PHUKET: A US nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine has been spotted off the coast of Phuket, engaged in what's thought to have been exercises with the Royal Thai Navy, according to sources.
US nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and warships of different types have been visiting Phuket more frequently in the past two years for shore leave, but the presence of the nuclear submarine USS Ohio off Phuket's deep sea port is thought to be precedent-setting.
While security for visiting warships is always reasonably tight, US submarines come under a different category and the movements of submarines are seldom publicly revealed.
China's emergence as an economic power has been accompanied by an increase in its influence across the Pacific and Indian Oceans, with observers noting that the US has been the navy power on both seas since the Second World War.
The sighting of the USS Ohio probably explains a heightened US security and diplomatic presence during last week's visit of the destroyer USS Pinckney, although the visits of the two vessels may have been unrelated.
Phuket is important strategically, on the Andaman coast and not far south of Burma, where Chinese investment and influence is growing.
India is also keen to assert its authority in the surrounding waters and Indian warships have also visited Phuket.
The aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan visited Phuket in September 2009 and a regular stream of warships has followed, including another aircraft carrier the USS Nimitz, and a return visit by the Ronald Reagan.
Phuket is said to be an extremely popular destination with US military personnel.
Phuket's Americans Come in From ColdUS nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and warships of different types have been visiting Phuket more frequently in the past two years for shore leave, but the presence of the nuclear submarine USS Ohio off Phuket's deep sea port is thought to be precedent-setting.
While security for visiting warships is always reasonably tight, US submarines come under a different category and the movements of submarines are seldom publicly revealed.
China's emergence as an economic power has been accompanied by an increase in its influence across the Pacific and Indian Oceans, with observers noting that the US has been the navy power on both seas since the Second World War.
The sighting of the USS Ohio probably explains a heightened US security and diplomatic presence during last week's visit of the destroyer USS Pinckney, although the visits of the two vessels may have been unrelated.
Phuket is important strategically, on the Andaman coast and not far south of Burma, where Chinese investment and influence is growing.
India is also keen to assert its authority in the surrounding waters and Indian warships have also visited Phuket.
The aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan visited Phuket in September 2009 and a regular stream of warships has followed, including another aircraft carrier the USS Nimitz, and a return visit by the Ronald Reagan.
Phuket is said to be an extremely popular destination with US military personnel.
News Analysis Americans are coming to Phuket in such numbers on warships and cruise ships as well as aircraft that it's time the US joined Phuket's honorary consuls meetings.
Phuket's Americans Come in From Cold
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USS Ronald Reagan Heads for Visit
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Subs, and their sonar systems, have often be blamed for whale deaths. Let's see if any turn up. Not a scientific survey, but if they don't then perhaps it blows that particular theory out of the water.
Read up on China's interest in having a "string of pearls" through the southern oceans. Thailand is after her own subs, too. Perhaps the rusting hulk of the "private/illegal" sub on Koh Sireh can be dusted down; might be better than another naval white elephant, such as the aircraft carrier with no aircraft...
Posted by Tanya Millibank on September 27, 2011 16:31