UPDATE: Phuket deploys 150 personnel for more than 5,000 US Navy visitors
Phuket has deployed 150 personnel for more than 5,000 US Navy personnel visiting from 4 to 9 October 2026, while Provincial Police Region 8 coordinates round-the-clock security, surveillance and traffic measures.
Phuket has deployed 150 personnel for the visit of more than 5,000 US Navy personnel from 4 to 9 October 2026, according to The Phuket News' Phuket Xtra report published on 5 October 2026.
Provincial Police Region 8 is coordinating security for the visit, according to a Thai Post report published the same day. The operation includes intelligence-gathering and monitoring of suspicious individuals, protection of visitors' lives and property, and officers on duty around the clock. Police are coordinating with administrative authorities, the military, Special Branch and other relevant agencies.
Region 8 also reported 11 security checkpoints and nine joint checkpoints, 20 in total, across its seven-province area. Traffic management is being emphasised around major tourist attractions to assist visitors and local road users, limit disruption to daily travel and reduce accidents during the visit.
The Phuket News report also highlighted a warning to local businesses against overcharging US Navy personnel during their stay.
