Pattaya Mayor Poramese Ngampichet said a five-day rest-and-recreation visit by U.S. Navy personnel from the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln helped stimulate the local economy, with spending roughly estimated at about 100 million baht.
More important than the cash injection, he said, was the chance to project a new image of Pattaya as a diverse destination ,“Pattaya Variety”, rather than the old stereotype of a city defined only by nightlife and beer bars.
Poramese said Pattaya still has nightlife, but it is now more concentrated in limited areas. The city also offers a huge variety of restaurants, shopping including world class malls, cultural attractions, resorts, activities specifically for children, regular events, parks, gardens, temples, islands, and a wide range of activities for different kinds of visitors.
During the visit, U.S. personnel fanned out across the city, including to major tourist attractions like the Sanctuary of Truth, Nong Nooch Tropical Garden and the Four Regions Floating Market. They also saw elephants, shopped, and bought souvenirs for their families.
The mayor said a precise revenue figure was not yet available. Based on talks with business operators and U.S. Embassy officials, however, sailors were estimated to have over five days including accommodations and transportation spent about 100 million baht circulating through restaurants, beverage outlets, department stores, tourist sites and souvenir shops, not only entertainment venues.
Poramese said the visit also delivered valuable publicity. Photos and reports in Thai and international media showed sailors in traditional Thai dress, visiting landmarks, shopping and experiencing Thai culture, not only nightlife. That amounted to broad promotion of Pattaya at little public cost.
He added that visitor behavior had changed from the old G.I. era. According to the USS Abraham Lincoln’s commanding officer, about 20 percent of the roughly 4,800 personnel were women, and many were young. A large number researched destinations in advance and planned their itineraries, reflecting a different style of travel. Plenty were also married with children at home and pursued different activities than visiting nightlife.
“Pattaya is for every day, every age, and everyone can feel safe. Come here and you’ll find everything in one place,” Poramese said. The visit, he added, helped communicate the idea of Pattaya Variety, a city that can serve many kinds of tourists.
The mayor thanked Chonburi Province, police, other agencies and the U.S. Embassy in Thailand for security and facilitation. He said the visit not only generated income for local businesses but also strengthened Thai–U.S. ties and left a positive impression of Thailand and Pattaya.
Before departing, personnel and officers praised the welcome and care they received from Thai people, saying the experience exceeded expectations and would remain a memorable part of their stay.
