THE commanding officer of an Australian warship that has anchored in Patong Bay is causing a few raised eyebrows in the Royal Thai Navy.
The reason? The commander is a woman, Commander Allison Norris.
Thailand's Navy has been traditionally all-male, with in modern times some females in non-combat roles. No women command combat ships.
Commander Norris is anxious to observe all the cultural conventions of her host country.
But as well as being a top Navy sailor, she is definitely, positively a woman.
''If my presence helps to win more Thai women the chance to be in the navy, that's a very good idea,'' she said.
As a 22-year veteran, Commander Norris's senior rank makes it plain that having females in the navy in Australia in fighting roles is readily accepted.
Having women in uniform helps with retention and recruitment, she told Phuketwan.
Her ship, the frigate HMAS Melbourne, arrived yesterday and departs on Friday.
And perhaps it's no coincidence that ships are always referred to as ''she.''
Commander Norris, who was accompanied on a visit to the Royal Thai Navy base at Cape Panwa today by Australia Defence Force Attache Colonel John Blaxland, said that Phuket was the ''highlight port'' for the Melbourne's crew of 190. About 35 are women.
She is delighted to let her sailors enjoy Thai hospitality. The only real restriction is that they have to be prepared to return to the ship if she needs to sail in a hurry.
Diving and other adventures are likely to be popular. The women's beach volleyball title at Karon, which runs from 3pm Wednesday afternoon until Sunday, just might have found an instant audience.
Commander Norris would prefer it, though, if sailors stayed clear of serious trouble - riding rented motorcycles.
Commander Norris swapped plaques and presented a HMAS Melbourne cap to Vice Admiral Narong Testvisan, who assumed control as Commander, Third Naval Area Command last month.
Perhaps it's time for Thailand's military chiefs to take a trip to Phuket, visit the Heroine's Monument, and consider whether women also deserve a place alongside men in the fighting forces.
Later this afternoon, the commander of an Indian warship ''parked'' on the other side of Phuket also paid a courtesy visit.
Phuket is a popular destination with ships from all countries, having welcomed two US warships just last week.
The Australians and the Indians should get along just fine, provided the subject of cricket is not mentioned.
The Indians have boasting rights and the upper hand in a lively cricket Test series in India, with the Indians so far managing to prove that they will probably wrest the title of world's top cricketing nation from Australia.
But there is one more match to play, so Australians will not be making any premature concessions.
Commander Norris and her crew, having come from Singapore, will be engaging in exercises off the coast of Western Australia next before heading home to Sydney for Christmas.
Commander Norris has a husband, who will be keen to see her ship come in.
Trick or Treat Phuket Style for US Warships
Trick or treat? US warships in port is a treat for Phuket, with sailors set to boost the economy of the holiday island. Big beds and sleep ins are top priority. PHOTO ALBUM
Trick or Treat Phuket Style for US Warships
Plus Photo Album: Phuket always greets the US Navy with glee and the sailors usually seem to find plenty to smile about on the island. A warm embrace or two awaits hundreds of officers and ratings this week.
US Navy Will Boost Phuket Season Opening
The reason? The commander is a woman, Commander Allison Norris.
Thailand's Navy has been traditionally all-male, with in modern times some females in non-combat roles. No women command combat ships.
Commander Norris is anxious to observe all the cultural conventions of her host country.
But as well as being a top Navy sailor, she is definitely, positively a woman.
''If my presence helps to win more Thai women the chance to be in the navy, that's a very good idea,'' she said.
As a 22-year veteran, Commander Norris's senior rank makes it plain that having females in the navy in Australia in fighting roles is readily accepted.
Having women in uniform helps with retention and recruitment, she told Phuketwan.
Her ship, the frigate HMAS Melbourne, arrived yesterday and departs on Friday.
And perhaps it's no coincidence that ships are always referred to as ''she.''
Commander Norris, who was accompanied on a visit to the Royal Thai Navy base at Cape Panwa today by Australia Defence Force Attache Colonel John Blaxland, said that Phuket was the ''highlight port'' for the Melbourne's crew of 190. About 35 are women.
She is delighted to let her sailors enjoy Thai hospitality. The only real restriction is that they have to be prepared to return to the ship if she needs to sail in a hurry.
Diving and other adventures are likely to be popular. The women's beach volleyball title at Karon, which runs from 3pm Wednesday afternoon until Sunday, just might have found an instant audience.
Commander Norris would prefer it, though, if sailors stayed clear of serious trouble - riding rented motorcycles.
Commander Norris swapped plaques and presented a HMAS Melbourne cap to Vice Admiral Narong Testvisan, who assumed control as Commander, Third Naval Area Command last month.
Perhaps it's time for Thailand's military chiefs to take a trip to Phuket, visit the Heroine's Monument, and consider whether women also deserve a place alongside men in the fighting forces.
Later this afternoon, the commander of an Indian warship ''parked'' on the other side of Phuket also paid a courtesy visit.
Phuket is a popular destination with ships from all countries, having welcomed two US warships just last week.
The Australians and the Indians should get along just fine, provided the subject of cricket is not mentioned.
The Indians have boasting rights and the upper hand in a lively cricket Test series in India, with the Indians so far managing to prove that they will probably wrest the title of world's top cricketing nation from Australia.
But there is one more match to play, so Australians will not be making any premature concessions.
Commander Norris and her crew, having come from Singapore, will be engaging in exercises off the coast of Western Australia next before heading home to Sydney for Christmas.
Commander Norris has a husband, who will be keen to see her ship come in.
Photo Albums
Trick or Treat Phuket Style for US Warships
Trick or treat? US warships in port is a treat for Phuket, with sailors set to boost the economy of the holiday island. Big beds and sleep ins are top priority. PHOTO ALBUM
Trick or Treat Phuket Style for US Warships
Plus Photo Album: Phuket always greets the US Navy with glee and the sailors usually seem to find plenty to smile about on the island. A warm embrace or two awaits hundreds of officers and ratings this week.
US Navy Will Boost Phuket Season Opening
