The Naval Attache at the US Embassy in Bangkok said today there was no recall planned and no negative impact anticipated at this time. US Navy personnel shopping in Patong's Jungceylon mall today were surprised to be told the news of Osama's death.


US NAVY crew enjoying shore leave on Phuket could be recalled to their ships in the wake of today's dramatic announcement by US President Barack Obama of the killing of terrorist Osama Bin Laden.

While an adverse reaction to the announcement of the killing of the September 11 mastermind is unlikely to be seen on Phuket, US military authorities may decide to react cautiously around the world, just in case.

US Embassy staff were believed to be drafting a statement for public release this afternoon.

Security officials handling the visit of the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan, the cruiser USS Chancellorsville and the destroyer USS Preble were expected to be consulted.

The battle group arrived off Phuket yesterday. A fourth warship, the USS Gridley, anchored off Phuket on Friday. Up to 6000 US Navy personnel could be involved.

While Phuket has never seen any kind of indication of support for the terrorists - apart from the sale of Osama t-shirts - the death of the terrorist mastermind is likely to provoke a reaction among his more radical supporters.

According to US officials, two US helicopters swept into Osama's compound last Sunday in Pakistan. Twenty to 25 US Navy Seals under the command of the Joint Special Operations Command in cooperation with the CIA engaged Bin Laden and his men in a firefight, killed Bin Laden and all those with him.

In a televised speech, President Barack Obama announced that Osama had been killed.

''After a firefight they killed Osama Bin Laden and took custody of his body,'' he said.

''The death of Bin Laden marks the most significant achievement to date in our nation's efforts to defeat Al Qaeda. Yet his death does not mark the end of our effort.

''There is no doubt that Al Qaeda will continue to pursue attacks against us. We must and will remain vigilant at home and abroad,'' he said.

As well as the Twin Towers toppling in which nearly 3000 people died, Al Qaeda was also blamed for the 1998 bombings of two US embassies in Africa that killed 231 people and the 2000 attack on the USS Cole that killed 17 American sailors in Yemen.

There were other plots, some successful and some foiled.

Although protests of any kind are not likely on Phuket, other parts of the world may see anti-American activities in response to the terrorist's death.