A massive contingent of U.S. military personnel is preparing to arrive in eastern Thailand as the USS Abraham Lincoln prepares for a port call near Pattaya, a city renowned for its coastal attractions and vibrant nightlife.
The aircraft carrier transited past Singapore over the weekend, returning to the United States following an extended deployment in the Middle East as part of the ongoing U.S. military operations against Iran.
Thai officials confirm that the USS Abraham Lincoln is scheduled to dock at a port in Chonburi province this week.
Over 5,000 American service members are aboard the vessel, and many are anticipated to visit Pattaya, according to Mayor Poramet Ngampichet, who expects the port call will stimulate the local economy. He added that the destroyer USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. will moor at a separate location.
“Establishing Pattaya as a prominent vacation destination is a goal we have long pursued,” Mayor Poramet stated. “We warmly welcome future visits from our troops, whether for military exercises or leisure, before their return to the United States.”
Following a meeting with U.S. officials on Monday, Poramet announced that service members will be prohibited from certain recreational activities, including parasailing and marijuana use. This restriction comes despite Thailand legalizing medical cannabis in 2022, which has led to the proliferation of dispensaries across the country’s cities.
Poramet noted that the visit is especially timely given the decline in international tourism driven by soaring fuel prices resulting from the Middle East conflict.
Government officials have cautioned local businesses against price-gouging American sailors and confirmed an increased police presence in key areas along Pattaya Beach and the city’s Walking Street.
Located approximately 150 kilometers (93 miles) southeast of Bangkok, Pattaya is a popular beach destination also known for its notorious nightlife. However, in recent years, the city has actively sought to rebrand itself around its natural and cultural attractions.
City Police Chief Anek Srathongyoo confirmed that law enforcement agencies have been directed to enhance security measures to prevent any untoward incidents.
He emphasized that any U.S. service members who violate Thai law will face prosecution according to local statutes.
Local business owners, grappling with the tourism downturn caused by the conflict in Iran, are eagerly anticipating the arrival of the troops—a sentiment echoed by a banner hung above a local beachside bar reading, “Welcome all US military personnel. Thank you for your service.”
However, some remain skeptical. Somkiet Noree, who operates a souvenir shop on Walking Street, acknowledged awareness of the upcoming visit but expressed uncertainty regarding its impact on his sales.
“Pattaya is currently very quiet,” he remarked. “I hope they visit here and make some purchases.”
Bar employee Bualuang Ponok noted that while she has observed American service members frequenting Walking Street during previous visits, she does not expect many of them to spend money.
“They claim 5,000 people will arrive, but how many will actually reach us?” she questioned, uncertain about where the service members will choose to go.
Earlier in August, the normally Asia-based USS George Washington replaced the long-deployed Lincoln in the Middle East.
The Lincoln, one of the U.S. Navy’s largest warships, was engaged in American operations in the Iran conflict, which reignited over the weekend for the first time in a month.
This deployment featured a record-setting 250-day uninterrupted period at sea, sparking concerns following reports of deteriorating mental health among the crew and shortages of essential supplies, including food and hygiene products.
U.S. President Donald Trump subsequently downplayed these concerns, stating that the deployment was “not nearly long enough.”
Thai officials confirmed that the Lincoln will depart Thailand and return to the United States following its port call.
