Wind at yachties’ backs in Phuket as boom swings against boat-stay law

PHUKET: The law reducing the time limit of boat stays in Thailand to two months is on hold starting today, and the old law will be applied in the interim, Phuket Customs Chief Nanthita Sririkub confirmed to the Phuket Gazette.

As of today, yachts entering Thailand will be permitted to stay for up to six months.

“I received official notification from the Director General of Customs that while the Customs Department is reconsidering the new regulation, we can apply the old stay rules,” Ms Nanthita said.

One exception is the fine for overstaying. The old fine was 500 baht, but it is now 1,000 baht per day of overstay. The old overstay maximum was 5,000 baht; it is now 10,000 baht, Ms Nanthita said.

Extensions of stay may be requested for up to six months: the first four months by approval of the Phuket Customs chief, the final two months by approval of the Region 4 Customs office in Songkhla, which can be applied for using the E-Customs system.

The change to the two-month stay last December had the Phuket marine industry up in arms and brought cancellations of long-term berth bookings at local marinas (story here).

— Saran Mitrarat