{
  "id": 5523158,
  "title": "US sailors spread across Pattaya, spend big at tourist sites",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/04/us-sailors-spread-across-pattaya-spend-big-at-tourist-sites",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-04T07:25:03.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Thaiger",
    "slug": "the-thaiger",
    "url": "https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/tourism/us-sailors-pattaya-spend-big-tourist-sites"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "US military personnel from the USS Abraham Lincoln are dividing their time among Pattaya's tourist sites during shore leave, with an estimate that their spending could surpass 100,000 baht daily. Since returning to shore, personnel have been transported to the city by about 40 buses each day, traveling from Laem Chabang Port to Pattaya. The arrival of US sailors at the Sanctuary of Truth in Na Kluea subdistrict began around 9am on September 3, with visitors typically spending about an hour exploring the wooden structures and carvings before engaging in other activities. Among the options are elephant rides and feeding, horse-drawn carriage rides, horseback riding, rowing boats, speedboats, and Thai costume rentals for photographs. Entry to the Sanctuary of Truth costs 500 baht, and additional activities range from 300 to 500 baht. A marketing manager at the attraction expects at least 100,000 baht in spending per day, attributing the increased interest to Pattaya's nightlife and cultural attractions. The current shore leave is reportedly busier than previous visits, as personnel have been at sea for about seven to eight months and seek relaxation and new experiences. The Sanctuary of Truth has enhanced security and visitor assistance during the visit, with assistance from Bang Lamung district officials. Businesses in Pattaya and Bang Lamung anticipate benefiting from the US sailors' spending on transport, accommodation, dining, and attractions while the USS Abraham Lincoln remains anchored in Chon Buri.",
  "summary": "The USS Abraham Lincoln docked at Laem Chabang on September 2, bringing thousands of US Navy personnel on shore leave in Pattaya through September 6. The story US sailors spread across Pattaya, spend big at tourist sites as seen on Thaiger News .",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 4,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Malay Mail",
        "title": "Pattaya port call sees minor drama as two US sailors are sent back to carrier",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/04/pattaya-port-call-sees-minor-drama-as-two-us-sailors-are-sent-back-to",
        "published": "2026-09-04T06:10:30.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Daily Times",
        "title": "US sailors sent back to carrier after Pattaya brawl",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/04/us-sailors-sent-back-to-carrier-after-pattaya-brawl",
        "published": "2026-09-04T08:08:53.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Khaosod English",
        "title": "Two US sailors restricted to ship after Pattaya bar brawl",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/04/two-us-sailors-restricted-to-ship-after-pattaya-bar-brawl",
        "published": "2026-09-04T08:29:44.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}