Pattaya Police Detain 40-50 Ahead of 5,000 USS Abraham Lincoln Crew Visit
Updated
Updated · The Independent · Sep 1
Pattaya Police Detain 40-50 Ahead of 5,000 USS Abraham Lincoln Crew Visit
3 articles · Updated · The Independent · Sep 1
Summary
Weekend raids in Pattaya detained 40 to 50 people for suspected prostitution, and police are adding patrols before the USS Abraham Lincoln arrives Wednesday.
The crackdown comes as 5,000 sailors and Marines, finishing more than 200 consecutive days at sea, are set for shore leave in the Thai resort city and nearby Laem Chabang.
Pattaya businesses expect a short-term lift, with the mayor estimating each service member could spend 1,000 to 3,000 baht a day, though leave will be staggered and some may head to Bangkok.
The visit also revives scrutiny of Pattaya's openly visible sex trade, illegal under Thai law, with academics warning of higher risks of sexual exploitation, sexually transmitted diseases and safety problems.
The carrier's prolonged deployment—redirected from San Diego to support operations in the US-Israeli war with Iran—has already drawn reports of suicide attempts and declining morale aboard.