At 6:30am on Saturday (Dec 6), Their Majesties arrived by royal aircraft at Phuket International Airport, where they were welcomed by Phuket Governor Nirat Phongsitthaworn, senior military and police commanders, judiciary representatives and provincial officials.
From the airport, the royal party travelled to Kata for the international sailing competition held for the Royal Trophy.
Her Majesty the Queen took part in the regatta on board ‘Vayu’ in the IRC Zero racing class, competing under sail number THA72.
Their Majesties arrived at the Beyond Kata Hotel, where they were welcomed by provincial officials, representatives of the Royal Thai Navy, the Yacht Racing Association of Thailand under Royal Patronage, the organising committee and athletes. Along the route, large numbers of Phuket residents and tourists gathered to greet the royal procession.
His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen proceeded to Kata Beach, where they boarded a royal barge and transferred to Vayu waiting offshore. His Majesty observed preparations on board before returning to shore, while Her Majesty continued to participate in the competition.
Her Majesty competed in the final race of the regatta, serving as navigator. The Vayu team’s performance saw them win Race 8, finishing second overall in the IRC Zero series.
The 2025 regatta drew strong international participation, with around 120 boats and more than 365 sailors from countries including Australia, Japan, Sweden, Belgium, China, Germany, Singapore, Malaysia and France.
That afternoon, Their Majesties granted an audience at Kanda Hall, where the President of the Yacht Racing Association of Thailand under Royal Patronage and senior Royal Thai Navy officers presented reports on the event. His Majesty then presented trophies to winners in various classes, while sponsors received commemorative plaques.
The Phuket King’s Cup Regatta, first held in 1987 to mark the 60th birthday of King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great, is organised by the Royal Varuna Yacht Club under Royal Patronage, the Royal Thai Navy, the Yacht Racing Association of Thailand under Royal Patronage and Phuket Province. The annual event is recognised as one of Asia’s leading international sailing competitions.
At 5pm, Their Majesties departed Phuket International Airport by royal aircraft, returning to Bangkok. Provincial officials, military commanders and airport authorities were present to see off the royal party, while large crowds of well-wishers gathered at key locations around Phuket, including Kata, Thalang and near the airport, to bid farewell.