PHUKET, Thailand – Phuket Province has deployed 150 police, military, administrative, and local government personnel to enhance security and traffic management during the visit of approximately 5,000 U.S. Navy personnel from October 4 to 9, 2026. On October 4, Phuket Governor Chotnarin Kerdsom led a security deployment ceremony attended by Phuket Provincial Police Commander Pol. Maj. Gen. Surachai Suksai, senior police officers, military personnel, and local administrative officials.
The governor emphasized the importance of visitor safety, traffic management, and service standards at hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions. He directed agencies to monitor electricity, water supplies, and infrastructure to ensure prompt responses to any disruptions. Special attention will be given to Patong, with one-way traffic, enhanced pedestrian safety, and coordinated transportation services to reduce congestion. Buses and vans will transport U.S. personnel.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Surachai said a joint operations center has been established to coordinate provincial police, tourist police, immigration police, Special Branch Police, the Navy, administrative authorities, and local governments. Operations will focus on intelligence gathering, crime prevention, and traffic management. Patrols will operate around the clock to maintain public safety and minimize disruption to residents and tourists. Representing the visiting forces, United States Deputy Defense Attaché Luu Pham thanked Phuket authorities and the Royal Thai Police for their cooperation and support. These coordinated operations aim to ensure security, public order, and efficient services for residents, tourists, and visiting U.S. Navy personnel throughout the six-day visit. (NNT)
