Economy
Pattaya Mayor Reports 100 Million Baht Economic Boost from US Navy Visit
A recent five-day port call by the USS Abraham Lincoln brought approximately 4,800 US Navy personnel to Pattaya, resulting in an estimated 100 million baht in local economic activity.
According to a report by Khaosod English, Pattaya Mayor Poramet Ngampichet announced that the recent five-day visit of the USS Abraham Lincoln provided a significant economic stimulus to the city. Approximately 4,800 US Navy personnel came ashore during the deployment, contributing an estimated 100 million baht (roughly US$3 million) to the local economy through their spending.
Mayor Ngampichet highlighted that the visit served as an opportunity to showcase Pattaya’s diverse attractions, moving beyond its traditional reputation for nightlife. For residents and visitors, this influx of personnel underscores the city's capacity to host large-scale international groups and highlights the economic impact of naval port calls on local businesses, including hospitality, dining, and retail sectors.
While the mayor’s estimate provides a clear picture of the immediate financial impact, the long-term economic benefits of such visits remain to be fully assessed. Furthermore, while the figure of 100 million baht is the official estimate provided by the municipal government, specific breakdowns of how these funds were distributed across different sectors of the local economy have not been detailed. The visit is viewed by local officials as a successful effort to promote a broader image of the resort city to international visitors.