Archive · 2 Sep 2026
Pattaya Cracks Down as 5,000 US Sailors Arrive
About 5,000 American sailors and Marines are visiting Thailand.
They are traveling on a very large ship called the USS Abraham Lincoln.
The ship is stopping at Laem Chabang, near the city of Pattaya.
The crew will go ashore in smaller groups so everyone does not leave the ship at once.
Pattaya police are increasing patrols because prostitution is illegal in Thailand.
Police detained about 40 to 50 people during raids before the sailors arrived.
Officials are concerned about safety, exploitation and disease.
Local businesses hope the visitors will spend money at hotels, restaurants, bars and shops.
The sailors have been at sea for more than 200 days, and some reports say more than 250 days, raising concerns about morale and conditions aboard the ship.
Around 5,000 US sailors and Marines are visiting Thailand aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln and two other Navy vessels.
Pattaya police increased patrols and detained about 40 to 50 people during weekend raids targeting suspected prostitution.
The carrier arrived or was scheduled to arrive at Laem Chabang on Wednesday, with staggered shore leave planned through Sunday.
Officials cited concerns about health, safety, sexual exploitation and sexually transmitted diseases linked to a possible rise in illegal prostitution.
Pattaya businesses expect a short-term boost, with estimated spending of 1,000 to 3,000 baht per service member daily and potentially 100 million baht overall.
- Who
- Around 5,000 US sailors and Marines, Pattaya police, local officials, businesses and suspected sex workers.
- What
- A US Navy port visit has prompted a prostitution crackdown, increased patrols and expectations of increased tourism spending.
- When
- The carrier was scheduled to arrive or reported to have arrived on Wednesday, with the visit expected to continue until Sunday.
- Where
- Laem Chabang port and Pattaya in Thailand’s Chonburi province.
- Why
- The crew is receiving shore leave after an unusually long deployment, while authorities seek to limit suspected prostitution and businesses anticipate increased spending.
Law Enforcement and Safety Concerns
Economic and Rest Benefits
Prostitution crackdown
Law Enforcement and Safety Concerns
Thai authorities increased patrols and conducted raids because they feared the arrival of thousands of sailors could increase illegal prostitution.
Economic and Rest Benefits
Police chief Anek Srathongyoo said enforcement is difficult because sex workers can approach potential customers in public without authorities necessarily noticing.
Impact on Pattaya
Law Enforcement and Safety Concerns
An associate professor cited risks to health and safety, sexual exploitation and the spread of sexually transmitted diseases.
Economic and Rest Benefits
Local officials and businesses expect the visitors to support hotels, restaurants, bars, shops and other tourism-related businesses.
Extended deployment
Law Enforcement and Safety Concerns
Reports described concerns about declining morale, suicide attempts, deteriorating mental health and shortages of food and hygiene supplies aboard the carrier.
Economic and Rest Benefits
The port visit is intended to allow the crew to rest and recuperate after an unusually long period at sea.
- Expected visitors
- Around 5,000 US sailors and Marines
- Main vessel
- USS Abraham Lincoln
- Additional vessels
- Two other US Navy vessels accompanied the carrier
- Port
- Laem Chabang, in Thailand’s Chonburi province
- Police action
- Around 40 to 50 people were detained during weekend raids on suspicion of prostitution
- Estimated daily spending
- Pattaya’s mayor estimated 1,000 to 3,000 Thai baht, or about $30 to $91, per service member per day
- Possible economic impact
- The mayor said the visit could bring as much as 100 million Thai baht, or about $3 million, to Pattaya
- Deployment length
- Reports described more than 200 consecutive days at sea, while another report said more than 250 days
