PIMEX: Phuket International Marine Expo 2008

PIMEX 2008 reports good sales despite the Bangkok Airport closure

PIMEX 2008 Photo Gallery Is Now Online

The Phuket International Marine Expo, PIMEX 2008, ran from Dec 4th through to Dec 7th after an eventful week leading up to the opening. It took place at the new Royal Phuket Marina Exhibition and Conference Centre.

Despite problems of traveling in and out of Bangkok over the preceding week Phuket enjoys a large number of direct flights from many destinations and Show Director Andy Dowden praised the exhibitors who used their ingenuity to get to the show and set up in time for the opening.

There was a record number of 46 yachts displayed in the water and another 9 on the boardwalk and inside the Hall. There were 88 exhibiting companies.

Click here for images.

Dreams Realised

Boats with Buyers in Phang Nga

During a visit to PIMEX 2007 Mr Karl Buhlmann, a well known tycoon from Germany, ordered four new vessels to be delivered to Phuket where he has decided to spend more quality time.

He is pictured below aboard his Aldhaen 36, purchased from Max Marine Asia and in the background the recently arrived Ferretti 88 purchased from Lee Marine International. With him are his mother and Gulu Lalvani, owner of the Royal Phuket Marina where the boats are docked. A Pershing 72 and a Wally are on the way.

A happy result from the last PIMEX for customers and exhibitors alike.

Visitor numbers were however lower than the previous two years reflecting the travel situation as many usually travel from Bangkok and other regional cities. Trade visitor numbers held up and confirmed the determination to get to the show
Despite this, during the show and in post show canvassing the exhibitors were delighted and many reported healthy sales.
The organizers also discussed timing of the show and the dates for the next show are currently under review and may move into January 2010.