PATTAYA, Thailand – Pattaya is preparing to welcome more than 5,000 US Navy personnel during their scheduled visit from September 2–6, with tourism businesses getting ready for an expected increase in visitors and spending across the city. A survey of Pattaya’s major tourist areas on September 1 found the atmosphere beginning to pick up ahead of the arrival, with Thai and foreign tourists already visiting restaurants, shops, entertainment venues and other businesses.
At the entrance to Walking Street in South Pattaya, Pattaya City has installed a welcome sign for the visiting US personnel, creating a more festive atmosphere ahead of their arrival. Hotels, restaurants, entertainment venues, transport operators, shops and other service businesses have also been preparing for the large group, which is expected to spend several days in the Pattaya area.
The visit is being viewed as an important opportunity for Pattaya’s tourism economy, with spending expected to spread across a wide range of businesses, including accommodation, food and drinks, entertainment, transportation, retail shops and tourist attractions. Local estimates put the potential economic circulation at around 100 million baht during the visit.
Pattaya City and security agencies have meanwhile coordinated preparations for the arrival, bringing together administrative officials, police, Tourist Police, Immigration Police and tourism authorities to maintain security and assist visitors throughout the stay. Additional officers will be deployed at major tourist attractions, key locations and routes into and out of Pattaya. Traffic management, checkpoints and security measures will also be implemented during the visit.
Hotels, entertainment venues and other businesses have been asked to cooperate with authorities and act as good hosts by maintaining service standards and avoiding unfair price increases or practices that could take advantage of visitors. Security guards and entertainment venue staff have also been instructed to behave professionally and politely, while quickly contacting police if any unusual incidents occur.
Pattaya police have designated the area under Pattaya City Police Station as a central high-security zone, with officers from nearby stations available to provide additional manpower around the city.
Authorities have stressed that the aim is to strengthen security while continuing to facilitate residents and tourists without creating unnecessary alarm.
With the US personnel scheduled to arrive on September 2 and remain in the area through September 6, Pattaya’s tourism and business sectors are watching closely to see how much additional spending the visit generates. For businesses facing the traditionally quieter green season, the arrival of thousands of US sailors and Marines is expected to provide several busy days for hotels, restaurants, nightlife venues and other tourism-related businesses.
