PATTAYA, Thailand – Pattaya’s entertainment streets came alive this week as thousands of US sailors and Marines explored the city during shore leave from the USS Abraham Lincoln. Bars, restaurants, massage shops, tattoo studios and other businesses reported a noticeable increase in customers following the arrival of the US aircraft carrier at Laem Chabang on Sept. 2.
From early evening, groups of sailors could be seen moving through Pattaya’s major entertainment areas, enjoying meals, drinks and live entertainment. The influx has provided a welcome lift for businesses during the quieter tourism period. Walking Street and nearby entertainment areas attracted groups of visiting sailors, while bar staff actively greeted them and invited them inside. Many businesses have prepared special offers and increased staffing to accommodate the additional customers.
The visit is also bringing a stronger presence of officials onto the entertainment streets. Police, tourist police and municipal personnel have been conducting regular patrols around busy nightlife areas, focusing on maintaining order, assisting visitors and preventing disputes. Officials have urged businesses and visitors to enjoy the nightlife responsibly, with security teams working to ensure the large number of visitors can move around Pattaya safely.
The USS Abraham Lincoln is scheduled to remain in the area through Sept. 6. The port visit is expected to provide a significant boost to spending across Pattaya’s entertainment, hospitality, transport and retail sectors. For many local businesses, the sailors’ arrival has turned an otherwise quiet week into one of the busiest periods of the season.
