The U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln will dock in Thailand’s Pattaya this week with nearly 5,000 sailors and Marines for shore leave after a 200-day deployment. The visit, scheduled to begin Wednesday at Laem Chabang, follows a record-long deployment that included operations in the Middle East and raised concerns about crew morale and mental health.
Local authorities are preparing for an economic lift, with each service member expected to spend up to 3,000 baht ($91) daily during shore leave. Pattaya Mayor Poramase Ngampiches called the influx a short-term stimulus, though not all personnel will disembark at once. The city’s tourism sector, still recovering from a slow year, sees the visit as a rare opportunity.
Police have increased patrols and conducted weekend raids targeting suspected prostitution, detaining 40 to 50 people. Experts warn the influx could heighten risks of sexual exploitation and disease spread, compounding concerns about crew well-being after reports of deteriorating conditions aboard the carrier.
