Pattaya is preparing for an unusual influx of visitors as a US Navy aircraft carrier arrives in Thailand this week, bringing thousands of sailors and Marines and potentially providing a much-needed boost to the resort city's tourism economy.

The USS Abraham Lincoln is scheduled to dock on Wednesday at nearby Laem Chabang, accompanied by two other US Navy vessels. Nearly 5,000 sailors and Marines are expected to get a period of rest and recreation following more than 200 consecutive days at sea.

Pattaya businesses hope for economic boost

Local businesses are viewing the visit as an opportunity to revive a tourism sector that has experienced a difficult year.

Pattaya Mayor Poramase Ngampiches estimated that each US military personnel could spend between 1,000 and 3,000 baht ($30-$91) per day, depending on how long they remain ashore and whether they stay overnight.

Because shore leave is expected to be staggered, the entire group will not enter the city simultaneously. Even so, local officials believe the visit could provide a short-term lift to restaurants, hotels, entertainment venues and other businesses.

Police increase patrols

The anticipated arrival has also prompted increased security measures.

Thai police are planning additional patrols around Pattaya's main beachfront and nightlife districts. Authorities also conducted weekend raids that resulted in 40 to 50 people being detained on suspicion of prostitution, according to officials.

Prostitution is illegal in Thailand, although the commercial sex industry remains highly visible in several major tourist destinations, including parts of Pattaya.

Concerns over exploitation and health

Experts have warned that a sudden increase in customers could create additional risks, particularly in areas associated with Pattaya's nightlife industry.

Pipatpong Fakfare, an associate professor at Bangkok University, said a large influx of visitors could increase concerns related to sexual exploitation and sexually transmitted infections.

Authorities are therefore attempting to balance the expected economic benefits of the naval visit with efforts to prevent illegal activity and protect public safety.

A historic deployment

The Abraham Lincoln left its home port of San Diego in November and was later redirected to the Middle East to support US military operations during the conflict involving Iran.

Its deployment has lasted more than 200 days without a port call, which Democratic lawmakers have described as a modern-era record for consecutive days at sea. Reports from military-focused publications have also raised concerns about morale and mental health among some crew members, although US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has disputed those reports.

Pattaya looks for a tourism revival

Pattaya developed partly as a tourism destination during the Vietnam War era, when US servicemen became an important source of visitors to the area.

Today, local tourism businesses are hoping the carrier's visit will generate additional spending at a time when the city's tourism sector is struggling.

The immediate economic impact, however, will depend on how many personnel remain in Pattaya rather than travelling elsewhere, including Bangkok