Pattaya: Pattaya is preparing to receive an influx of over 5,000 American soldiers as part of the USS Abraham Lincoln fleet's visit, which commenced with the arrival of the fleet in Chonburi. Pattaya Mayor Parames Ngampicheth confirmed that discussions had been held with representatives of the US Ambassador to Thailand and officials from the USS, outlining the logistics of the visit. The fleet, consisting of three ships, arrived in Thailand around midnight last night. The USS Abraham Lincoln, with 4,800 personnel, will dock at Laem Chabang Port, while the USS Frank E. Petersen, Jr., with 312 personnel, will be stationed at Sriracha Harbor.
According to Thai News Agency, personnel are anticipated to reach Pattaya between noon and 1 PM, with the Hard Rock Hotel serving as the primary pick-up and drop-off point. A fleet of 40 buses will facilitate transportation between the piers and Pattaya, operating daily from 5 AM to 2 AM. Not all soldiers will stay overnight in Pattaya; accommodations will mainly be at the Hard Rock Hotel and the Hilton, while some will return to their ships.
The soldiers are restricted from participating in water sports such as jet skiing or parasailing and from using marijuana. However, they are permitted to travel by boat to Koh Larn for accommodation and are expected to visit various tourist attractions, including shopping malls.
Pattaya police have enhanced security measures, deploying patrol teams, monitoring CCTV cameras, and setting up a hotline (1155) for the Tourist Police to handle emergencies. Meetings with business operators have been conducted to ensure goods are priced reasonably.
It is estimated that each soldier will spend between 100-150 dollars per day, generating an estimated 100 million baht in economic activity from September 2nd to 6th.
Reporters noted the atmosphere outside the Hard Rock Hotel, where transportation services were on standby ahead of the soldiers' scheduled arrival at 3 to 4 PM. Despite the influx of soldiers, the overall atmosphere along Pattaya beach remains unchanged, with no special welcoming preparations observed.
Officials from the Chonburi Provincial Commerce Office were seen inspecting local shops and stalls to maintain order and ensure fair pricing during the soldiers' stay. Meanwhile, tourist police vehicles and officers are stationed at the Hard Rock Hotel to ensure tourist safety.
Interviews with local vendors revealed a lack of excitement, as annual visits by US troops are a common occurrence. Vendors stated that most soldiers prefer visiting pubs and bars over using beachfront services, with many pursuing interactions with local women. A vendor with over 20 years of experience shared that American troops predominantly frequent pubs and bars, and interactions with women there are a common sight during their visits.