Thailand issues prostitution warning as 5,000 US sailors arrive in Pattaya after 200 days at sea

Thai authorities in the resort city of Pattaya have launched a crackdown on prostitution ahead of the arrival of the USS Abraham Lincoln, a US Navy aircraft carrier carrying around 5,000 sailors and Marines who have been at sea for more than 200 days.

The carrier is scheduled to dock in Pattaya on Wednesday, with local officials and businesses expecting the visit to provide a short-term boost to the city’s tourism-driven economy.

Police have stepped up preparations ahead of the arrival, including additional patrols around Pattaya’s main beachfront and nightlife areas. Weekend raids reportedly resulted in around 40 to 50 people being detained on suspicion of prostitution.

The USS Abraham Lincoln left its home port of San Diego in November and was subsequently redirected to the Middle East to support US military operations. The extended deployment has reportedly set a modern-day record for consecutive days at sea, according to Democratic lawmakers.

However, the prolonged deployment has also prompted concerns over the wellbeing of personnel. Two military-focused outlets have reported this month on suicide attempts and declining morale aboard the carrier.

Pattaya’s relationship with US military personnel dates back to the Vietnam War, when the former fishing village developed into a major tourism and entertainment destination partly due to American servicemen seeking recreation during shore leave.

Pattaya Mayor Poramase Ngampiches said each US military personnel could spend between 1,000 and 3,000 baht (around US$30 to US$91) per day, depending on how long they remain ashore and whether they stay overnight.

“Shore leave” is expected to be staggered, meaning personnel will not leave the carrier all at once.

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

But the expected economic windfall has also raised concerns about the city’s large sex tourism industry. The US Federal Bureau of Investigation described Pattaya a decade ago as “one of the world’s leading sex tourism destinations.”

Bangkok University associate professor Pipatpong Fakfare warned that the influx of thousands of visitors could increase risks linked to sexual exploitation, health and sexually transmitted infections.

He also highlighted concerns surrounding reports of stress and suicide attempts among personnel aboard the carrier, adding another dimension to the challenges associated with the visit.

The overall economic impact on Pattaya will depend on where sailors and Marines choose to spend their shore leave. With more than 300,000 hotel rooms in the city, some personnel may also travel to Bangkok or other destinations, said Thanet Supornsahasrungsi, president of the Association of Chonburi Tourism Federation.

For businesses in Pattaya’s nightlife sector, however, the visit comes at a difficult time.

“When we heard the news that a US Navy warship would be docking in Pattaya, it became a source of hope for us,” said Lisa Hamilton, president of the Pattaya Nightlife Business Association.

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