Phuket police met with the U.S. Deputy Defense Attaché to prepare for the arrival of two American aircraft carriers carrying over 5,000 personnel who will disembark to rest in Phuket from 4 to 9 October 2026.
At 11:00 a.m. on 29 September 2026, at the Wichit Police Station lounge in Phuket, Mr. Lu Pham, Deputy Defense Attaché of the U.S. Forces Defense Unit, and Mr. Robert Robinson, Deputy Defense Attaché of the U.S. Forces Defense Unit in Thailand, along with Ms. Patchara Siriwen, Special Investigations Officer from the U.S. Forces Defense Unit, met with Pol. Col. Somsak Thongkliang, Chief of Wichit Police Station, Pol. Lt. Col. Thada Sodarak, Deputy Chief of Investigation, Pol. Lt. Col. Suthon Thongphaen, Deputy Chief of Special Investigation, Pol. Lt. Col. Somporn Rangsimanrat, Patrol Chief, Pol. Lt. Col. Sawat Phon-on, Patrol Deputy Chief, Pol. Lt. Col. Wittaya Kulnoi, Special Investigations Officer, and other relevant officers. They discussed and coordinated cooperation on safety and traffic facilitation measures for the arrival of two U.S. aircraft carriers: USS GEORGE H.W. BUSH (CVN-77) with about 4,800 personnel and USS DELBERT D BLACK (DDG-119) with around 320 personnel. The ships are scheduled to dock at Phuket's deep-water port in Wichit subdistrict, Mueang Phuket district, from 4 to 9 October 2026, allowing the U.S. military personnel to rest in various parts of Phuket province.
Pol. Col. Somsak Thongkliang, Chief of Wichit Police Station, said this is the first time in 10 years that a large aircraft carrier has docked at Phuket's deep-water port in Wichit. The police station is very pleased to facilitate various aspects, such as managing routes from the deep-water port to key tourist destinations in Phuket, including Patong Beach, Kata Beach, Karon Beach, and Phuket Old Town. They will also ensure the safety of life and property of the U.S. Navy personnel during their stay in Phuket province.