UPDATE: Phuket security operation continues as US sailors visit Patong and Kathu
Phuket’s 150-person security and traffic operation continues during the 4–9 October visit by two US warships carrying about 5,109 personnel, while sailors have been reported visiting Patong and Kathu attractions.
Approximately 150 police, military, administrative and local-government personnel have been deployed across Phuket to support security, traffic management and public assistance during the visit of two US Navy warships. The Phuket Express reported that Phuket Governor Chotinarin Kerdsom led the formal deployment ceremony on Saturday, 3 October, ahead of the arrival of thousands of US Navy personnel. The joint operation is scheduled to continue until Friday, 9 October, and the local support deployment is separate from the approximately 5,109 US personnel involved in the visit.
The USS George H.W. Bush (CVN-77), a Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, and the guided-missile destroyer USS Delbert D. Black (DDG-119) arrived in Phuket waters on 4 October 2026 for a rest-and-recreation visit. The carrier has about 4,820 personnel on board and is anchored approximately 1.78 nautical miles (3.3 kilometres) from Phuket Deep Sea Port in Wichit. The destroyer has about 289 personnel, bringing the combined US total to approximately 5,109, according to The Phuket News.
The plan calls for 14 transport vessels to move personnel between the warships and Phuket, with the Phuket Regional Marine Office coordinating maritime traffic and boat movements. Buses and vans will also be used to transport US Navy personnel on land, with routes and transport plans prepared in advance to minimise disruption to normal traffic. US personnel are expected to come ashore for rest and sightseeing.
That shore leave was visible on 6 October. Daily News reported that US sailors were visiting Patong and Kathu, including Bangla Walking Street at night, elephant attractions and ATV activities. An elephant camp employee estimated that elephant-riding, elephant-bathing and ATV activities could receive up to 500 visitors per day during the naval visit. A Patong public taxi driver told Daily News that the visit was creating income opportunities for transport operators, restaurants, vendors and other small businesses during the low season.
According to the Bangkok Post, US sailors are allowed to travel freely around Phuket Island during the visit but are not allowed to rent vehicles or ride as pillion passengers on motorcycles. Thai authorities have stressed that US personnel should comply with Thai law and local customs and respect Thai traditions and culture.
The governor urged local businesses and residents to maintain a service-minded approach towards visitors, particularly in accommodation, restaurants and tourist attractions. He also ordered checks on essential utilities, especially electricity and water supplies, as well as areas vulnerable to disruption from severe weather or other natural events. Patong Municipality was instructed to maintain daytime cleanliness and order while visitors use the area’s nightlife.
Phuket Provincial Police has established a Joint Operations Centre with the Tourist Police, Immigration Police, Special Branch Police, Navy, civil administration officials and local government organisations. The operation is divided into intelligence gathering, crime prevention and suppression, and traffic management. Intelligence teams and Special Branch officers will monitor information, movements and potential threats, while patrol teams operate around the clock in areas used by visiting personnel and tourists.
Traffic management will be a particular focus in Patong, where large numbers of visitors are expected. Police will monitor traffic and public transport, with a one-way system used to keep vehicles moving and municipal officials coordinating arrangements along individual routes. Authorities have also highlighted the need to keep pedestrian crossings safe, particularly at night when entertainment venues are active.
Security at Phuket Deep Sea Port was increased ahead of the shore leave, with police and military personnel, including plainclothes officers, deployed around the port. Sniffer dogs were used to check the area, while US Navy personnel inspected the port and established command posts and tents to coordinate the visit. According to the Bangkok Post, authorities are also using the Phuket Eye, an AI-linked CCTV network covering key areas of the island, to monitor unusual activity and the movements of sailors, including around Patong.
US deputy assistant defence attaché Luu Pham thanked Phuket authorities and local police for their support. He said the US side was satisfied with the arrangements and looked forward to working with local authorities during the visit.
