- CURRENT NEWS / Asia
- 14 January 2021
IN EARLY DECEMBER 2020, Phuket welcomed its first foreign-flagged yacht under the Special Tourist Visa (STV) program which was rolled out as part of the country’s response to safe travel in the COVID-19 era. The program initially did not apply to yachts, however, co-owner of Asia Pacific Superyacht (APS) support agency, Jojo, lobbied the Thai Government successfully arguing superyacht could apply under the scheme.
Under the program, yachts can enter Thailand to designated locations then complete their 14-day quarantine onboard. At the end of which they will be tested and if negative will be granted STVs and the right to move into a marina of their preference or to cruise around Thailand. The first yacht has successfully entered, completed quarantine and is now free to berth in a marina of their choice or to cruise around Thailand.
“On 15 September the Thai Government cabinet agreed to allow in foreign tourists who agree to a 14-day quarantine to stay for at least 90 days. APS can organise the visa needs [of foreign-flagged superyachts] and once visas are issued the yacht can stay for six (6) months and receive a six (6) month extension”, noted Gordon Fernandes, co-owner of APS, stating the conditions as follows:
- Yachts need to apply to the government before arrival for permission and use a government-approved agent.
- Yachts need to spend 14 days at an approved anchor quarantine anchorage and have regular COVID tests
- Crew/passengers cannot go ashore during the quarantine period
- After the quarantine period the yacht will be allowed to cruise/ berth as normal
- Crew will be allowed to fly out.
Monitored by the Thai Navy, there are two designated quarantine points in Thailand: The Ocean Marine Yacht Club in Chonburi and a mooring area at Ao Por in Pa Khlok, Phuket. The coordinates for the Phuket mooring are 8.068847 98.442681.
Prior to the pandemic, Phuket welcomed up to 1500 cruising boats and yachts each year; the scheme hopes to redress the downturn in visitations.
Phuket and Thailand’s economies are heavily reliant on tourism and the scheme hopes to welcome tourists and now, superyachts, back to the country as part of their post-COVID economic stimulus.
According to the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration spokesperson Taweesilp Visanuyothin, “There are around 60 yachts waiting to dock in Thailand, which includes 27 superyachts.”
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