Pattaya Welcomes USS Abraham Lincoln Sailors, Expects 100 Million Baht in Spending

Pattaya has welcomed US Navy personnel from the USS Abraham Lincoln, with city authorities stepping up 24-hour security and expecting the visit to generate at least 100 million baht in economic activity. Pattaya Mayor Poramet Ngampichet, together with Banglamung district officials, Pattaya police, tourism authorities and private-sector representatives, welcomed Capt. Dan Keeler, commanding officer of the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72), and members of his crew at Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya. Keeler expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome, saying the crew was pleased to visit Pattaya for rest and leisure following an extended period at sea. Poramet welcomed the sailors and wished them an enjoyable stay, stressing that officials would maintain security around the clock during their visit. The mayor presented traditional Thai fabric garlands to Keeler and several sailors, while the ship’s captain presented Poramet with a model of the USS Abraham Lincoln engraved with the mayor’s name as a souvenir. Following the reception, Poramet said Pattaya had coordinated with Banglamung district authorities, police, the Tourism Authority of Thailand and private businesses to prepare for the visit. Preparations include security measures, monitoring prices to prevent tourists from being overcharged and ensuring goods and services meet appropriate standards. The mayor said the visit follows more than 200 days of naval operations in the Strait of Hormuz before the vessel began its journey back to the United States, making the Pattaya stop an important opportunity for the city. A US naval military representative said Pattaya has maintained a longstanding connection with US Navy personnel, who have visited the city periodically. This visit is particularly significant because the aircraft carrier and its crew have spent an extended period at sea on operations. The visit is expected to bring spending to hotels, tourist attractions, massage and spa businesses and other services across Pattaya. Authorities said preparations began last week, when the Chonburi governor convened relevant agencies to coordinate security and visitor arrangements. A further meeting with US Navy personnel three days earlier also covered restrictions and requirements affecting the visiting sailors. Poramet said Pattaya is currently under the spotlight of both Thai and international media, creating an opportunity to showcase the city’s development. He estimated that sailors could spend an average of US$100–150 per person per day, with total spending from the visit expected to generate at least 100 million baht in Pattaya. The mayor also said media coverage of the sailors’ activities could showcase Pattaya’s improvements, including beaches, sidewalks, street lighting, safety measures and welcome signage, presenting an image of a modern city to an international audience. He stressed that security and service standards must remain a priority throughout the visit.