US Navy’s visit to Thailand brings in S$3.8 million
The United States (US) Navy’s visit to Thailand reportedly brought an estimated THB100 million (S$3.8 million) into the local economy.
About 5,000 sailors and Marines were estimated to have each spent at least USD100 (S$128) to USD150 (S$192) during their five-day stay.
The aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln had docked in Laem Chabang Port in Chonburi Province, near Pattaya, from 2 to 6 Sept.
This was its first regular port call after around 286 days of continuous deployment.
Visit promotes Pattaya’s “new image” as a diverse tourist destination
Pattaya Mayor Poramet Ngampichet said the sailors spent their money at restaurants, shopping malls, and retail shops.
They visited attractions such as the Sanctuary of Truth Museum, Four Regions Floating Market, and the Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden.
They also took part in activities such as elephant riding and shopped for souvenirs for their families.
Source: บริษัท โสภณ เคเบิ้ล ที.วี.และสื่อสาร พัทยา จำกัด on Facebook
Mr Poramet claimed that these being covered by international media helped promote Pattaya’s “new image” as a diverse tourist destination rather than just a nightlife spot.
“Pattaya is for every day, for all ages, safe for everyone, and you can find everything you need in one place,” Mr Poramet said, according to Bangkok Post.
The mayor also highlighted that this gave Pattaya massive publicity at no cost to the city.
Source: บริษัท โสภณ เคเบิ้ล ที.วี.และสื่อสาร พัทยา จำกัด on Facebook
Sailors banned from cannabis shops & entertainment areas
Days before the aircraft carrier’s anticipated arrival, Thai authorities expressed concern about the possibility of crime.
As such, they enacted several measures to prevent the sailors’ visit from becoming mired in controversy.
These include warning local businesses against overcharging the sailors, Pattaya Mail reported.
Additionally, the sailors were banned from water activities and from taking advantage of Thailand’s cannabis.
Source: The Thaiger
Perhaps the most eye-catching measure is that they also made sure that Soi 6 and 7 were off-limits to the sailors.
Soi 6, in particular, is infamous as an entertainment area in a city well-known for its sex tourism.
Despite this, the president of the Pattaya Nightlife Business Association called the port call a source of hope for struggling local businesses.
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Featured image adapted from บริษัท โสภณ เคเบิ้ล ที.วี.และสื่อสาร พัทยา จำกัด on Facebook.
