Pattaya (Thailand) (AFP) - The US aircraft carrier "Abraham Lincoln", which was the subject of a political controversy over living conditions on board after spending months at sea, arrived in an area off a Thai port on Wednesday, according to what AFP correspondents reported.

Published on: 02/09/2026 - 14:01 Last updated: 02/09/2026 - 18:09

It is planned that the ship's crew of 5,000 will spend their vacation in the coastal resort of Pattaya, the same place where American soldiers used to spend their vacations during the Vietnam War.

AFP reporters saw the huge nuclear-powered ship docking at Laem Chabang port near Pattaya, south of Bangkok, where its crew will spend their first five-day vacation after 286 days of sailing.

As part of preparations to receive the crew, Chonburi Province Governor Naris Niramayoung said that 600 security personnel had been mobilized to "ensure their security and provide them with the necessary assistance."

“We are all very excited, as there is expected to be a lot of activity in the area,” said Anthony “AJ” Jones, a 60-year-old New Zealand musician who plays every night at one of the bars on the beach.

"Business will make big profits from this visit," he told AFP as he quickly reviewed the American classical music business.

Local media reported that Pattaya resort authorities prevented crew members from visiting some of the controversial streets in the city, which has become known internationally as one of the most prominent sex tourism destinations, at a time when the city seeks to get rid of this stereotype.

In turn, the city's mayor, Buramasi Ngambiches, announced a ban on crew members from practicing water sports such as jet skiing and smoking cannabis. He called on them instead to visit commercial centers and religious sites, stressing the need to be safe.

Earlier this week, the local official told AFP that the authorities had recently intensified their campaign against workers in sexual activities, stressing that these measures preceded the announcement of the arrival of the American aircraft carrier.

The "Abraham Lincoln" is scheduled to remain anchored until Sunday, according to Ngambiches, who expressed his hope that the city will achieve economic returns amounting to 100 million Thai baht (2.6 million euros), especially since "the crew members have not spent any money in 200 days," as he put it.

-Extra movement-

The ship left California in November 2025 to carry out missions in the South China Sea, then was diverted to the Middle East before the US-Israeli attacks on Iran that began six months ago.

Reports were published about food shortages and sanitation problems, as well as the deterioration of the psychological conditions of crew members and some of them attempting suicide, which sparked a wave of widespread criticism in the United States, where popular opposition to the war with Iran is increasing.

Admiral Robert Loughran, commander of the naval-air group of the carrier Abraham Lincoln, said in a statement that “our arrival in Laem Chabang gives our soldiers a well-deserved rest.”

For his part, Captain Dan Keller said, “The first station on land for our crew after a historic period of deployment at sea will allow our crew to enjoy this beautiful country rich in history.”

During the Vietnam War in the 1960s, Pattaya, which was once a quiet village where fishermen were active, turned into a destination for American soldiers who went there to relax on its palm-shaded beaches.

On the doors of one of the bars, a sign was hung welcoming “all American soldiers.”

Nico, a French bar owner, said, "It will be good for us if they come. We expect movement in the city to increase slightly," adding, "But we must be alert to any possible violations, especially since things can quickly get out of control under the influence of alcohol."

-Suicide attempts-

In the United States, Democratic lawmakers called for an investigation to be opened into the living conditions aboard the “Abraham Lincoln,” in light of reports published by the “Navy Times” website, which specializes in the US Navy, according to which at least two sailors attempted to commit suicide by jumping off board.

US President Donald Trump downplayed these concerns surrounding the aircraft carrier's sailing period, which was very long.

For his part, Acting US Secretary of the Navy Hong Kao acknowledged that "limited cases related to mental health have been dealt with," noting that "no deaths have been recorded."

The aircraft carrier "George Washington" moved to the Middle East, after it was stationed in Japan, in light of the continuing conflict between the United States and Iran.

According to a report by the US Naval Institute, the aircraft carrier group "Theodore Roosevelt" is expected to sail from San Diego on the west coast of the United States in the coming weeks, and in turn will replace the carrier "George Washington" at a later time.

© 2026 AFP

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