Archive · 4 Sep 2026
Pattaya Restricts U.S. Navy Access to Nightlife Zones
A large U.S. Navy ship visited a port near Pattaya, Thailand.
Thousands of sailors and Marines came into the area.
City officials reportedly told them not to visit several nightlife streets after sunset.
These streets include Soi 6, Soi 6/1 and Soi 7.
They could still visit Walking Street until 2 a.m.
Officials also warned them to avoid cannabis and risky activities such as jet skiing and parasailing.
Police increased patrols around tourist and nightlife areas.
During one operation, police arrested 25 people suspected of prostitution in public areas.
The mayor said that operation was not directly connected to the ship’s visit.
Pattaya reportedly barred U.S. Navy personnel from Soi 6, Soi 6/1 and Soi 7 after sunset during the USS Abraham Lincoln’s visit.
About 4,830 U.S. sailors and Marines were estimated to be in the Pattaya area.
Walking Street reportedly remained open to U.S. personnel until 2 a.m., along with other tourist areas.
Crew members were advised to avoid cannabis, jet skiing, parasailing and other activities considered high-risk.
Thai authorities increased patrols, while 25 people were arrested during an overnight beachfront operation over suspected public prostitution; the mayor said it was unrelated to the sailors’ arrival.
- Who
- Pattaya authorities, Mayor Poramet Ngampichet, and approximately 4,830 U.S. sailors and Marines.
- What
- Pattaya reportedly restricted U.S. personnel from several nightlife streets after sunset during the USS Abraham Lincoln’s port visit.
- When
- During the USS Abraham Lincoln’s visit; the ship arrived on September 2, with no year specified.
- Where
- Pattaya and nearby Laem Chabang Port in Chonburi, Thailand.
- Why
- Authorities cited heightened safety and force-protection measures during the visit.
- Restricted areas
- Soi 6, Soi 6/1 and Soi 7 reportedly became off-limits to U.S. personnel after sunset.
- Permitted nightlife area
- Walking Street reportedly remained accessible until 2 a.m.
- Estimated personnel
- Approximately 4,830 U.S. sailors and Marines were in the area.
- Ship
- USS Abraham Lincoln
- Port arrival
- The ship arrived at Laem Chabang Port on September 2.
- Arrests
- Twenty-five people were arrested during an overnight beachfront operation over suspected prostitution in public areas.
- Arrest breakdown
- The reported arrests included 18 Thai nationals, five Laotian nationals and two Ugandan nationals.