US aircraft carrier arrives in Thailand after months at sea
The USS Abraham Lincoln, which was at sea for 286 days, is at the centre of controversy over deteriorating living conditions and poor mental health on board.
The aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, carrying around 5,000 sailors and Marines, has arrived in Thailand's Laem Chabang port after an unprecedented 200+ day deployment at sea. This marks a new record for consecutive days at sea, according to Democratic lawmakers. The vessel had previously been deployed in the Middle East for an extended period.
Typically, naval deployments last between six to nine months; however, during times of conflict, these can be prolonged. The Lincoln will spend five days in Thailand, the United States' sole treaty partner in mainland Southeast Asia, for rest and rejuvenation. Accompanied by other US naval vessels, the aircraft carrier will stop in Thailand for this period of respite.
Once the military personnel disembark in Pattaya, a city known for its resorts and sex tourism, they will be transported to the port via a fleet of around 40 buses. Pattaya Mayor Poramase Ngampiches informed Reuters that certain activities are prohibited for the personnel, including various water sports, jet skiing, bungee jumping, wrestling, and boxing.
Police will increase patrols around Pattaya's main beachfront and nightlife district, following recent raids that resulted in the detention of 40-50 individuals suspected of prostitution. Despite these efforts to maintain order, Thailand's sex industry remains visible in major tourist areas, including Bangkok and Pattaya, even amid occasional crackdowns.
Written by urgent.news from The Jakarta Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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