US Navy Fleet Boosts Pattaya, Igniting Tourism Hopes

PATTAYA, Thailand – “Welcome! Welcome!” rang out from massage shops and businesses across Pattaya on Thursday, Sept.3, as US sailors from the USS Abraham Lincoln continued their second day of shore leave in the city. The streets began filling with young US Navy personnel from the aircraft carrier and its accompanying vessels, bringing a noticeable buzz to Pattaya’s tourist areas. Massage shop staff and other businesses greeted passing sailors enthusiastically, eager to make the visiting Americans feel at home during their stay. On Thursday morning, groups of sailors continued arriving in Pattaya throughout the day. Many travelled by public transport and taxis after being dropped off by buses at hotels, villas, villages and other accommodation. Others hired private cars with drivers for several days. Transport operators said the large number of visitors was already creating more activity for local businesses. Drivers have been taking sailors between accommodation, restaurants, shopping areas and tourist attractions, while some groups have arranged vehicles for continuous use during their stay. Phisit Sudsawat, a local transport operator, said drivers were making an effort to act as good hosts by providing information about Pattaya and helping visitors get around the city. He said the arrival of thousands of US personnel had made Pattaya noticeably livelier. Prasong Khongkaphan of the Loma Pattaya Taxi Cooperative said many sailors were using taxis to travel between hotels, villas and other accommodation. Operators were aiming to provide fair service and avoid overcharging visitors, he said, with some sailors hiring vehicles for longer periods. The influx is expected to benefit taxis, hotels, restaurants, massage shops and other tourism-related businesses throughout the port visit. With more sailors expected to head into Pattaya in the evenings, local operators are preparing for the city to become even busier over the coming days. For Pattaya, the repeated “Welcome, welcome!” greetings are more than just a friendly reception — they are a familiar sound of the city’s tourism economy coming back to life.