Pattaya is ready to welcome over 5,000 U.S. troops, displaying a welcome sign at Walking Street. The tourism atmosphere is picking up, with expected economic turnover reaching 100 million baht.
On 2 Sep 2026, it was reported that Pattaya city in Chonburi province began bustling yesterday (1 Sep) ahead of the arrival of more than 5,000 U.S. Navy personnel scheduled to visit from 2–6 Sep 2026. Pattaya city and related agencies are coordinating efforts to prepare security, traffic control, and visitor services. Meanwhile, a welcome sign has been installed at the entrance to Walking Street in South Pattaya to create a hospitable atmosphere for the visitors.
Reporters surveyed the atmosphere before the U.S. personnel arrived and found that key tourist spots in Pattaya were busy with Thai and international tourists continuously strolling around, especially the Walking Street area in South Pattaya, a major nightlife district.
At the entrance to Walking Street, an official welcome sign for the U.S. personnel has been installed. Local business operators, including shops, restaurants, entertainment venues, and service providers, are preparing to accommodate the large group of incoming tourists.
The arrival of the U.S. Navy personnel is a significant moment for Pattaya’s tourism sector, as over 5,000 personnel will be on shore leave from 2–6 September. This is expected to stimulate spending across various businesses, including hotels, accommodations, dining, nightlife, transportation, taxis, retail shops, and tourist attractions. The total economic impact is estimated to reach around 100 million baht.
At the same time, Pattaya city, Chonburi province, and security agencies have fully prepared after integrated meetings involving administrative authorities, police, tourist police, immigration police, and tourism agencies to establish security and convenience measures throughout the personnel's stay.
Key measures include increasing staff presence at tourist spots, key locations, and city entry and exit points, managing traffic, setting up checkpoints, and coordinating with hotel operators, entertainment venues, and service businesses to help monitor orderliness.
Additionally, operators have been urged to act as “good hosts” by refraining from raising prices or exploiting visitors, and security personnel and guards in entertainment venues are instructed to act politely. Any irregular incidents should be reported promptly to police to prevent situations that could harm Pattaya’s tourism reputation.
Pattaya city has been designated as a primary area for overseeing the personnel, with police designating the Pattaya Police Station area as a “red zone,” supported by forces from nearby stations. The approach is to “enhance security without causing alarm.”
Before the arrival of over 5,000 personnel on 2 September, Pattaya’s tourist areas have begun to show livelier and more colorful activity. Businesses are watching closely, expecting this visit to boost spending and generate economic flow for Pattaya’s tourism sector during 2–6 September.