Thai resort city cracks down on prostitution ahead of USS Abraham Lincoln arrival

Police in the Thai resort city of Pattaya have intensified patrols and raids ahead of the arrival of the USS Abraham Lincoln, which brought 5,000 U.S. sailors and Marines to the area following a lengthy deployment in the Middle East. According to local authorities, over 50 people were arrested on suspicion of prostitution during weekend operations. Pattaya police chief Anek Srathongyoo stated that his department is doing its best to curb the activity, though he acknowledged the difficulty of the task.

The USS Abraham Lincoln, based in San Diego, left port in November and was redirected to the Middle East. The prolonged deployment has drawn attention due to reports of low morale and deteriorating conditions aboard the vessel. The carrier docked near Pattaya on Wednesday alongside two other naval ships. While prostitution is illegal in Thailand, major tourist hubs like Pattaya and Bangkok are widely known for their nightlife and sex tourism industries.

Local officials expressed optimism regarding the economic impact of the visit. Pattaya Mayor Poramase Ngampiches estimated that each service member could spend between $30 and $90 per day, depending on their stay. Lisa Hamilton, president of the Pattaya Nightlife Business Association, described the arrival of the U.S. Navy warship as a source of hope for local businesses.

Pattaya’s growth from a small fishing village into a major tourism hub was largely driven by U.S. military personnel seeking rest and relaxation during the Vietnam War. Meanwhile, retired Navy Captain Brent Sadler has warned that the U.S. Navy is currently stretched too thin to adequately counter global threats, highlighting the strain of the 250-day deployment as a symptom of a shrinking fleet and urging the government to build more ships.