Recently, we blogged about the Thai government’s efforts to lift the restrictions that kept superyacht charter vessels away from Thailand. Now that the door has been opened for foreign-flagged yachts. In addition, American charterers and tourists are welcome. Here are some cultural taboos that could save you from being branded an “Ugly American.”
BUDDHIST RULES
Keep in mind almost 95% of the Thai population is Buddhist. As in much of southeast Asia, there are cultural taboos that non-Buddhists would not know, some of which are considered religiously offensive.
DO NOT DO THIS
Three things NOT to do on your yacht charter Thailand:
Avoid touching or passing any object over the top of anyone’s head, as a person’s head is viewed as the most sacred body part. Related to this – Do not touch anyone’s head.
Don’t point your foot at any person, and don’t use your foot to move anything, as the foot is viewed as the lowliest body part. Remember to never put your feet up on a table or any furniture. [I thought my mother-in-law was Italian, but now I’m thinking she was Thai, as she always scolded her son for putting his feet on the coffee table while watching TV!!!]
Try never to point, especially with your index finger, as it is considered extremely rude. [Think of President Bill Clinton – he always used his thumb to point, never his index finger. Funny, he doesn’t strike me as a Buddhist!]
ALWAYS DO THIS!
Always use your right hand to pass or receive an object. [Sorry left-handed charterers.]
In conclusion, one of the great joys of a yachting vacation is The Superyacht Experience™. It is the chance to embrace diversity, participate in unique cultural events, and rejuvenate mind, body, and spirit. By avoiding these taboos, think how much more enjoyable your Phuket yacht charter vacation will be. You won’t offend the wonderful people of Thailand, and your mother won’t scold you for putting your feet up on the yacht’s furniture!
HOW TO CHARTER A YACHT IN THAILAND
For more information on chartering a yacht in Thailand, contact us today. The team at 1-800 Yacht Charters +1.800.922.4824 / toll-free in North America or +1.305.253.7245 stands by to educate and assist you. Feel free to use our convenient online contact form, if you’d rather. #knowbeforeyougo #yachtcharter
For your next vacation, why not book a bareboat charter in Phuket, Thailand on sailing yacht Amaia?
ABOUT THE CATAMARAN
She is a luxurious 47 foot sailing cat that offers variety in charter. For example, if you so desire, you can also have a crewed catamaran charter onboard, as well.
EXTERIOR DETAIL
Her abundantly-spacious exterior leads to a spacious cockpit which is perfect for enjoying a lazy lunch, relaxation, and some refreshing cocktails. Lots of options exist for your relaxation enjoyment, for instance, catch up on some reading or sunbathing on the front deck, or even listen to some music under the dazzling cockpit lights.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Amaia can comfortably accommodate up to ten yacht charter guests for a bareboat charter, or 8 up to guests for a crewed catamaran charter.
The restriction formerly applied to superyacht charter vessels in Thailand changes. It officially lifts. This opens the door to foreign-flagged yachts. Yachts can now charter in Thai waters.
ROYAL DECREE FROM THAI GOVERNMENT
In September, the Thai government issues a Royal Decree. In specific, yachts can apply for a Superyacht Charter License for Thailand. Only Thai-flagged yachts allowed to operate charters in the country’s territorial waters. Foreign megayachts also restricted from beginning and ending their trips in Thai waters. However, temporary entry was allowed.
According to Jana Sheeder, President of 1-800 Yacht Charters, the new license, in effect, has created a new destination for private yacht charter vacations. “We can now offer an exciting new cruising destination in Southeast Asia to our clients,” says Sheeder. “The decree will make it easier for charter yachts to relocate from the Med for the winter.”
THREE LICENSES GRANTED
Three licenses granted. This in Bangkok on the same day of the decree issuance. The first license issued was granted to 41m OCEAN EMERALD, one of three identical charter yachts (OCEAN SAPPHIRE and OCEAN PEARL the others) well known in the Mediterranean.
THAILAND YACHT SHOW
In related news, Thailand’s Prime Minister has announced the new Thailand Yacht Show will take place at the Ao Po Grande Marina in Phuket in February 2016. Located in Phang Nga Bay, the marina is undergoing major upgrades including berths for up to 200 yachts, a permanent breakwater, provisioning outlets (ideal for Thailand bareboat charter clients), and luxury condos overlooking the marina.
HOW TO RENT A YACHT CHARTER THAILAND?
For information on arranging a charter vacation in Thailand, email your request to us at info@1800yachtcharters.com, call us at 1-800-YACHTCHARTERS (1-800-922-4824), or use our convenient online form. We look forward to working with you.
A recent survey confirms increasing popularity of Thailand. Respondents favor Thailand as an emerging destination for yachting vacations.
THAILAND AS YACHT CHARTER DESTINATION
The Tourism Authority of Thailand has announced a survey. This is by MasterCard Worldwide. It names Thailand’s capital, Bangkok, as the third-most favorite global destination in 2012.
WHICH OTHER CITIES JOIN THE LIST?
According to the survey, Bangkok follows only London and Paris in the rankings and is expected to draw around 12.2 million visitors, who will spend about 19.2 million dollars this year. Thailand was 4th in the rankings of tourist spending in 2011, with the record of 14.4 billion dollars, after first, the UK, second, the USA, and third, France.
COMPANY PRESIDENT COMMENTS
Jana Sheeder, President of 1-800 Yacht Charters, states,
“We have definitely noticed a greater interest in Thailand as a charter destination, especially in our bareboatoperation. A Thailand luxury sailing charter is a superb option for those seeking adventure in an exotic, unique locale.”
Dreaming of a blissful getaway? Here are three breathtaking islands you’ll want to visit in your lifetime, preferably from the comfort of a your own private luxury chartered yacht.
1. James Bond Island (Ko Phi Phi Don), Thailand
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