Drinks, Dancing And Nightlife: US Sailors Party In Thailand’s Pattaya As Videos Go Viral

New York: After nearly nine months of continuous deployment at sea, about 5,000 sailors and Marines of the US aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln got a five-day break in Pattaya, Thailand. The ship arrived at Laem Chabang Port on 2 September and soldiers were then seen roaming around the city, shopping and taking part in various activities. His leave ended on 6 September and the ship again set out to sea. During this time, many videos of soldiers from Pattaya went viral on social media, which include scenes ranging from dancing in night clubs to having fun with elephants.

What did the soldiers do when they got leave after a long time?

The USS Abraham Lincoln's deployment lasted approximately 286 days. During this period the ship remained in the sea continuously for a long time. After reaching Thailand, the soldiers got a chance to leave the ship for a few days and spend their time as per their choice. Many soldiers were seen in hotels, restaurants and shopping malls. Pattaya businessmen also expressed hope that business would increase due to the presence of American troops.

You know every military spouse is zooming in on every video coming out of Thailand. 😅 pic.twitter.com/MvIZZHVLlL

— Notinregs (@notinregs) September 5, 2026

Have American soldiers seen bathing with elephants?

In the video surfaced on social media, some American soldiers were seen going on an excursion with elephants. The soldiers fed the elephants and also went into the water with them. In the video, elephants can be seen splashing water with their trunks and soldiers laughing. This was a completely different experience for him after being at sea for a long time.

Sailors on the USS Abraham Lincoln are getting time to relax and recoup in Thailand after a tough 9 month long deployment abroad the aircraft carrier. NBC News’ Courtney Kube joins a group of sailors as they feed and bathe with elephants during an excursion. pic.twitter.com/34kRVx5Dn2

— Notinregs (@notinregs) September 5, 2026

Where were the soldiers dancing?

At night many soldiers became part of Pattaya's nightlife. In the viral video, some American sailors and marines were seen dancing inside the club. In some videos, he was seen holding beer in his hands, while in one clip, a soldier was seen dancing with his shirt off. These videos were shared widely on social media and people gave different reactions to the soldiers getting leave after a long time.

Marines and Sailors from the USS Abraham Lincoln were spotted letting loose at a club in Thailand—shirts off and swinging them in the air while hitting the dance floor 😂🇺🇸🇹🇭 pic.twitter.com/cY0zopDyGm

— Notinregs (@notinregs) September 5, 2026

Was there any dispute during the holiday?

A small incident was also reported during the holiday. According to local police, there was a clash between two US military personnel outside a bar near Walking Street. The matter was deemed not serious and both were sent back to the aircraft carrier. US military officials had instructed the soldiers to follow Thai law and military regulations.

Why did USS Abraham Lincoln return to sea after 5 days?

USS Abraham Lincoln departed Thailand on 6 September after a five-day port visit. The ship's commanding officer, Captain Dan Keeler, thanked Thailand for its hospitality. This break after a long mission was an opportunity for the crew to rest and rejuvenate. Now the Carrier Strike Group has set out on its further journey.