Round Up of the Thailand Yacht Show 2016

By Rebecca Bradbury 20 December 2016

The Thailand Yacht Show 2016 closed its doors on Sunday night after four fantastic days of impressive superyacht presentations, glamorous parties, glitzy fashion shows and exciting showcases of the very latest water toys.

Run in partnership with the Thai government, the second edition of the Thailand Yacht Show certainly surpassed the success of its inaugural event, with 60 exhibitors and 55 vessels, including 18 superyachts, taking part in the busy four-day programme.

As well as the sparkling display of luxury yachts lined up along the pontoons of Ao Po Grand Marina, a Demo Platform by Java Yachting offered live demonstrations of dinghy sailing, stand-up paddle boarding, dragon boating and kayaking, and visitors were even encouraged to have a go themselves.

On land, the Exhibition Pavilion featured luxury lifestyle companies, the finest in Phuket property, boat manufacturers and, of course, a wide range of yachting products, with many exhibitors attesting to the quality of show visitors.

media interviews following the opening of the Thailand Yacht Show 2016

jazz band performs in the aisles at the Thailand Yacht Show 2016

meetings take place in the pavilion at the Thailand Yacht Show 2016

visitors queue to enter the Thailand Yacht Show 2016

There was also an electric social scene, bookended by an opening party and closing extravaganza aboard luxury yacht HYPE, and pop-up bars and hospitality suites along the pontoons ensured the festive atmosphere was kept in full swing.

The biggest yacht in show, the 90m/295ft superyacht ‘Lauren L’, threw a spectacular party on Friday night, impressing her VIP guest list with her incredible array of amenities, five-star service and hospitality, and huge entertainment areas.

Other celebrations took place aboard the eye-catching 41m/134ft superyacht ‘Ocean Emerald', which also hosted a glittering fashion show, and the 50m/167ft expedition yacht ‘Northern Sun’ likewise threw a sophisticated evening of entertainment and festivities.

Other celebrations took place aboard the eye-catching superyacht ‘Ocean Emerald', which hosted a glittering fashion show

models line up on swim platform of superyacht Ocean Emerald for a glitzy fashion show at the Thailand Yacht Show 2016

model catwalks on motor yacht Thailand Yacht Show at the Thailand Yacht Show 2016

show attendees socialize at the Thailand Yacht Show 2016's closing party aboard luxury yacht HYPE

At the opening ceremony on 15^th December, managing director of the show, Andy Treadwell, said: “Our aim is to position Thailand as the natural destination capital for yachting in Asia, as well as the preferred winter destination for the global superyacht fleet.”

Thailand’s Minister of Tourism & Sport Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, Deputy Minister of Transport Omsin Chivapruk, Chairman of the Tourism Authority of Thailand Kalin Sarasin, and the Guest of honour Deputy Prime Minister General Thanasak Patimaprakorn also took to the podium to offer heart felt speeches.

Each confirmed their delight with progress being made by the show team, and reaffirmed their government’s commitment to boosting marine tourism and simplifying and streamlining regulations.

Dates have now been confirmed for the third Thailand Yacht Show, which will take place from 14^th to 17^th December 2017.