USS Lincoln arrives in Thailand after long-time deployment

The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier arrives in eastern Thailand

after its gruelling deployment in the Middle East.

Some 5,000 service members, approach Laem Chabang

port in Chonburi province shortly after the destroyer

USS Frank E Petersen Jr, as Thai officials were on hand to

send a warm welcome.

Some family members cannot wait to see their loved ones

and have arrived in Thailand for an early reunion.

Thai officials say the Lincoln will return to the

US after its port call in Thailand,

but it won't be for weeks more before it arrives.

Pattaya authorities welcome the potential

boost to the local economy, while warning

businesses against price gouging

as these American servicemen are set to

flood the beaches and streets of Pattaya.