Thai authorities are organising the welcome of more than 5,000 American military personnel who will be staying in Phuket from 4 to 9 October.
Phuket police held a coordination meeting to ensure security and smooth traffic flow during the stopover of two US Navy vessels. The ships, USS George H.W. Bush (CVN-77) and USS Delbert D. Black (DDG-119), are due to dock at the deep-water port of Wichit between 4 and 9 October 2026.
Around 4,800 sailors from the aircraft carrier and 320 crew members from the destroyer are expected on the island for a period of rest. This marks the first visit by an aircraft carrier of this size to Phuket in ten years.
“This is a large aircraft carrier docking at Phuket’s deep-water port in the Wichit district for the first time in ten years. Wichit police are delighted to organise transfers to tourist sites such as Patong, Kata, Karon or old Phuket, while ensuring the safety of American military personnel and their belongings during their stay.”
The authorities have put in place traffic measures between the port and the island’s main tourist areas to facilitate the sailors’ movements while maintaining public order.
Source : Matichon