An American aircraft carrier and destroyer brought over 5,000 sailors to Phuket

Today, October 5, 2026, two U.S. Navy warships arrived at Phuket’s deep-water port at Cape Panwa — the aircraft carrier USS George H. W. Bush (CVN‑77) and the guided-missile destroyer USS Delbert D. Black (DDG‑119). The friendly visit by the U.S. military will last until October 10 inclusive, The Nation Thailand reports.

Security and logistics

Preparations for the visit were discussed on September 29 at a meeting between the Patong Police Chief and representatives of the Force Protection Detachment at the U.S. Embassy in Thailand, as reported by the Patong Police Station on its official page.

• Public order: local police, together with U.S. security services, have organized round‑the‑clock patrols in the crew’s recreation areas, especially in the Patong area.
• Coordination center: a special operational headquarters has been set up for the duration of the ships’ stay to coordinate the actions of the police and military, Khaosod English notes.

Economic boom for Phuket

More than 5,000 American sailors will go ashore for rest and leave. Local authorities and businesses expect a significant influx of foreign currency into the island’s economy. According to the Bangkok Post, Phuket’s tourism, restaurant, and transport sectors could earn millions of baht over the six‑day stay of the U.S. Navy group.

In practice, such visits always impact the short‑term rental market: booking peaks are observed in Patong, Kamala, and Kathu, while taxi drivers and private drivers are fully booked for all six days.

What this means for the real estate market

Six days alone do not change the market, but this is yet another confirmation of Phuket’s status as a location with steady international traffic — from cruise liners to military visits. Rental demand outside the high season is precisely what holds up in such locations, namely near ports and resort centers.