PATTAYA, Thailand – Pattaya turned up its welcome for thousands of US Navy personnel on the second night of their visit, illuminating the iconic PATTAYA CITY sign on Pratumnak Hill with Thai and US flags. The colorful display created a prominent symbol of friendship between Thailand and the United States as sailors and Marines from the USS Abraham Lincoln continued to head into Pattaya for rest and recreation.
The aircraft carrier arrived at Laem Chabang Port on Sept. 2, bringing approximately 5,000 sailors and Marines to the area for a scheduled shore leave from Sept. 2–6. The visit follows an unusually long deployment, with the carrier having spent 286 consecutive days at sea.
The illuminated PATTAYA CITY sign on Pratumnak Hill provided one of the most visible signs of Pattaya’s welcome. The Thai and US flags were displayed together against the night skyline, giving the landmark a festive appearance and marking the arrival of the large US military contingent.
Across the city, the presence of the sailors has brought noticeably livelier activity to tourist areas, with groups of US personnel visiting restaurants, shops, entertainment venues and other businesses during their time ashore.
Local authorities have prepared enhanced security and visitor assistance measures for the five-day stay, with Pattaya City working alongside police, tourist police, immigration officials, military personnel and other agencies. Officials have also reminded businesses to ensure visitors receive fair treatment and that Thai laws are observed.
The visit is expected to provide an important lift for Pattaya’s tourism and service sectors. Business operators have welcomed the arrival of thousands of potential customers during a period when many parts of the city have been experiencing slower activity.
The USS Abraham Lincoln’s port call is focused on rest and recuperation for its crew following months at sea. The carrier’s arrival has also renewed Pattaya’s longstanding connection with US military personnel, who have visited the resort city for shore leave for decades. With the US personnel scheduled to remain in the Pattaya area until Sept. 6, the city is expected to remain busy throughout the weekend, with businesses continuing to welcome the visiting sailors and Marines.
