The spokesperson of Immigration Division 3 announced readiness to receive more than 5,000 personnel from the USS Abraham Lincoln visiting Thailand from 2–6 September, inviting Thais to be good hosts, stimulate the economy, and enhance Thailand's tourism image.
Today (29 August) at 13:00 hrs at Immigration Division 3 Headquarters, Police Lieutenant Colonel Prinya Klinkasorn, Deputy Commander of Immigration Division 3 and Division spokesperson, revealed that Police Major General Songprod Sirisukha, Commander of Immigration Division 3, has instructed and directed Chonburi Provincial Immigration and relevant subordinate units to prepare for the entry into Thailand of United States Navy and Marine Corps personnel from the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and its escort vessels, totalling approximately 5,000 personnel. The group is scheduled to make a port call along the Eastern Seaboard and at Laem Chabang Port, Chonburi Province, between 2–6 September 2026, for shore leave and personnel recuperation, as well as to receive logistical support following an extended period of operations at sea.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Prinya stated that subordinate units had been instructed to prepare in every dimension — including manpower, systems, and equipment for personal inspection — as well as to coordinate information with local security agencies, the Royal Thai Navy, Laem Chabang Port, the Provincial Police, the Tourist Police, and administrative authorities. He noted that visits to Thailand by United States Navy vessels have taken place on a continuing basis under the longstanding relationship between Thailand and the United States. The USS Abraham Lincoln previously made a port call at Laem Chabang in 2012, during which personnel participated in community service activities with Thai communities, including school development projects, temple cleaning, and visits to children and local residents — all as part of building goodwill and mutual understanding between the peoples of both nations.
The Immigration Division 3 spokesperson continued that this visit, beyond reflecting the strong bilateral relationship between the two countries, also represents a significant opportunity for the economy and tourism in the Eastern Region, particularly Chonburi Province and surrounding areas. Thousands of personnel will go ashore for rest and leisure, spending on food, accommodation, transportation, goods, souvenirs, tourist attractions, and various services, which will help generate income and distribute money to entrepreneurs, shops, service providers, and local residents. He therefore called on fellow citizens and business operators in Chonburi Province and nearby areas to join together in being "good hosts" — welcoming visitors with friendliness, providing services with courtesy and fairness, refraining from taking advantage by charging excessive prices for goods or services, avoiding any deception or exploitation, and steering clear of any conduct that could lead to conflict or violence. The behaviour of service providers and members of the public that visitors encounter all contributes to the impressions and image of Thailand in the eyes of foreigners. In addition, relevant agencies have been coordinated to communicate to the incoming personnel that, during their stay and travels in the Kingdom, they must comply with Thai law and respect the customs, traditions, culture, and regulations of the various places they visit — just as any foreign national entering the Kingdom is expected to do — so that their shore leave and tourism activities proceed smoothly, safely, and without impact on local residents.
