Bangkok: The Ministry of Defense has announced that the visit of the USS Abraham Lincoln to Thailand from September 2-6 is strictly for personnel recuperation and not for joint military operations. A spokesperson confirmed that the visit aims to benefit Thai tourism.

According to Thai News Agency, Rear Admiral Surasan Kongsiri, spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence, stated that the USS Abraham Lincoln's stopover is intended to provide rest for its crew, who have been on duty in the Middle East for 250 days. The visit is unrelated to any joint training or operations with the Royal Thai Navy.

Rear Admiral Surasan highlighted that the US crew was under stress after extended service, which led to the scheduled stopover in Thailand. The visit will allow them to rest and relax before returning to their base in the United States. He emphasized that the stopover also serves to harness Thailand's tourism potential, given its popularity as a tourist destination.

Addressing rumors of joint military operations, Rear Admiral Surasan clarified there will be no such activities. He stressed that the visit is in line with existing regulations and agreements between Thailand and the United States, which maintain cooperation and shared interests. He noted that US ships have previously docked in Thailand without issue.

Regarding security measures, Rear Admiral Surasan confirmed that procedures would mirror those used during the Cobra Gold exercise. Foreign personnel arriving in Thailand are briefed on local laws and must comply with them. The US authorities have assured compliance with Thai regulations.

Security will be managed by police and military police officers, with additional oversight by U.S. military police for their personnel. Rear Admiral Surasan dismissed concerns about the visit affecting relations with Iran, stating that the stopover is not linked to Middle Eastern operations.

Major General Withai Laythomya, spokesperson for the Royal Thai Armed Forces, affirmed that Thailand will not provide ammunition or equipment to the USS Abraham Lincoln. The focus remains on personnel rehabilitation. He confirmed that docking requests are evaluated equally, and Thailand is open to cooperation with all nations, including the US, China, and Russia, without preferential treatment.