Who Are we and what do we do?
A group of companies (with both Thai and Foreign management) involved in all aspects of the marine industry ranging from tour operators to builders to publishing and events in the marine field. After some years acting as an informal group involved in dialogue with Government, with some notable success including the zero tax rating on boat imports and clarification of operating laws for the leisure industry, it had become apparent that formal status was required. In order to continue to properly represent the views of members and lobby Government with the input of the private sector the TMBA has been formerly set up as a legal Thai Association.

Where does it operate?
The association is nationwide and already has members form Bangkok, Phuket and the eastern seaboard. When sufficient membership is achieved regional meetings will be held in these locations.

What are the aims?
1. To promote Marine Leisure Industry
2. To represent the various branches of the Marine Leisure Industry in Thailand
3. To promote the development of skills within all branches of the industry
4. To promote safe practices within the industry
5. To promote environmental awareness, and environmentally friendly practices, in particular in relation to coastal areas and. To promote environmental awareness, and environmentally friendly practices, in particular in relation to coastal areas and their use by the industry
6. To promote a positive image of Thailand as a world-class marine tourism destination


Hereby are some of the achievements that we are proud to have contributed to:

	DEFINITION OF YACHTING AND OPERATING PERMISSIONS.
	•	Define in The Thai Vessel Act of the concept of ‘Pleasure Boat’ (ie non transport/fishing/sport etc).
	•	Define ‘Small Sailing Vessel’ (Sailing Yacht).
	•	Define ‘Pleasure Boat’ for commercial use (ie charter activity).
	REGULATIONS RELATING TO ‘SMALL SAILING VESSEL’
	•	Abolition of requirement for Thai captain and engineer on boats defined above,
	•	Particular emphasis on ‘bareboat charter’ (similar to self-drive car)
	MARKETING CAMPAIGN
	•	In collaboration with Tourism Authority of Thailand contributed to the edition of a Thailand Yachting in Paradise brochure
	•	Attended to Boat shows in France and Singapore