The US Navy aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln arrived at Thailand’s Laem Chabang deep-sea port on Wednesday morning, bringing an extended period at sea to a temporary halt for thousands of sailors and Marines.
The vessel has spent more than 200 consecutive days at sea, including a lengthy deployment in the Middle East. Democratic lawmakers have described the voyage as a modern-day US Navy record and raised concerns about worsening living conditions and the mental wellbeing of personnel aboard.
Naval deployments usually last between six and nine months, although missions can be extended during periods of conflict.
Accompanied by several other US naval vessels, the Abraham Lincoln will remain in Thailand for a five-day rest and recreation visit. Thailand is the United States’ only treaty ally in mainland Southeast Asia.
The arrival of approximately 5,000 military personnel is expected to benefit businesses in nearby Pattaya, one of Thailand’s leading resort destinations and a city also widely associated with sex tourism.
Pattaya Mayor Poramase Ngampiches said around 40 buses would transport personnel between Laem Chabang port and the city during the visit.
However, service members have reportedly been prohibited from taking part in several activities, including water sports, jet skiing, bungee jumping, wrestling and boxing.
Authorities will increase police patrols along Pattaya’s beachfront and around its main nightlife district. The heightened security follows weekend raids in which officials detained between 40 and 50 people on suspicion of involvement in prostitution.
Prostitution remains illegal in Thailand, although the sex industry continues to operate openly in parts of major tourism destinations such as Pattaya and Bangkok, despite periodic police crackdowns.
