PATTAYA, Thailand – Pattaya is preparing to welcome an estimated 5,000 U.S. sailors and Marines when the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and two accompanying vessels make a port visit to Laem Chabang from September 2–6. The three-vessel group is scheduled to arrive after completing a mission in the Middle East. The personnel have reportedly been deployed for more than 200 days. The Royal Thai Navy said the visit is intended for rest, crew recovery and logistical support. It is not a joint military exercise with Thailand.
Pattaya Mayor Poramet Ngampichet said the city is ready to welcome the visiting personnel and will coordinate with police, municipal officers and other relevant agencies to maintain safety both on land and at sea. The visit is also expected to provide a boost to Pattaya’s tourism and service businesses if personnel are permitted to spend their leisure time in the city. Based on estimated spending of 1,000–3,000 baht per person, around 5,000 visiting personnel could generate approximately 5–15 million baht in local spending. The money could benefit restaurants, accommodation providers, transportation services and other tourism-related businesses.
The actual economic impact will depend on how many personnel are permitted to go ashore and how much time they spend in Pattaya during the port visit.
