Rewat visits USS George H.W. Bush aircraft carrier in Phuket
PPAO President Rewat Areerob visited the USS George H.W. Bush at Phuket Deep Sea Port as authorities strengthened security for the carrier’s port call.
Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation (PPAO) President Rewat Areerob visited the USS George H.W. Bush aircraft carrier at Phuket Deep Sea Port on Oct 5, accompanied by PPAO executives and officials.
The visit, arranged at the invitation of US defence authorities, gave the delegation an opportunity to learn about the carrier’s missions and capabilities and discuss cooperation between Phuket and the US Navy.
The USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) and components of its carrier strike group arrived in Phuket on Oct 4 for a scheduled port visit running through Oct 9. The group includes Carrier Strike Group 10, Carrier Air Wing 7, Destroyer Squadron 22 and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Delbert D. Black.
More than 5,000 US Navy personnel are expected to spend their rest and leisure time in Phuket during the visit. Local authorities have warned businesses and service providers not to overcharge or otherwise take advantage of visiting military personnel, who are expected to visit tourist attractions, restaurants, shops and other businesses across the island.
Officials estimate that the personnel could spend up to B30 million a day during their stay. Businesses have been urged to provide fair prices and proper services to help ensure a positive impression of Phuket.
Provincial Police Region 8 said security and public-service operations had been strengthened, including intelligence gathering, monitoring potential security concerns and protecting visitors’ lives and property. Security personnel are being deployed around the clock, while traffic management has been increased around major tourist destinations.
The operation is being coordinated with administrative authorities, the military, the Special Branch and other agencies. Region 8 has also established 20 checkpoints across its seven-province area — 11 security checkpoints and nine integrated checkpoints — ahead of World Bank meetings in Bangkok scheduled for Oct 12-18.
