Immigration Division 3 is preparing to receive more than 5,000 personnel from the USS Abraham Lincoln when it docks at Chonburi Port from 2 to 6 September. They are also encouraging Thai people to be good hosts in order to stimulate the economy and promote a positive tourism image in the area.
On 29 August 2026 at 1:00 p.m., at Immigration Division 3 Headquarters, Pol. Col. Prinya Klinkesorn, Deputy Commander and spokesperson for Immigration Division 3, announced that Pol. Maj. Gen. Songprod Sirisukha, Commander of Immigration Division 3, has instructed Chonburi immigration and related units to prepare for the arrival of U.S. Navy and Marine personnel from the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier and accompanying vessels. Approximately 5,000 personnel are expected to dock at the eastern seaboard and Laem Chabang Port, Chonburi Province, from 2 to 6 September 2026 for shore leave and resupply following extended maritime missions.
Pol. Col. Prinya stated that he has instructed all units under his command to prepare comprehensively in all aspects, including personnel, systems, and equipment for individual inspections, as well as coordinating with local security agencies, the Navy, Laem Chabang Port authorities, provincial police, tourist police, and administrative officials.
The visit of the U.S. Navy vessels to Thailand has been ongoing as part of the long-standing relationship between the two countries. The USS Abraham Lincoln previously docked at Laem Chabang Port in 2012, during which personnel participated in community service activities such as school development, temple cleaning, and visits to local children and residents. These efforts helped build goodwill and mutual understanding between the people of both nations.
The Immigration Division 3 spokesperson added that this visit not only reflects the strong bilateral ties but also presents a significant opportunity for the economy and tourism in the eastern region, especially Chonburi and nearby areas. Thousands of personnel will spend their shore leave enjoying tourism activities, resulting in expenditures on food, accommodation, transportation, souvenirs, tourist attractions, and other services, which will generate income and distribute money to local businesses, vendors, service providers, and residents.
Therefore, the public and business operators in Chonburi and nearby areas are requested to cooperate by being good hosts, welcoming visitors with kindness, providing polite and fair services, avoiding price gouging or unfair charges, refraining from deception or exploitation, and steering clear of actions that might cause conflict or violence. The behavior of service providers and residents encountered by visitors greatly influences foreign perceptions and Thailand’s image.
Additionally, coordination with relevant agencies has been established to inform the visiting personnel that during their stay and travel in Thailand, they must abide by Thai laws, respect local customs, traditions, culture, and regulations of various places, just like any other foreign visitors. This ensures their rest and tourism proceed smoothly, safely, and without negatively impacting local residents.