USS Abraham Lincoln to dock near Pattaya as US carrier returns from Middle East
The aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and more than 5,000 U.S. service members will make a port call in Chonburi province, Thailand, prompting local officials to prepare security measures and anticipate an economic boost for Pattaya.
The U.S. Navy’s aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln is scheduled to dock at a port in Chonburi province this week, bringing over 5,000 American service members to the eastern Thai city of Pattaya, officials said. The carrier is returning to the United States after a deployment in the Middle East.
Pattaya Mayor Poramet Ngampichet said the visit could help revive the local economy, which has suffered from a decline in international tourism linked to higher fuel prices. He noted that the destroyer USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. will dock at a separate port and added that the city hopes to attract future military visits for both drills and leisure.
Thai authorities have announced restrictions on certain recreational activities for the service members, including a ban on parasailing and the use of marijuana, which was legalized in Thailand in 2022. Police will increase their presence in popular areas such as Pattaya Beach and Walking Street, and officials warned local businesses against overcharging the sailors.
City police chief Anek Srathongyoo said law-enforcement agencies will enforce Thai law and prosecute any violations by U.S. personnel. Local business owners expressed mixed expectations; some displayed welcome signs for the troops, while others questioned how many service members would actually visit their establishments.
The Lincoln’s deployment, which lasted more than 250 days at sea, is part of U.S. operations related to tensions with Iran. Thai officials confirmed the carrier will depart Thailand after the port call and return to the United States.