Sin City’s New Crew: The USS Lincoln’s Troops Bring Economic Relief to Pattaya

The USS Abraham Lincoln’s 5,000-strong crew has docked in Pattaya, Thailand, injecting much-needed economic relief into the seaside resort city. This isn’t your typical tourism story – it’s a tale of redemption for Pattaya, once infamous for its sex tourism industry.

Pattaya has undergone significant transformation, rebranding itself as a family-friendly destination with golf courses, malls, and outdoor activities like water skiing and skydiving. The effort to revamp the city acknowledges its dark past without erasing it.

Locals are eager to capitalize on the influx of American service members. Saroch, a local food vendor, was quoted in a translated video saying, “They’re here to drink, have fun and let loose.” This sentiment highlights the economic benefits these troops bring. As Kadsalin Ketpa, who sells clothes in Pattaya, noted, “The possibility of making more sales” is exciting news for her and other vendors.

However, the visit also raises questions about responsibility. The commanding officer on the USS Lincoln has warned service members against engaging in prostitution, which is technically illegal in Thailand but rarely enforced. This warning isn’t just about following the law; it’s also about respecting local culture and avoiding further perpetuation of Pattaya’s seedy reputation.

The city’s transformation is a reminder that even unlikely destinations can change over time. During the Vietnam War, American service members flocked to Pattaya, turning it into a raunchy seaside playground. Now, the city is working to shed its past and appeal to a broader audience, as evident in Elizabeth Becker’s book “Overbooked: The Exploding Business of Travel and Tourism.”

As the sailors enjoy their time in Pattaya, they’ll be contributing to this ongoing transformation. Their presence will undoubtedly bring attention to the city’s efforts to reinvent itself. When they return to their duties on Sunday, they’ll leave behind a city that’s slowly but surely moving away from its seedy past.