Pattaya, a Thai resort city known for its nightlife, has initiated a crackdown on prostitution in anticipation of the arrival of roughly 5,000 U.S. sailors and Marines. The USS Abraham Lincoln, accompanied by two other naval vessels, docked near the city on Wednesday.
Pattaya police have intensified patrols in beachfront and nightlife districts and conducted raids over the weekend, leading to the arrest of more than 50 people on suspicion of engaging in prostitution. While prostitution is illegal in Thailand, it is prevalent in major tourist destinations like Pattaya. Pattaya police chief Anek Srathongyoo acknowledged the difficulty of the task, stating, "We are doing our best, but it is difficult."
The arrival of the U.S. Navy personnel is expected to provide an economic boost to the region. Pattaya Mayor Poramase Ngampiches expressed optimism, noting that each service member could spend between $30 and $90 daily. Lisa Hamilton, president of the Pattaya Nightlife Business Association, stated, "When we heard the news that a U.S. Navy warship would be docking in Pattaya, it became a source of hope for us."
The USS Abraham Lincoln, based in San Diego, had been deployed for 250 days, including a redirection to the Middle East amid tensions with Iran. The extended deployment has reportedly led to concerns about health issues, deteriorating conditions aboard the ship, and low morale among the crew. Retired Navy Captain Brent Sadler has warned that the U.S. Navy is currently overstretched and unable to adequately counter global threats from adversaries like China and Iran, attributing this strain partly to the prolonged deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln and advocating for increased shipbuilding.
Pattaya's history is intertwined with U.S. military presence, as the city developed into a major tourism hub partly due to American servicemen seeking rest and relaxation during the Vietnam War.