"They come to have drinks": 5,000 US marines arrive in the Thai Ibiza after 286 days at sea
The American aircraft carrier 'Abraham Lincoln' arrives at the port after setting a record for duration on the high seas
BarcelonaAfter a record duration of 286 days at sea, the United States aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln docked this Wednesday in Thailand. The U.S. military personnel will now spend five days at a hotel in the tourist city of Pattaya, about 150 kilometers southeast of Bangkok, known for its nightlife and where U.S. soldiers also stopped during the Vietnam War.
This brings an end to the longest maritime military expedition in recent U.S. history. The vessel, with nearly 5,000 crew members on board, set sail on November 21 from San Diego. After participating in Washington's attack against Caracas in January, the aircraft carrier, which is one of the most important jewels of the U.S. military, headed to the Middle East. A few days after it arrived, the United States and Israel launched the attack that started the war against Iran.
The initial plan was for the crew to return home in May, but the entrenchment of the conflict with Tehran made it impossible. Family and friends had warned during the summer of the unrest and exhaustion among the military personnel, in addition to reporting supply problems. The situation on board was increasingly tense, to the point that some family members have gone as far as to claim that two of the crew members tried to jump from the ship.
Areas off-limits to the military
Thailand is one of the few United States allies in Southeast Asia. Despite the country's close relationship with China, Washington maintains a good bond with Bangkok, and visits by American military ships to Thai ports are common. During the visit, there will be areas where American military personnel will not be able to go, such as cannabis shops or theSoi 6, an area known for its go-go bars. The crew of the Abraham Lincoln will also not be able to practice sports such as paragliding or jet ski rides.
In the city, the arrival of the sailors has been received with enthusiasm. "They come to have drinks, to have fun and to disconnect", explains Saroch, a 45-year-old food vendor. The police have deployed extraordinary forces in the streets, especially around the coastal area where nightlife is concentrated and where during the weekend they arrested about fifty people allegedly related to prostitution. Although it is illegal in Thailand, the sex industry operates openly in the country's tourist areas.