US aircraft carrier to dock near Thai beach resort Pattaya after record 250 days at sea

The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln is set to dock in Thailand, offering its nearly 5,000 crew members a much-needed respite after a record 250 days at sea without a port call.

The vessel will be mooring near Pattaya, a coastal resort renowned for its vibrant nightlife and sex tourism. For the United States, this location also carries significant historical resonance.

As the weary sailors venture into the city's establishments, they will be retracing the steps of hundreds of thousands of US troops who sought rest and relaxation (R&R) here during the Vietnam War. These troops were instrumental in transforming Pattaya from a quiet fishing village into one of the world's most famous and bustling party destinations.

Currently, the neon-lit lanes leading to the beach are noticeably quieter than usual. While bars on the famous Walking Street still display videos of pole-dancing women to attract patrons, customer numbers are low. Most visitors appear to be Middle Eastern family groups, seemingly more interested in Turkish ice cream vendors than the go-go bars.

Local businesses have been severely impacted by the Iran War, which has dampened tourism and consumer spending. The arrival of thousands of American sailors, with nine months of accumulated salary, presents a rare economic opportunity for these establishments.

The USS Abraham Lincoln departed San Diego last November for what was intended to be a six-month deployment in the Pacific and South China Sea. However, the ship was rerouted to the Gulf after the US and Israel initiated military operations against Iran in late February.

Recent reports of food shortages, malfunctioning toilets, and crew mental stress have prompted concerns from some members of Congress. The US Navy has acknowledged the challenging working conditions but asserts that the crew has been adequately supported. Citing operational security, the Navy declined to comment to the BBC regarding the carrier's docking in Pattaya.

Despite its close ties with China, Thailand is a treaty ally of the US, and visits by US Navy ships are a regular occurrence. However, this visit likely represents the largest influx of US military personnel directly from a war zone to Pattaya since the fall of Saigon in 1975.

"This visit could be our best hope," stated Anon Saiteer, a gem seller near Walking Street, whose shop has prominently displayed a welcome sign for US sailors and marines, offering them a special discount. "We have nothing to lose – we just hope they will spend some money here."

Both US and Thai officials are striving to ensure the visit proceeds without generating the sensational headlines for which Pattaya has become known.

Thai authorities have designated certain areas as off-limits to US servicemen and women, including Soi 6, a street leading to the main beach, known for its concentration of racy go-go bars. While Thai police have reminded US visitors that prostitution is technically illegal in Thailand, the city is estimated to have between 25,000 and 50,000 sex workers, many of whom operate in Soi 6, soliciting customers from outside bars.

Additionally, the numerous cannabis shops in Pattaya are off-limits to US crew members, as are sea sports such as paragliding and jet-skiing.

"It is their decision," Mayor Poramase Ngampiches informed the BBC. "The US military have done their homework."

The carrier has docked approximately 40 minutes from Pattaya. The US Navy has arranged shuttle buses from the port to Pattaya, operating daily from 5 am to 2 am during the carrier's stay in Thailand. Two hotels have been designated as suitable for US crew members wishing to spend a night ashore.

Thai authorities have deployed hundreds of police officers to monitor the city's entertainment zones and have cautioned local businesses against overcharging their American guests.

"The visits of US military men 50-60 years ago introduced Pattaya to the world and turned it into a tourist attraction," Mayor Poramase remarked. "We have to be frank, the city has a reputation for bar girls. We understand the stereotypes. We can't stop that. What we can do is to show that Pattaya has changed, that we now have other things, such as sports, seminars, wellness and family-friendly activities. It's a mixture of everything."

Both nations hope that by the time the USS Abraham Lincoln embarks on its long journey home across the Pacific on September 6, its crew will be refreshed and well-rested.