US Navy Personnel's Pattaya Visit Subject to Safety Restrictions

US Navy personnel from the USS Abraham Lincoln, currently on holiday in Pattaya from September 2nd to 6th, have been subjected to strict safety guidelines imposed by US authorities. These restrictions include prohibitions on engaging in risky activities, such as entering Soi 6 and Soi 7 after dark. While Walking Street remains accessible, other limitations have been put in place for the sailors' safety. Pattaya Mayor Poramet Ngampichet stated that the guidelines also prohibit water sports and visits to cannabis shops. Furthermore, sailors are not permitted to purchase medicine from pharmacies without a doctor's prescription, a measure implemented due to the easy availability of certain medications in Thailand, which differs from the United States. Despite these restrictions, tourist attractions such as Koh Larn and others remain open and accessible to the sailors as usual. The visit is anticipated to provide a significant economic boost to local businesses in Pattaya, including restaurants, massage parlors, spas, shopping malls, and entertainment venues. Each sailor is expected to spend between US$100-150 per day, with the overall visit estimated to generate approximately 100 million baht in revenue for the local economy. Reports from Walking Street indicate a growing crowd of both foreign tourists and locals, with US Navy sailors observed exploring the city and patronizing various establishments. An entertainment venue manager noted that while the first night saw fewer sailors, possibly due to initial exploration of attractions, business is expected to pick up in the following nights. A shared taxi driver with over 20 years of experience expressed optimism about the economic benefits of the sailors' visit, hoping for increased service usage, although most sailors were observed using regular shared taxis rather than private hires.