Thousands of US Sailors Boost Phuket Economy During Port Visit
PHUKET — More than 5,000 US Navy personnel are visiting Phuket during a six-day stopover by two warships, with local officials reporting increased spending in Patong and opportunities for vendors selling food and drinks at the island’s deep sea port. Phuket Governor Chotnarin Kerdsom, accompanied by his deputies and representatives from government agencies and the […]
More than 5,000 US Navy sailors are in Phuket for a six-day stopover of two warships, with officials noting increased spending in Patong and opportunities for local food and drink vendors at the deep-sea port. On 6 October, Phuket Governor Chotnarin Kerdsom, along with deputies and private-sector representatives, toured the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN-77), as reported by the Phuket Provincial Commerce Office. The visit was framed as a chance to strengthen Thai-US ties and foster mutual understanding; provincial commerce chief Woranit Aphiratchirawong also joined the tour. The carrier and the destroyer USS Delbert D. Black (DDG-119) arrived on 4 October and are scheduled to remain until 9 October. According to Matichon, the vessels carry a total of 5,109 personnel—about 4,820 on the carrier and 289 on the destroyer—anchored roughly 1.78 nautical miles (3.3 km) offshore of Wichit subdistrict. Fourteen boats shuttle sailors ashore starting at 08:00 on 4 October, with local police, marine officials and other agencies overseeing security, traffic and safe passage. Personnel have been sightseeing and shopping, especially in Patong, boosting restaurants, shops and service businesses. The deep-sea port hosts stalls where local vendors sell food, drinks and Thai tea, which have proved popular. Officials say the stopover generates income for local businesses while exposing sailors to Phuket's food and culture, though no overall spending estimate was provided.
