5,000 US sailors descend on Thailand as USS Abraham Lincoln docks

Thailand's popular tourist destination, Pattaya, has opened its doors to over 5,000 sailors and Marines from the USS Abraham Lincoln, a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier. The ship had been on an unprecedented 286-day deployment at sea, and its arrival in the city marks a welcome break for the crew and an economic boost for Pattaya, which has seen a significant drop in tourism.

The US Navy has been careful to keep a low profile during the visit, with extra police deployed to ensure a smooth experience and strict instructions against visiting nightlife districts or using recreational drugs. The Shore Liaison Group, tasked with maintaining order, has been described as "shepherds" by one of their members.

Pattaya, known for its vibrant nightlife, owes much of its current success to the presence of US troops during the Vietnam War. The U-Tapao airbase, situated just an hour outside the city, was used for sorties over Vietnam, and after the war, businesses, bars, and sex work moved to Pattaya as many US personnel either stayed or returned on regular trips.

Local businesses, such as Tito's suitmaking shop, have already prepared for the influx of visitors, offering tailored suits priced between 7,000 to 10,000 baht (US$210 to US$300). Tourists and locals alike are eagerly anticipating the US Navy's stay, which is expected to bring a significant economic boon to the city.