How US military presence spurred Pattaya’s rise into Thailand’s city of pleasure
The USS Abraham Lincoln, an aircraft carrier with 5,000 crew members, is on shore leave in Pattaya, Thailand, after a record deployment at sea. The crew experienced supply shortages, including food, during their extended mission, which has been in the conflict zone with Iran for seven months. This deployment has sparked debate regarding the White House's treatment of service personnel. For the sailors, this leave in Pattaya, described as Thailand's eastern beach resort, offers an opportunity to relax and enjoy the city's amenities after their challenging time at sea.