First reported on www.thaiyachtingbusinessassociation.com

On the 19th of September 2022, Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Tourism and Sports presided over a press conference at the Pullman Bangkok King Power Hotel to announce the launch of the Port Macchanu Superyacht marina development project. Also in attendance were Mr. Khempol Ouitayakul, Secretary of the Minister of Tourism and Sports, Mr. Chote Trachu, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Mr. Aran Boonchai, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Tourism and Sports, Mr. Chaturon Phakdiwanich, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Tourism.

 The Port Macchanu project aims to develop a Superyacht marina facility to promote quality tourism and bring high quality and high spending tourists to Phuket and Thailand. This project is expected to bring economic prosperity to the region, extending the Thai tourism industry as well as driving the overall economy of the country and to enhance the tourism image of Thailand in accordance with the policies of the government and the Ministry of Tourism and Sports.

 Ditapong Thitadilok, executive director of the project and President of the TYBA said that Phuket has the potential to become a regional marine tourism hub.  With its geographical location on the world’s main navigation routes and surrounded by many marine attractions, Phuket also has the infrastructure to make attract Superyachts such as international airports, international standard hospitals, many high-end hotels, residences and restaurants, ship repair and maintenance centers. These are all incentives for Superyachts to come and travel in Thailand.

The location of the marina is on the northeast of the island.  There is a channel with a suitable depth surrounded by mountains and coastal areas on both sides so it is naturally protected and ideal as a mooring area.

 Port Macchanu will provide 40 berths for Superyachts up to 50 metres with onshore facilities such as crew lounge, gym and swimming pool, restaurant, shops and supermarket and a convention hall. The marina will be adjacent to Phuket Premier Boatyard, a full-service boatyard capable of handling yachts up to up to 80 ft and the upcoming PSY shipyard which will be able to service Superyachts up to 60 metres.