Southern Thailand Calendar: Upcoming Events You Won’t Want to Miss

Whether you live in Southern Thailand, or are planning a trip to Phuket, Koh Samui, or one of this region’s many other hotspots, keep these upcoming events in mind when booking your next stay. From music, to sports, to luxury yacht shows, there’s plenty going on in this part of the kingdom from September 2024 to January 2025.

SAMUI SUMMER JAZZ FESTIVAL
Now in its 5th year, the Samui Summer Jazz Festival is once again bringing together world- class international jazz artists, and the crème de la crème of Thailand’s local talent. Organised by Skål International Koh Samui, in collaboration with the Tourism Association of Thailand (TAT), the superb programme this year runs from September 13-15 and consists of dynamic performances at three of the island’s premier 5-star resorts. Leading the event will be the internationally renowned Dutch tenor sax supremo Alexander Beets, who is supported by a fantastic group of musicians and vocalists who will be performing a wide range of jazz music styles. On Friday, September 13, enjoy ‘Brazilian Vibes’ at the Six Senses Samui resort, featuring a vocalist, composer, and lyricist Fleurine Fleurine. Then, on Saturday, get set for ‘Blues & Soul’, with Baer Traa and Thailand’s own Koh Mr. Saxman, who will take the stage at SAL A Samui Chaweng Beach. Last but not least, on Sunday the Kimpton Kitalay Samui presents an incredible all-star ‘Swinging Jazz Classics’ grand finale brunch. All three performances offer choice of ticket packages: THB 2,500 for show and meal; THB 1,000 for show only.
samuisummerjazz.com

MARRIOTT BONVOY CHARITY GOLF DAY
Thailand’s biggest charity golf event – the Marriott Bonvoy Charity Golf Day – returns to the Blue Canyon Country Club (Lake Course) on October 18 to raise funds for two local children’s charities: Save the Children, and Operation Smile Thailand. Now in its 3rd edition, this fun-filled day of sport gets under way with a shotgun start, as players simultaneously tee off from different holes. Throughout the day, participants will enjoy fantastic food and drinks from ‘Marriott Bonvoy on Wheels’, as well as entertainment, competitions, and special surprises across all 18 holes. The competition concludes with an awards ceremony and charity gala dinner, including additional surprises and exclusive gifts. Tickets are priced at THB 4,800 per person.
golfgenius.com/ggid/mbth2024

PHUKET KING’S CUP REGATTA
The King’s Cup Regatta is one of Phuket’s most highly regarded – and highly anticipated – international sailing events. Held annually, this week-long competition first began in 1987 as a birthday celebration (on December 5) in honour of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who was known to be a yachting enthusiast. This year, the event is scheduled to run from November 30 – December 7, and as always it will attract some of the world’s best yachtsmen and yachtswomen. Together with their various teams, often in some of the most luxurious sailing crafts, they’ll compete off the waters of Kata Beach for a chance to take home the coveted trophy.
kingscup.com

THAILAND INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW
The 2025 iteration of the annual Thailand International Boat Show (TIBS) will run from January 9-12 at the illustrious Phuket Yacht Haven marina. Over 6,000 visitors and 100 exhibitors are expected to attend this spectacular four-day nautical extravaganza, which is set to be the largest exhibition of its kind in Phuket. With so many jet-setters, luxury boat enthusiasts, and yacht industry elites networking together, this is a not-to-be-missed event. Attendees will no doubt want to see the latest yachts and super yachts from globally renowned brands, but there will also be interactive displays of art, timepieces, jewellery, classic cars and more, as well as instructional sailing workshops.
thailandinternationalboatshow.com

ELECTRIC DAISY CARNIVAL
One of the world’s premiere electronic and dance music festivals will debut in Southeast Asia in 2025, when the Electric Daisy Carnival takes over Phuket’s Boat Avenue Lakefront from January 17-19 . Presented in collaboration with several international brands, including Aperol, tickets for the event are priced at THB 4,800 for general admission, or THB 8,000 for VIP passes. Past editions of this 27-year-old festival have included some of the biggest names in electronic music.
thailand.electricdaisycarnival.com