U.S. Navy personnel arrive in Thailand for port calls

Approximately 5,000 U.S. military personnel from the USS Abraham Lincoln strike group arrived in Pattaya, Thailand, late Wednesday night, September 2, 2026, for a scheduled five-day visit. While the full group is docking at Laem Chabang, roughly 3,000 personnel are expected to visit Pattaya for rest and recreation.

The arrival has led to significantly increased activity in entertainment districts such as Beach Road and Walking Street. To manage the influx, local tourist police and Pattaya city administration have deployed personnel to oversee traffic, maintain public order, and ensure visitor safety during nighttime hours.

As previously noted, local officials anticipate an economic boost for the region’s hotels, restaurants, and retail sectors. Security measures remain in place, including a 2 a.m. curfew for Walking Street and prohibitions on entering specific streets, cannabis shops, and pharmacies. Personnel are also banned from water-based activities. Authorities continue to emphasize strict enforcement of laws against sexual exploitation and have instructed businesses to maintain fair pricing.