After more than 200 days at sea, US aircraft carrier arrives in Thailand

The USS Abraham Lincoln reached Thailand’s Laem Chabang port after more than 200 days at sea, including a long deployment in the Middle East. The voyage has coincided with reports of mental health concerns and deteriorating conditions aboard the carrier.

The ship carries roughly 5,000 sailors and Marines. Democratic lawmakers say the Lincoln has set a modern-day record for consecutive days at sea, well beyond the six- to nine-month deployments that are typical outside wartime conditions.

Accompanied by other U.S. naval vessels, the carrier will spend five days in Thailand for rest and recuperation, according to Thai officials. The arrival has also raised hopes of an economic boost in nearby Pattaya, a resort city known for its nightlife and long-standing reputation for sex tourism.

Pattaya Mayor Poramase Ngampiches said about 40 buses would transport military personnel between the city and Laem Chabang. He said personnel would be prohibited from activities including water sports, jet skiing, bungee jumping, wrestling and boxing.

Police will add patrols around Pattaya’s main beachfront and nightlife district. Officials said weekend raids led to the detention of 40 to 50 people suspected of prostitution. Thailand bans the sex industry, although it remains openly visible in major tourist centers such as Bangkok and Pattaya.

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There are certain places and activities that the personnel are prohibited from participating in, such as all kinds of water sports, jet skiing, bungee jumping, wrestling, and boxing.