PATTAYA, Thailand – Pattaya’s entertainment areas remained relatively quiet on the first night, Sept. 2, after more than 5,000 US military personnel from the USS Abraham Lincoln arrived in the city for shore leave, although pubs, bars and nightlife venues were lively and ready to welcome them. From the early evening, many sailors visited shopping malls, department stores and local markets, browsing for clothing, souvenirs and other goods. Greater attention was focused on the nightlife areas later in the evening, particularly Walking Street.
By around midnight, businesses along Walking Street and nearby areas had stepped up their efforts to attract customers. Staff dressed in colorful outfits, sang and called out to passers-by, creating a lively atmosphere while waiting for groups of American sailors to arrive. However, relatively few sailors were seen during the first night. Most appeared in groups of around five to 10, with some still wearing shirts bearing recognizable military symbols. Many walked through the area to look around before leaving, while others gathered to play pool or have a few drinks with friends.
Pattaya Mayor Poramet Ngampichet said the first night went smoothly. He said it was natural for sailors not to immediately fill the entertainment areas after arriving, as they may have been tired from traveling or preferred to spend the first day exploring the city. He expected the atmosphere to become livelier from the third day onward. Meanwhile, buses continued to shuttle personnel at the Hard Rock Hotel in Pattaya on Thursday morning. Some buses carried fewer than 10 passengers, with sailors dispersing to tourist attractions around Pattaya and nearby areas. (TNA)
