Port Call

Thousands of US sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln departed from Thailand on Sunday, concluding its first port call following reports of deteriorating living conditions on board after nine months at sea. The 5,000-strong crew docked just north of the resort town of Pattaya for five days of rest and recreation after a lengthy Middle East deployment.

The enlisted Americans were estimated to have spent up to 100 million baht ($3 million) during their visit. The city also benefitted from selling supplies such as toothpaste to the ship worth millions of baht, as media reports said sailors had gone without basic toiletries -- including toothpaste, deodorant and soap -- at points during their deployment.

Deteriorating conditions

Last month, US Democratic lawmakers called for an investigation into conditions on the Lincoln following reports of food shortages, broken plumbing and mental health crises. President Donald Trump dismissed the concerns, which have fuelled criticism of his dragging war on Iran, although the Lincoln was replaced in the Middle East by the USS George Washington.

"Everything went fine," Pattaya police chief Anek Srathongyoo told AFP. "There were no arrests or arguments except on the first day when Americans had an argument among themselves." Many sailors spent their time shopping and visiting tourism sites. "It shows that they are missing their families and want to buy some souvenirs for them," said Pattaya's mayor.