanit Yongskul, founder of Phuket Boat Lagoon Co Ltd. The event is organised by M Vision Plc and also runs from Jan 15-18.
Also in attendance were Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation President Rewat Areerob, TAT Phuket Office Director Siriwan Seeharach, TAT Director of Tourism Product Development Erblap Sripiraom, TAT Southern Region Director Vajanan Silpavoravivat, and other senior tourism officials, alongside representatives from Thai and international private-sector companies.
Mr Kanit said the Thailand Boat Festival aims to strengthen Thailand’s image as a yacht tourism and marine industry hub in Southeast Asia, with Phuket playing a central role due to its world-class marinas, established marine tourism routes and readiness to welcome high-quality tourists and investors.
The festival features yacht displays both on land and in the water from leading global brands, as well as marine equipment, water sports technology, tourism activities and premium lifestyle products targeting domestic and international markets.
In addition to exhibitions, the event includes business and lifestyle networking activities, a gala evening and a special fashion show by JASPAL, designed to reflect contemporary fashion within a global marine lifestyle context.
As part of knowledge and policy development, TAT has organised seminars at the event focusing on the future of marine tourism. A seminar titled ‘Unlocking Thailand’s Potential as a Leading Marine Tourism Destination in Southeast Asia’ will be held today (Jan 16) at 3:30pm, followed by ‘IMT-GT as a Dream Destination for a Quality Yacht Experience’ tomorrow (Jan 17) at 3:30pm, both at the White House Conference Room, Zone A.
Organisers said the Thailand Boat Festival is intended to stimulate Phuket’s economy through quality tourism while reinforcing the province’s role as a gateway to world-class marine travel.
Together, the two events are expected to attract thousands of visitors over four days, highlighting Phuket’s ambition to integrate innovation, lifestyle and international business opportunities as it positions itself as a leading marine tourism destination in the region.