THOUSANDS of US marines are due to take shore leave on Phuket later this week as the island's friendly American invaders continue to boost the local economy.

The marines are coming on the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard, which is to be accompanied by the USS Ingraham.

The ships will be at anchor off Phuket until November 3. About 3000 military personnel will be enjoying Phuket's pleasures.

Helicopters are used as the Bonhomme Richard's deployment aircraft, flying off a flat deck similar to an aircraft carrier. The Ingraham, a guided missile destroyer, is capable of defensive and offensive operations against warplanes, anti-ship missiles, surface ships, submarines, and shore targets.

Arrivals on Wednesday and Thursday follow a series of successful visits, with the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan recently returning to its home port of San Diego after a memorable Phuket stopover.

Phuket has become a regular favorite among US sailors and marines, conveniently positioned between the Persian Gulf, Hawai and US mainland home ports.

Concerns about the safety and security of the US visitors have also helped to focus the attention of local authorities on various Phuket scams, beginning with jet-skis but also including ladyboys (katoeys) and the nightclub ticket touts who have emerged relatively recently on Patong's Soi Bangla walking street.

Local Navy League spokesman Denny Bowman told Phuketwan today that the island's place as a prime destination for US military on R&R is likely to continue.

''On the tick-list of pluses for Phuket there is now also a Navy League branch, which only encourages confidence that everyone will get a great welcome and be well looked after here,'' he said.

The league plans a welcome for about 70 US officers and senior servicemen at the BBQ Hut, in Rat-U-Thit 200 Pi Road, opposite the Mercure, from 7pm-9pm on Thursday evening. Phuket residents are invited for just 400 baht entry.

Details: navyleaguephuket.org