But this is probably the largest number of US military personnel coming straight from a war zone to Pattaya since the fall of Saigon in 1975. “This visit could be our best hope,” said Anon Saiteer, who sells gems in a shop near Walking Street, which has put up a large sign welcoming the US sailors and marines and offering them a special discount. “We have nothing to lose – we just hope they will spend some money here.”
But US and Thai officials are trying to ensure this happens without any of the salacious headlines for which Pattaya has become known. The Thai authorities have said there are a few places where the US servicemen and women will not be allowed to go. One of them is Soi 6, which runs down to the main beach, and is known for its concentration of racy go-go bars.
