US sailors leave Pattaya after splashing millions during five-day shore break
PATTAYA, Sept 6 — Thousands of US sailors aboard an aircraft carrier departed from Thailand today, AFP journalists...
Pattaya, September 6 - Following reports of unsatisfactory living conditions aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln for nine months at sea, the 5,000-strong crew of the aircraft carrier docked at Pattaya, Thailand for a five-day rest and recreation period. The visit came during Thailand's tourism low season, and officials hoped that the sailors' arrival would boost local businesses, including those in the city's known adult entertainment industry.
As security measures were increased in anticipation of the sailors' arrival, authorities were on hand to crack down on sex workers, though Pattaya's mayor insisted the crackdown was unrelated. Local police reported the port call went smoothly, with only one minor altercation involving the Americans. Despite concerns over the Lincoln's living conditions, including reports of food shortages and broken plumbing, the city's mayor estimated that sailors spent up to 100 million baht (RM12 million) during their visit.
Pattaya benefited from additional sales of supplies, such as toothpaste, to the ship. Many sailors and Marines utilized their time in Pattaya to purchase souvenirs for their families.
Written by urgent.news from Malay Mail's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
