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Entry & Exit
Visiting yachts should complete the necessary clearance procedures
as soon as possible after arriving in Thai waters. In Thailand,
it isn't necessary to fly the Q flag. Yachts can clear in at Phuket
or Krabi, however, remember that you have to clear out where you
cleared in.
 Skippers
must also report to the Harbour Master on arrival and departure
as part of port clearance. In Phuket a one-stop clearance office
has been set up at Ao Chalong
at the Phuket Fishing Lodge, which is initially planned to operate
part time. The main offices of Immigration and Customs are in
Phuket Town.
All skippers or crew arriving from another country by sea get
30-day stays, which can occasionally be extended under certain
circumstances. Visas are not required and will not be utilised
even if you have them. If any of the crew are not leaving Thailand
on the same boat, they must be signed in as passengers.
using a previously issued visa or by obtaining the appropriate
visitors entitlement (currently thirty days for most nationalities).
They then receive a white card which must be produced when they
leave the country by air, rail or road. If the skipper is leaving
temporarily, another crew member or agent must be nominated captain.
Provision can also be made
to leave a vessel unattended in the care of an authorized agent.
Immigration regulations vary, depending on what passport you
hold. Make sure you know your country's particular visa entitlements.
Skippers are responsible for all crew aboard their vessels, and
there have been some expensive and time-consuming oversights in
the past. So check all papers, especially out-of-date passports
and expired visas. Remember to be well organized. Have all relevant
ship's papers and crew documents prepared, and always carry a
couple of photocopies of each passport. They will be needed. Be
polite, patient and respectful, and you'll find business goes
more smoothly.
Immigration, Customs & Harbour Master
It is essential that all foreign flagged vessels, skippers and
all crew, check in with all the relevant Thai authorities as soon
as possible after entering Thai waters. The two main check-in
points for Thailand's westcoast are Phuket and Krabi. On the eastcoast
most visiting yachts have found that Samui, Pranburi and Pattaya
are the best places to check in, although there are facilities
at most major ports. Charges can vary from port to port for each
relevant department; Immigration, Customs and Harbour Master;
Vessels entering Phuket waters will be liable for an extra charge
by the local authorities, which is used for marine conservation
work. Fees vary depending on size of vessel and length of stay
and are paid when checking in at the One Stop facility at the
new Phuket Port Control Centre at Ao
Chalong.
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