Thailand International Boat Show (TIBS) 2026

Thailand International Boat Show (TIBS) 2026 returns to Phuket with on‑water displays, luxury tenders, day boats, blue‑water yachts, and a packed marine‑lifestyle expo that connects serious buyers with regional brokers, yards, and tech innovators. Hosted at Royal Phuket Marina, the show blends sea trials on Phang Nga Bay with dockside premieres, equipment halls, luxury property, and curated F&B—turning January on the Andaman coast into a prime window for viewing, comparing, and closing. Expect the latest multihulls, adventure RIBs, outboard performance craft, premium charter product, and sustainability upgrades that matter in tropical waters, all within minutes of Phuket’s beaches and Old Town dining.

Dates, venue, and what’s on display

• Dates and hours: TIBS runs across four days in mid‑January, opening daily with afternoon sea breezes and evening marina ambience ideal for social events.
• Venue: Royal Phuket Marina, a purpose‑built hub with deep‑water berths, marina village halls for equipment, and easy road access to eastern Phuket and the airport.
• On‑water lineup: Sailing and power catamarans, flybridge and sportfish, fast center consoles, inflatables and RIBs, tenders and toys, plus brokerage listings positioned for immediate Andaman cruising.
• On‑land expo: Electronics and navigation, solar and energy systems, antifouling and coatings for warm waters, refit yards, tenders, water toys (foils, SUPs, kayaks), insurance, finance, charter and management, and destination stands.

Sea trial slots are limited and booked through exhibiting brokers; pencil your short list before arrival to secure water time.

Why TIBS matters for buyers and owners

• Regional reach: Thailand’s charter scene, Phuket’s refit capability, and Andaman cruising routes make TIBS the most efficient in‑region inspection event for Southeast Asia buyers.
• Timing: Dry season seas, clear light for inspections, and post‑holiday inventory mean stronger choice and test‑sail windows.
• Decision support: Side‑by‑side comparisons of hulls, propulsion, layouts, and tropical systems—shade, ventilation, water‑making, and energy upgrades—accelerate decisions.

New tech and sustainability to watch

• Energy and power: Lithium‑based house banks, hybrid gensets, high‑output alternators, and solar arrays sized for tropical anchor life.
• Cooling and comfort: Variable‑speed air‑con, reflective glazing, and bimini/rigid canopy systems that slash cabin heat load.
• Bottom systems: Warm‑water antifouls and foul‑release coatings calibrated for Andaman growth cycles.
• Toys with purpose: Efficient foiling boards, e‑propulsion tenders, and modular toys that stow in catamaran garages.

Ask for tropical configuration details: sun protection, water‑maker gph, shade geometry, ventilation routes, and service access to AC and genset—critical for Phuket‑based usage.

How to plan a productive show day

• 09:30–11:30: Halls first—electronics, power, and yard talks—while docks are quiet.
• 11:30–14:00: Targeted dock inspections; photograph bilges, electrical, and service routes.
• 14:30–16:00: Sea trial window; book ahead with brokers and arrive 10 minutes early.
• 16:00–18:30: Second looks, options/pricing discussions, and lifestyle stands.
• Evenings: Marina socials and builder events—good for candid Q&A with skippers and owners.

Bring a measured checklist for each boat type (cat vs mono; petrol vs diesel; outboard vs inboard) so notes are comparable later.

For first‑time yacht shoppers

• Charter first: Book a two‑to‑four‑day charter to validate layout, cabin headroom, and anchoring habits before an offer.
• Ownership models: Explore charter management vs private ownership; Phuket bases offer both, with usage blocks and revenue forecasts.
• Running costs: Request annuals for haul‑out, antifoul, insurance, dockage, crew (if applicable), and spare parts in Thailand.

Charter, lifestyle, and property at the marina

TIBS pairs boats with island living: marina‑adjacent property, resort partnerships, and F&B pop‑ups. Even if you are charter‑curious rather than purchase‑ready, you can meet operators, compare itineraries for Phang Nga Bay and the Similans, and lock prime weeks while availability is strongest.

Tickets, access, and show services

• Tickets: Day and multi‑day passes; children policies published with on‑sale; VIP upgrades often include lounge access and hosted drinks.
• Registration desks: At the main marina entrance; pre‑register online for QR scan entry.
• Wayfinding: Docks are labeled by brand/broker; grab the marina map and mark your short list.

Business cards and a digital contact card (QR) speed follow‑ups with brokers and suppliers.

Travel, hotels, and getting around

• Airport: Phuket International (HKT) with direct links across Asia and long‑haul connections via hubs.
• Transfers: 30–45 minutes by taxi from HKT to Royal Phuket Marina depending on traffic.
• Where to stay: East coast resorts (Ao Po, Cape Yamu) minimize road time; Patong/Karon/Kata add nightlife; Old Phuket Town offers heritage stays and excellent dining.
• Local transport: Metered taxis and ride‑hail work well; arrange a driver if you plan multiple sea trials.

Food, drink, and nearby breaks

• On‑site: Marina cafés and pop‑ups for coffee, Thai plates, and quick bites between appointments.
• Close by: Waterside restaurants around the marina and café options toward Koh Kaew and Boat Lagoon.
• Evenings: Head to Phuket Old Town (Thalang Road) for Sino‑Portuguese charm, markets, and dinner after the show.

Hydration matters in the sun—alternate water and coffee, and plan shade breaks.

Photography and documentation

• Respect private areas—ask crews before entering engine rooms and owner cabins.
• Shoot systems and labels: DC/AC panels, battery specs, seacocks, strainers, air‑con access, water‑maker plates.
• Save photos to labeled albums per boat to avoid confusion when comparing later.

Family‑friendly and accessibility tips

• Strollers are easier on shore; carriers work better on gangways.
• Life jackets for kids on sea trials; confirm age policies with brokers.
• Accessible viewing along main docks; ask staff for best routes and shaded seating.

Sample two‑day plan

Day 1: Electronics and yard stands early; inspect three cats and two monohulls; afternoon trial on a 40–45 ft cat; evening social at the marina.

Day 2: Power boat focus—center console, weekender, and flybridge; finance/insurance meetings; second sea trial; charter meeting to pencil dates.

Call to action

Block your January dates, pre‑register, and set appointments with your target brands and brokers. Build a short list, book at least one sea trial per day, and save time for the tech halls—energy, cooling, and coatings make or break tropical ownership. Finish each day with a dockside recap and be ready to move quickly on inventory that fits your brief.

Verified Information at a Glance

• Event: Thailand International Boat Show (TIBS) 2026
• Category: In‑water and on‑land boat show with yachts, marine tech, charter, lifestyle
• Dates: Four days in mid‑January 2026 (daily opening through evening marina hours)
• Venue: Royal Phuket Marina, Phuket (deep‑water berths, expo halls, dining)
• Exhibits: Sailing/power cats, monohulls, RIBs/tenders, brokerage listings; electronics, energy, coatings, refit, finance, insurance, charter
• Access: Online pre‑registration with QR; day and multi‑day tickets; VIP lounge options
• Sea trials: Limited slots booked via exhibiting brokers—arrive early and bring ID
• Travel: Phuket International Airport (HKT); 30–45 minutes to Royal Phuket Marina; taxis/ride‑hail available
• Practical: Sun protection, water, comfortable deck shoes, photo ID; respect crew instructions on docks