The USS Abraham Lincoln, one of the largest warships of the United States, left the port of Laem Chabang on Wednesday after a five-day stay in Thailand. This ship, with ۵,۰۰۰ crew members, had anchored north of the tourist city of Pattaya, known for its beautiful beaches and nightlife.
Increased Hopes in Pattaya
The presence of this warship in Pattaya, especially during the low tourist season, brought new hopes for local businesses. Pattaya, as one of the famous tourist destinations, is also known for its not-so-good reputation in the field of sex tourism. However, local authorities intensified security measures before the sailors' arrival and asked sex workers to stay away from areas close to the ship.
The head of Pattaya police, Anuk Seratongyu, stated that the sailors' arrival was generally without any significant incidents, and only on the first day, a minor altercation occurred among the Americans themselves. He emphasized, "Everything went well" and no arrests were reported during this time.
Heavy Costs and Shortages of the Ship
However, the USS Abraham Lincoln has faced challenges in recent months, such as food shortages and mental health crises. Meanwhile, local officials reported that sailors spent up to ۱۰۰ million baht (about ۳ million dollars) during their stay in Pattaya. The mayor of Pattaya also noted that the city earned significant revenue from selling various items to the ship, including hygiene products.
The sailors' presence on the beaches of Thailand was noted not only for buying souvenirs for their families but also for their feelings of homesickness. This indicates that although this trip was close to leisure and enjoyment, deeper emotions were also hidden behind it.
