Pattaya-
Pattaya is preparing to host personnel from the U.S. Navy after reports that the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln is set to visit Thailand in the coming week following the completion of its mission in the Middle East. Pattaya Mayor Poramese Ngamphichet said the city is ready to ensure safety and accommodate the troops during their rest and recovery period. If approximately 5,000 personnel spend money in the area, it could generate circulating funds of at least 5–15 million baht.
The USS Abraham Lincoln carries roughly 5,000 sailors and Marines. Reports indicate that during this deployment the crew has not had a full port call for more than 200 days due to an extended mission supporting the war in Iran. As a result, some reports in foreign media described allegedly low morale and challenging conditions onboard, which means the upcoming port call will be widely appreciated and a huge morale booster.
The Royal Thai Navy stated that the U.S. carrier group will visit the eastern coast of Thailand so personnel can rest and recover, as well as receive logistical support. The visit is not a joint military exercise with Thailand.
Mayor Poramese Ngamphichet noted that Pattaya has periodically welcomed U.S. military personnel when warships call at the eastern seaboard. Local operators are happy to host troops resting after their mission. On security, the city will coordinate with Pattaya City Police Station officers, municipal enforcement staff, and other relevant agencies on land and at sea to protect both tourists and visiting service members.
Spending by the troops is expected to benefit tourism businesses, restaurants, entertainment venues, transportation, and service providers. The mayor estimated average expenditure of about 1,000–3,000 baht per person. For roughly 5,000 personnel, this would amount to a preliminary 5–15 million baht if all come ashore and spend within that range. The figure is only an estimate based on per-person spending and will depend on the actual number of personnel authorized to go ashore and enter the area.
The USS Abraham Lincoln, with about 5,000 personnel aboard and accompanied by a total of three ships, is scheduled to dock at Laem Chabang Port from roughly the 2nd to the 6th of September 2026.
