City braces for US troops

Up to 2,000 US soldiers are expected to visit Pattaya for rest and recreation during the 2021 Cobra Gold multinational military exercise in August.

Preparations for the visit were discussed yesterday by the United States forces in Thailand and Pattaya City officials.

Charles Butler, of the US Force Protection Detachment, and Capt Matt Barker, naval attache at the US embassy, met deputy mayor Ronnakij Ekasing and other officials at Pattaya City Hall.

The talks focussed on security and Covid-19 prevention measures at the Bali Hai boat landing in South Pattaya, where the servicemen are due to come ashore.

Mr Ronnakij said security at the landing would be provided by several agencies. Security forces would patrol the area around the clock.

Security would be boosted by surveillance cameras in the area.

Covid-19 prevention would be handled by public health officials. By June, about 70% of people in Bang Lamung district and Pattaya City would have been vaccinated, he said.

Capt Barker said that during the third phase of Cobra Gold in August, 1,000-2,000 US troops would visit Pattaya for rest and recreation.

By the time they land in Pattaya, all the soldiers would have received two doses of Covid-19 vaccine, he said.