2022 Thailand Charter Week Wrap Up
Kicking off the Thailand charter season, the Northrop & Johnson team was delighted to attend the second edition of Thailand Charter Week, organized by the Thai Yachting Business Association. Held at Phuket Yacht Haven marina on Thailand’s southwestern coast, the event is Asia’s premier yacht charter event, providing a platform for brokers, charter yachts, yachting professionals and related industries to network in a stunning location.
The show opened on November 16th to sunny skies, which provided a perfect background to showcase traditional Thai dances and music. Northrop & Johnson was pleased to represent three of the largest yachts in the show: 128’ (39m) Bilgin INDIANA; 111’ (34m) Moonen XANADU available for sale and charter; and the 97’ (30m) MIA KAI.
“The show was well received by all,” said Lies Sol, Northrop & Johnson Southeast Asia’s Charter Manager. “We were pleased the Thai Government showed such strong support for the event, not only by their sponsorship but especially by the large delegation of senior officials attending the show and joining the afternoon cruise. The engagement of such high-ranking officials is unprecedented and shows the Thai Government is committed to supporting the development of Phuket as a luxury yachting destination.”
Yacht crews were pleased with the turn-out, particularly the crew of XANADU, who hosted several VIP guests on an afternoon cruise, including Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Thailand’s Minister of Tourism and Sports, Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Deputy Governor for Domestic Marketing, Tourism Authority of Thailand and Mr. Narong Woonsiew, the Governor of Phuket.
“We were quite busy showing visitors around the yacht,” said Captain Mark. “It was an honor to have the minister and other VIP guests on board for a cruise.”
Highlights of the show included several industry presentations, including a workshop by Captain Chris Green of MIA KAI, who sketched out itineraries around Phuket and the Gulf of Thailand. Discussions about Thailand’s future as a charter and yachting destination, and charter rules and regulations were had with the Tourism Authority of Thailand and the Thai Revenue Department.
On the final day of the show, a fam trip onboard MIA KAI took guests to nearby Koh Phang Nga to get to know the yacht, her crew, her food as well as the famous island. Thailand has some of the world’s most gorgeous coastlines; several international brokers and visitors expressed interest in N&J’s fleet during the event, indicating Thailand’s strong potential as a destination for overseas clients.
Thirawat Kaeokaemchan, Marketing Manager of Northrop & Johnson Southeast Asia concluded, “The TCW is the only charter show in Asia and a B2B non-profit event, which proves to be a successful formula. We look forward to participating in Thailand Charter Week 2023. Let the season begin!”
