PATTAYA, Thailand – The visit of about 5,000 US Navy personnel from the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln generated an estimated 100 million baht in local spending and gave Pattaya an opportunity to showcase its attractions beyond nightlife, Pattaya Mayor Poramet Ngampichet said.
The sailors visited Pattaya from September 2–6, with their spending expected to benefit restaurants, shopping centres, retail shops, tourist attractions, transport and other service businesses during the low season.
Poramet said the visit also helped promote a new image of Pattaya, with sailors visiting cultural attractions, shopping and dining venues rather than limiting their activities to entertainment areas.
Among the places visited were the Sanctuary of Truth, Nong Nooch Tropical Garden and Pattaya Floating Market. Some sailors also took part in elephant rides, sampled Thai food and bought souvenirs for their families.
The mayor said the spending estimate was not yet an official figure. Based on discussions with business operators and US embassy officials, sailors were estimated to spend at least US$100–150 per person. With around 5,000 personnel staying for five days, the city estimated that about 100 million baht could circulate in the local economy.
Poramet said the benefits were not limited to nightlife businesses, but extended across the wider tourism economy. “Pattaya can be visited every day, by every age group, safely by everyone, with everything available in one place,” he said, describing the city’s “Pattaya Variety” concept. He said the visit showed that Pattaya could accommodate a wide range of tourists and offer cultural, shopping, dining and recreational experiences alongside its established nightlife attractions.
The mayor also said images of US sailors wearing Thai costumes, visiting cultural sites, eating Thai food and shopping had been shared through domestic and international media and social media. He viewed the exposure as an opportunity to promote Pattaya’s diversity without requiring additional marketing expenditure.
He added that the visit reflected changing travel habits among younger sailors. According to the ship’s commander, around 4,800 personnel were aboard, with women accounting for about 20%. Many younger sailors had researched and planned their activities in advance, showing a greater interest in experiences and varied activities.
Poramet thanked Chonburi authorities, police, relevant agencies and the US Embassy in Thailand for helping ensure safety and convenience during the visit. He said the visit had not only generated income for local businesses but also strengthened ties between Thailand and the United States. Before departing, sailors and their commanders praised the welcome and care they received from Thai people, saying their Pattaya experience had exceeded expectations and left them with positive memories of Thailand.
