Thailand looks to promote ASEAN yacht-based tourism

[webfact]

Thailand looks to promote ASEAN yacht-based tourism

 

 

SINGAPORE, 20 January 2017 (NNT) – The Ministry of Tourism and Sports (MOTS) has proposed the promotion of yacht-based tourism in the ASEAN region during an ASEAN Tourism Forum. 

MOTS Permanent-Secretary Pongpanu Svetarundra, who attended ATF 2017 at Singapore on 16-20 January 2017, said Thailand proposed the promotion of the yacht-based tourism within the ASEAN region in addition to cruise packages as well as the inclusive, sustainable infrastructural development to accommodate all types of people under the so-called Tourism for All concept. 

Thailand also proposed the cooperation in investment sector between public and and private sectors in ASEAN with the help from international organizations while affirming the country’s readiness to co-host events under guidelines of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC).

 

-- nnt 2017-01-20

[HiSoLowSoNoSo]

Many yachts are now avoiding Thailand:

 

WARNING! Announcement by Phuket Marine Department today. Foreign vessels NOT equipped with AIS will NOT be permitted to enter or depart Thailand waters, starting 19 Oct 2015.

 

Posted on behalf of anonymous:
I am not coming to Phuket because they impose the AIS to foreigns vessels only. I don't believe that is for security. I have a radar, GPS, vhf, BLU, automatic pilot, windvane, Iridium.
It's more than enough, no!!! I planned to buy my visa in Penang - but now it's over. I am not the only one who cancelled my trip. My family comes from Brazil, an it is cheaper for them to extend the journey to Kl.
The impact is important, for sure. I am sorry for the people working for the sailing industry in Phuket.

[WatUp]

3 minutes ago, HiSoLowSoNoSo said:

Many yachts are now avoiding Thailand:

 

WARNING! Announcement by Phuket Marine Department today. Foreign vessels NOT equipped with AIS will NOT be permitted to enter or depart Thailand waters, starting 19 Oct 2015.

 

Posted on behalf of anonymous:
I am not coming to Phuket because they impose the AIS to foreigns vessels only. I don't believe that is for security. I have a radar, GPS, vhf, BLU, automatic pilot, windvane, Iridium.
It's more than enough, no!!! I planned to buy my visa in Penang - but now it's over. I am not the only one who cancelled my trip. My family comes from Brazil, an it is cheaper for them to extend the journey to Kl.
The impact is important, for sure. I am sorry for the people working for the sailing industry in Phuket.

You should have AIS regardless.

[HiSoLowSoNoSo]

3 minutes ago, WatUp said:

You should have AIS regardless.

Skippered boats since I was young and never needed any AIS.

[Bullie]

If you wish to promote yacht-based tourism, it all starts with investing in the proper infrastructure. That means proper yachtbasins at acceptable distances, with all the necessary amenities such as water, diesel, showers, wifi, a harbourmaster, proper security, a restaurant etc.etc. Also, and this is even more important there has to be in place a proper Search and Rescue organization in case of emergencies, and of, radar coverage and most important a continuous monitoring of the appropriate VHF frequencies.

Stating that foreign yacht have to make do with AIS, which is only valid in Thailand is preposterous.

Maybe when Thailand has all this in place, we can start thinking about developing this type of tourism.

Up until then it will just be another dangerous third world country for yachties.

[WatUp]

23 minutes ago, HiSoLowSoNoSo said:

Skippered boats since I was young and never needed any AIS.

Anyone who has more than 5 years offshore experience has also gotten by without AIS as it's just becoming more widespread in that time. If you own a boat and like to travel with it you're going to need one sooner rather than later. Might as well just get it. I'm sure you will end up loving it especially when going through busy shipping lanes at night in the fog.

Of course you don't solely rely on it but it's a great tool to have at your disposal.

[HiSoLowSoNoSo]

27 minutes ago, WatUp said:

Anyone who has more than 5 years offshore experience has also gotten by without AIS as it's just becoming more widespread in that time. If you own a boat and like to travel with it you're going to need one sooner rather than later. Might as well just get it. I'm sure you will end up loving it especially when going through busy shipping lanes at night in the fog.

Of course you don't solely rely on it but it's a great tool to have at your disposal.

Of course AIS is a great tool for sailing trough for example the main straits in Singapore at night, but the dangers with navigating Thai waters are all the 1000s of Thai fishing boats (with no AIS installed), many with no lights on at night and all the crazy Thai speed boats with absolute no knowledge of the rules. AIS will not make it safer to navigate here.

[Brer Fox]

5 hours ago, webfact said:

infrastructural development to accommodate all types of people under the so-called Tourism for All concept. 

Except Chinese zero dollar tourists.

[Alan Deer]

Whoever made this silly announcement obviously has no idea of how ridiculous it is when you consider the amount of needless bureaucracy put in the way of recreational sailors/yachtsmen who wish to sail a foreign boat into Thai waters - not only do they have endless petty national regulations but local ports - or just inlets have all sorts of demands they want to impose as well.......why do they think there are so few boats in Thailand?.........

[Sphere]

Meanwhile, in the hub of yacht-based tourism......

 

 

[Alan Deer]

I tgink it is safe to assume that  Thai military officials have little or know knowledge of the benefits of AIS for yachtsmen....it is information and all military governments crave information...the idea being gather it first...as much as you can...and then think about what you are going to do with it.

The result is yet another dictum that will fade into oblivion.....remember its not even original..Thaksin promoted this co dept when he was in charge....bit like Animal Farm here?