US Carrier Visit Highlights Pattaya's Capacity for Large Guest Numbers

The visit of the US Navy's nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln to Pattaya from September 2-6 has not only boosted tourism revenue but also served as an opportunity to showcase the seaside city's infrastructure capabilities to the international community. Pattaya Mayor Poramet Ngampichet stated that Pattaya, with its over 200,000 hotel rooms, has ample capacity to comfortably accommodate around 5,000 US sailors and Marines, highlighting it as a prime occasion to demonstrate the city's infrastructure readiness for international tourists. During this visit, US sailors explored various attractions across Pattaya, including entertainment venues, cultural sites, and other significant tourist offerings. Popular tourist destination Koh Larn is also experiencing increased activity, with an average of 5,000–10,000 tourists visiting daily. The mayor emphasized the importance of being good hosts, especially in the age of social media where Pattaya is attracting global attention, and requested cooperation from the public and businesses to prioritize the country's image. He also warned against exploiting or overcharging tourists to ensure a lasting positive impression for the USS Abraham Lincoln crew. As their shore leave neared its end, the number of US sailors arriving in Pattaya from Laem Chabang port noticeably decreased. Those staying in various hotels were seen loading their luggage and souvenirs onto transport vehicles at designated pick-up and drop-off points to return to their aircraft carrier. Source: Thai Newsroom