US aircraft carrier departs Thailand after port call

The aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, carrying a crew of 5,000 sailors, concluded its first port call in Thailand after nine months at sea in the Middle East. Upon docking in Pattaya, just north of Bangkok, the 5,000-strong crew enjoyed five days of rest and recreation, raising hopes for local businesses. During their deployment, some sailors reported living conditions lacking basic toiletries such as toothpaste, deodorant, and soap.

The Lincoln departed from Laem Chabang port, a half-hour drive from Pattaya, at around 11am, with security heightened in the city to prevent any potential issues. Despite concerns, Pattaya police chief Anek Srathongyoo reported that the port call concluded without incident, with only minor arguments among the sailors. The US Navy took disciplinary action after a drunken altercation involving two sailors near Pattaya's nightlife hotspot, Walking Street.

US Democratic lawmakers had previously called for an investigation into conditions on the Lincoln, citing food shortages, broken plumbing, and mental health crises. The sailors' visit to Pattaya was estimated to have generated up to 100 million baht (US$3 million) in spending, with the city also benefiting from supplies sold to the ship worth millions of baht.