Thailand police crack down on prostitution before USS Abraham Lincoln docks at Pattaya after 200 days at sea

The USS Abraham Lincoln is set to make a port visit near Thailand’s Pattaya after more than 200 days at sea, with Thai authorities stepping up a prostitution crackdown ahead of the arrival of nearly 5,000 sailors and Marines. The US aircraft carrier is expected to dock at Laem Chabang on Wednesday for rest and recovery following its lengthy Middle East deployment, according to Thai officials and Reuters.

Ahead of the visit, Pattaya police have increased patrols around the resort city’s beachfront and nightlife areas. Weekend raids resulted in 40 to 50 people being detained on suspicion of prostitution, officials said.

Pattaya authorities are also expecting the visit to provide a short-term boost to the local economy, with businesses hoping to benefit from spending by the visiting US military personnel.


“We are doing our best, but it is difficult,” Pattaya police chief Anek Srathongyoo said on Monday, according to Reuters. He said sex workers could potentially solicit customers in public areas without authorities being aware.

Also Read: US Senator says Navy personel allegedly tried to jump of the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier deployed to fight Iran in Middle East

Pattaya expects an economic lift from Navy visit

The arrival has generated optimism among businesses in Pattaya, a resort city whose tourism industry was partly shaped by visits from U.S. servicemen during the Vietnam War.

Pattaya Mayor Poramase Ngampiches estimated that each U.S. military visitor could spend between 1,000 and 3,000 baht ($30 to $91) a day, depending on how long they remain ashore and whether they stay overnight.

Because shore leave is generally organised in stages, the entire contingent is not expected to leave the ships simultaneously.

“It should help stimulate Pattaya’s economy in the short term,” Poramase said, according to Reuters.

The overall economic benefit could depend on where sailors and Marines choose to spend their time. Some may also travel to Bangkok, said Thanet Supornsahasrungsi, president of the Association of Chonburi Tourism Federation.

Police intensify crackdown ahead of arrival

The increased police presence comes as authorities seek to prevent prostitution and other activity associated with Pattaya’s nightlife sector during the ship’s visit.

Prostitution is illegal in Thailand, although the sex industry remains visible in several major tourism centres, including Bangkok and Pattaya.

Pattaya’s entertainment sector has attracted international attention for years. The FBI described the city a decade ago as “one of the world’s leading sex tourism destinations”.

The prospect of thousands of visiting military personnel has raised renewed concerns over the potential for exploitation and health risks.

Experts warn of sexual exploitation concerns

Pipatpong Fakfare, an associate professor at Bangkok University’s School of Humanities and Tourism Management, said a large influx of customers could create additional risks, according to Reuters.

“The risk to health and safety, as the influx of a large number of customers may increase the likelihood of sexual exploitation and the spread of sexually transmitted diseases,” he said.

Fakfare also pointed to reports concerning stress and suicide attempts among personnel aboard the aircraft carrier, adding another concern surrounding the extended deployment.

Abraham Lincoln’s extended deployment

The USS Abraham Lincoln sailed past Singapore early on Sunday as it headed home after an extended deployment in the Middle East and is expected to make a port visit to Thailand. Associated Press journalists on Indonesia’s Batam island, across the Singapore Strait, spotted the aircraft carrier transiting waters near Singapore shortly after 1 a.m. local time.

The Lincoln, one of the US Navy’s largest warships, had been supporting the US war against Iran. Its deployment included more than 250 consecutive days at sea, described as a record-setting period.

The prolonged mission has raised concerns about conditions aboard the carrier. Reports have highlighted deteriorating mental health among crew members as well as shortages of supplies, including food and hygiene products.

Thai officials have said the carrier will stop in Thailand for rest and recovery before returning to its US base.

Pattaya businesses hope for relief

For local tourism businesses, the Navy visit comes during a difficult period. Pattaya has more than 300,000 rooms, and the impact of the visiting personnel will depend partly on how they spend their shore leave.

Lisa Hamilton, president of the Pattaya Nightlife Business Association, said the arrival had given local businesses some reason for optimism.

“When we heard the news that a U.S. Navy warship would be docking in Pattaya, it became a source of hope for us,” she said, according to Reuters.

“I have lived in Pattaya for more than 20 years, and I have never seen any year as slow as this one,” Hamilton added.