PATTAYA, Thailand – Pattaya entered the final day of a five-day visit by around 5,000 US Navy personnel from the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln on September 5, with some sailors beginning to leave hotels and return to the ship at Laem Chabang. Reporters surveying the city found US sailors still dining, sightseeing and shopping at various locations, although their numbers appeared thinner than during the first two or three days of the visit.
At pickup points, sailors were seen loading luggage and other belongings onto vehicles arranged to take them back to the USS Abraham Lincoln at Laem Chabang. Some hotels also saw sailors checking out with luggage and purchases made during their stay, while businesses across Pattaya continued operating normally. Local operators said the arrival of the US sailors had brought noticeable activity to Pattaya during the low season, adding color and customers to businesses over the five-day visit.
Sailors who had not yet returned to the ship continued to spend their final day sightseeing and shopping before heading back to Laem Chabang.
Administrative officials, police, tourist police and other agencies continued providing security and assistance at key locations during the final day. The USS Abraham Lincoln is scheduled to visit Thailand from September 2–6, with September 5 marking the final full day of shore leave before the ship prepares to depart Laem Chabang.
