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US sailors unwind in Thailand by shopping and bar-hopping
BBC • • nation
Key Points:
- Nearly 5,000 sailors from the USS Abraham Lincoln, after a record 250-day deployment, arrived in Pattaya, Thailand, with many opting to go shopping rather than immediately visiting the city's nightlife.
- Pattaya's tourism industry, affected by Middle East conflicts, welcomed the sailors who brought unspent salaries, hoping to boost local businesses despite some reports of limited spending in bars.
- The sailors were reminded that prostitution is illegal in Thailand, though alcohol consumption was widespread, with some younger crew members visibly intoxicated by midnight.
- The crew experienced low morale during their long deployment, with families expressing relief at their safe return; strict discipline and oversight were maintained by the Shore Liaison Group to ensure proper conduct.
- The USS Abraham Lincoln's stop in Pattaya follows established protocols with Thailand, providing the sailors a much-needed rest on their route back to California after operations in the Gulf.
