US naval visits to Thailand and the 1833 precedent

Does a US carrier visit to Thailand begin something new?

US naval visits have a long history in Thailand, beginning with USS Peacock in 1833. The unusual feature is the size of the visiting ship and the current availability of other ports.

The first US Navy port call in Thailand is dated to 1833 and identified with USS Peacock. Treaties and further port visits followed, so the naval relationship is well established. Thailand ordinarily receives smaller ships, while carriers use ports closer to their operational areas. In the operational circumstances described here, the usual Gulf-state options are closed off. Thailand consequently provides an established alternative, with benefits for the local economy.