PATTAYA, Thailand – Chonburi authorities are stepping up preparations for the arrival of the USS Abraham Lincoln and around 5,000 US Navy personnel, with the provincial governor urging local businesses to welcome the visitors professionally and avoid taking advantage of their presence.
Chonburi Governor Naris Niramaiwong chaired a security coordination meeting at Pattaya City Hall on August 28 to prepare for the US aircraft carrier and accompanying naval vessels, scheduled to visit Laem Chabang from September 2–6.
The meeting brought together Chonburi police, Pattaya Mayor Poramet Ngampichet, district chiefs from Banglamung, Sattahip and Sri Racha, and representatives of relevant agencies. Naris said preparations must be stepped up because the number of US personnel expected this time is significantly higher than previous naval visits. Earlier visits involved around 1,000 personnel, while the upcoming carrier group is expected to bring about 5,000 sailors and Marines.
Pattaya, Banglamung, Sattahip and Sri Racha are expected to be among the main areas visited by personnel during their shore leave. The governor called on local operators to be “good hosts”, particularly by keeping prices fair and providing proper service. He warned businesses against taking advantage of the temporary increase in customers by raising prices or overcharging visitors.
He also instructed security guards and entertainment venue staff to carry out their duties politely and professionally, with the aim of preventing incidents that could damage Chonburi and Pattaya’s image.
Pattaya authorities are coordinating with police, municipal officers and other agencies to maintain safety on land and at sea. The city is also preparing tourism businesses, restaurants, entertainment venues and transport operators for the expected increase in visitors.
The visit is expected to provide a short-term boost to Pattaya’s tourism economy. Pattaya Mayor Poramet has estimated that visiting personnel could spend between 1,000 and 3,000 baht each in the city, potentially generating 5–15 million baht if all 5,000 personnel come ashore and spend locally.
The US carrier group’s visit is primarily for rest, recreation and logistical support following an exceptionally long deployment. Thai authorities have said it is not a joint military exercise with Thailand. The USS Abraham Lincoln has spent more than 200 days at sea, making the Thailand stop particularly significant for its crew.
For Pattaya, the arrival comes during a relatively quiet period for parts of the tourism sector, making the expected influx of US personnel an important opportunity for local businesses.
At the same time, provincial officials are making clear that the economic opportunity should come with responsibility: welcome the visitors, provide good service, keep prices reasonable and ensure that a few bad incidents do not overshadow Pattaya’s reputation as a tourist destination.
