Thailand's Pattaya anticipates USS Abraham Lincoln visit

Pattaya, on Thailand’s east coast, is preparing for a visit by the USS Abraham Lincoln after the aircraft carrier sailed past Singapore and is expected to dock at a port in Chonburi province this week. Thai officials say more than 5,000 American service members are onboard, and many are expected to visit Pattaya, with Mayor Poramet Ngampichet calling the port call a boost for the local economy. He said destroyer USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. will dock at a different port. Ahead of the visit, officials said U.S. personnel will be banned from certain recreational activities, including parasailing and marijuana use, after medical cannabis was legalized in Thailand in 2022. The city is also increasing police presence along Pattaya Beach and Walking Street, while authorities warn businesses not to overcharge sailors.