Pattaya ready to welcome 5,000 US military personnel

Pattaya is prepared to host approximately 5,000 American military personnel who will be in town for a much-needed break next week. The USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group is set to arrive in Thailand on September 2 after a record 250-plus days at sea. Pattaya's mayor, Poramet Ngampichet, anticipates that each American visitor will spend between 1,000 and 3,000 baht, potentially generating 5 million to 15 million baht in revenue during their stay.

This influx will benefit local businesses such as restaurants, travel agencies, and service providers. Business owners on Pattaya's Walking Street are optimistic about the American visitors, as their sales have been slow this month. The Pattaya police chief has increased patrols and asked businesses to be good hosts and avoid exploiting patrons.

If disputes arise, residents should contact the police for assistance in resolving them and maintaining Pattaya's positive reputation. The USS Abraham Lincoln departed San Diego on November 21, 2025, for a six-month deployment in the Middle East but has been deployed for over nine months, with its last port call in Guam in mid-December.

The aircraft carrier and its support vessels are scheduled to dock at the Royal Thai Navy base in Sattahip.