{
  "id": 5022654,
  "title": "US-Flugzeugträger in Thailand: Nach 200 Tagen auf See: US-Soldaten erholen sich in Pattaya",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/02/us-flugzeugtrager-in-thailand-nach-200-tagen-auf-see-us-soldaten",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-09-02T05:15:53.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Handelsblatt",
    "slug": "handelsblatt",
    "url": "https://www.handelsblatt.com/politik/international/us-flugzeugtraeger-in-thailand-nach-200-tagen-auf-see-us-soldaten-erholen-sich-in-pattaya/100251382.html"
  },
  "original_language": "de",
  "account": "After more than 200 days at sea, reports of dire conditions aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier have arrived in Thailand. With approximately 5,000 soldiers stationed in the tourist hotspot of Pattaya, the military deployment has generated headlines due to alleged supply shortages and concerns from sailors and their families. The 330-meter-long and up to 74-meter-high ship docked at the Laem Chabang port in Chon Buri province, around 20 kilometers from Pattaya, early morning local time. Following a month-long strain and subpar conditions on board, the nuclear-powered vessel departed from San Diego, California, in November 2025 initially for a Pacific deployment, but later repositioned to the Middle East due to the conflict with Iran. Reports of crew members attempting to jump overboard and widespread mental exhaustion have been documented. Though the military has denied the gravest accusations, thousands of sailors and marines are currently taking a five-day break, with 4,800 aboard the USS Lincoln and 312 on the destroyer USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. \"Our arrival in Laem Chabang provides our sailors and Marines the long-overdue opportunity to rest and recharge,\" stated Admiral Robert E. Loughran in a US Navy statement. While buses will transport the soldiers to Pattaya and back, and they can visit Koh Larn Island and stay in hotels, certain activities are prohibited, including water sports and the consumption of cannabis. Pattaya's famous Walking Street, known for its vibrant bars, go-go clubs, and nightspots, as well as its role in Thailand's sex industry, will be accessible, but must leave by 2:00 AM. Pattaya has prepared for the unprecedented influx, increasing efforts against street prostitution, which is officially banned in Thailand. This is the third time the USS Abraham Lincoln has visited Thailand, having stopped at Laem Chabang in 2006 and 2012. The connection between Pattaya and the US military stretches back decades, with the city being a popular destination for US soldiers during the Vietnam War. The stay is expected to last until September 6, after which the ship will return to its home port of San Diego.",
  "summary": "Monate ohne Landgang, Versorgungsengpässe und psychische Belastung: Der berüchtigte Flugzeugträger „Abraham Lincoln“ hat in Thailand angelegt. Tausende US-Soldaten dürfen sich jetzt dort vergnügen.",
  "key_points": [
    "After 200 days at sea, USS Abraham Lincoln arrives in Pattaya, Thailand",
    "Approximately 5,000 US soldiers stationed in tourist hotspot for five-day break",
    "Sailors and marines relieved after strain and mental exhaustion reported"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}