Charter Licensing Rules (Updated & Legal)

What Foreign & Thai Superyacht Owners Must Know Before Operating Charters in Thai Waters

Thailand has become one of Asia’s most attractive charter destinations — and to support marine tourism, the Thai government now allows both Thai-flagged and foreign-flagged superyachts to obtain a legal Superyacht Charter License.
Below is the 2025 updated rule set, rewritten for clarity and compliance.

1. Who Can Apply for a Superyacht Charter License?

- Thai-flagged yachts (privately owned or company owned)
- Foreign-flagged yachts (through Temporary Importation)
To qualify, the vessel must be:A registered private yacht (not a commercial ship)30 meters and above (Marine Department requirement for “superyacht” classification)In good technical condition and insured

2. The Legal Path for Foreign-Flagged Yachts

Foreign-flagged vessels must enter Thailand under a Temporary Importation (TI) scheme.

Benefits:

• 0% import duty
• 0% VAT
• Stay up to 6 months, extendable depending on route & purpose
• Full eligibility to apply for charter license

Required Documents:

• Vessel registration certificate
• Port clearance from last port
• Crew list
• Hull & P&I insurance
• Owner/representative passport
• Thai maritime agent appointment

3. Charter License Requirements (2025 Update)

To operate charters legally, the owner (or marine agent) must submit:

• Application to the Marine Department
• Safety certificates compliant with flag-state and IMO standards
• STCW-certified crew list
• Minimum of one Thai crew member for Thai-flagged yachts
• Valid insurance covering commercial charter operations
• Technical inspection by a Marine Department surveyor

4. Operating Rules for Licensed Charter Yacht

Once approved, the yacht may:

• Operate charters within Thai waters
• Embark/disembark guests at approved ports
• Cruise to neighboring ASEAN waters (Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia)
• Employ foreign crew (following visa rules)

But must comply with:

• Daily charter reporting (departure/arrival forms)
• Passenger and crew manifests
• Tax reporting on Thai-derived income
• Safety standards & flag-state regulations

Failure to submit reports can lead to suspension of the license.

5. Taxation Rules for Superyacht Charter Income (2025)

Thai-Flagged Yachts

• Charter revenue is subject to Thai corporate tax if operated through a Thai company
• Subject to VAT on charter fees (if company meets VAT threshold)

Foreign-Flagged Yachts

• Income from charters conducted inside Thailand is taxable in Thailand
• No tax on foreign income generated outside Thailand
• VAT applies only on Thailand-based charter revenue

Thailand continues to operate a territorial tax system, which is highly favorable for owners with offshore revenue streams.

6. Geographic Restrictions (2025)

Geographic Restrictions (2025)

• Phuket
• Krabi
• Phang Nga
• Similan & Surin Islands
• Gulf of Thailand (Samui, Phangan, Chang)
• Pattaya Coast
• Tarutao & Lipe

Certain zones require:

• Marine park entry permits
• Seasonal safety compliance
• Waste management declaration

No-go zones include military areas and protected ecological reserves unless special permission is granted.

7.  License Validity & Renewal

A Thailand Superyacht Charter License is typically valid for:

• 1 year for Thai-flagged vessels
• Up to 6 months for foreign-flagged vessels (matching TI period)

Renewal requires proof of:

• Continued seaworthiness
• Updated insurance
• Compliance with reporting
• Tax declarations

8. Crew Work Permits & Immigration Rules (2025)

Foreign crew:

• May work on foreign-flagged yachts without a Thai work permit if they remain on board
• Must follow immigration reporting when docking
• Must hold maritime certificates (STCW)

Thai crew:

• Mandatory for Thai-flagged vessels
• Not required for foreign-flagged yachts

9. Charter Types Allowed

Licensed superyachts may legally conduct:

• Day charters
• Multi-day private charters
• Event charters (weddings, corporate events)
• Liveaboard itineraries

BUT Thailand does not allow:

• Bareboat charters
• Commercial passenger vessels under a superyacht license
• Party boats exceeding safety capacity

10. Penalties for Operating Without a License

The Marine Department enforces strict penalties:

• Up to THB 500,000 fine for illegal chartering
• Vessel detention at port
• License suspension (if previously granted)
• Denial of future TI or marine permits

Why Thailand’s 2025 Charter Rules Are Attractive

Thailand is now considered the most superyacht-friendly regime in Asia because it offers: A clear path to legal charter operations, Duty-free entry under TI, Territorial tax advantages, A robust network of deep-water marinas,
A booming luxury tourism market.
‍
This combination makes Thailand a highly strategic home port for superyacht owners looking to operate charters or base their vessel long-term.

Thai Investment Visa
📍 Address: Bangkok, Thailand
📞 Phone: +66 2407 1499
📧 Email: hello@thaiinvestmentvisa.com
🌐 Website: https://thaiinvestmentvisa.com