US Navy Visit Boosts Pattaya's Economy and Atmosphere

PATTAYA, Thailand – The arrival of US Navy personnel from the USS Abraham Lincoln has injected significant activity into Pattaya, with sailors patronizing shops, dining at restaurants, and visiting tourist attractions across the city. Their activities extend beyond the traditional nightlife scene to cultural sites and other popular destinations. Pattaya Mayor Poramet Ngampichet stated that the visit has created a noticeably lively atmosphere. Sailors have been observed traveling in groups and individually, exploring a wide range of locations. Mayor Ngampichet highlighted Pattaya's substantial infrastructure, noting its nearly 200,000 hotel rooms and its capacity to host over 20 million visitors last year. He asserted that the city is well-equipped to accommodate large numbers of foreign visitors, including naval personnel. The island of Koh Larn, which attracts an average of 5,000 to 10,000 visitors daily, exemplifies the island's ability to handle heavy tourist traffic and positions Pattaya favorably for hosting visiting US Navy personnel. The mayor views this visit as an opportunity to showcase Pattaya's infrastructure and its readiness to host international visitors. He urged residents, businesses, and tourism operators to act as good hosts and protect Pattaya's reputation, especially in the age of social media. He cautioned against overcharging or taking advantage of tourists, emphasizing that Pattaya is increasingly under scrutiny from global visitors and social media users. Mayor Ngampichet called for a warm welcome for the USS Abraham Lincoln personnel, aiming to create a positive impression that could encourage future returns to Pattaya.