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Pattaya police have intensified raids and patrols concentrating on suspected prostitution forward of the arrival of 5,000 US sailors and Marines aboard USS Abraham Lincoln.
Thai authorities have elevated patrols and carried out raids in Pattaya forward of the arrival of almost 5,000 US sailors and Marines. (Photograph: AFP)
Pattaya stepped up safety and intensified its crackdown on prostitution forward of the arrival of almost 5,000 US sailors and Marines, with police conducting raids in nightlife areas because the Thai resort metropolis ready for an inflow of American service personnel.
The USS Abraham Lincoln, a US Navy plane provider carrying round 5,000 service members, arrived at Laem Chabang port in Thailand’s Chonburi province early Wednesday after a prolonged deployment within the Center East. Based on the Related Press, the provider approached the port shortly after the destroyer USS Frank E Petersen Jr.
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The arrival has put Pattaya’s intercourse trade underneath renewed scrutiny, with native authorities involved that the inflow of US personnel may enhance prostitution and related dangers.
40 To 50 Detained In Weekend Raids
Based on Reuters, Pattaya police carried out raids over the weekend that resulted in round 40 to 50 individuals being detained for suspected prostitution.
Authorities are additionally making ready extra patrols across the metropolis’s primary beachfront and nightlife district forward of the sailors’ shore go away.
Pattaya police chief Anek Srathongyoo mentioned enforcement remained troublesome as a result of intercourse staff may probably solicit clients in public areas with out authorities figuring out.
“We’re doing our greatest, however it’s troublesome,” Srathongyoo instructed Reuters.
The town has additionally organized round 40 buses to move sailors to Pattaya and again in staggered teams whereas the provider stays in Thailand.
Why Pattaya Is Underneath Additional Scrutiny
Pattaya has an extended affiliation with US army personnel. AFP reported that town, as soon as a fishing village, was reworked right into a tourism vacation spot after US troops started visiting for relaxation and recreation in the course of the Vietnam Battle.
The town is now recognized for its seashores and nightlife, together with a extremely seen intercourse trade.
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Reuters famous that prostitution is illegitimate in Thailand, though the intercourse commerce stays brazenly seen in main tourism hubs resembling Pattaya and Bangkok.
The anticipated arrival of 1000’s of US personnel has subsequently raised issues about the potential of elevated exercise within the metropolis’s unlawful intercourse commerce.
Pipatpong Fakfare, an affiliate professor at Bangkok College, instructed Reuters that a big inflow of shoppers may enhance “the chance to well being and security” and the probability of sexual exploitation and the unfold of sexually transmitted illnesses.
US Sailors’ Lengthy Deployment Provides To Issues
The crackdown comes because the Abraham Lincoln’s crew arrives in Thailand following an unusually lengthy deployment.
The provider left its residence port of San Diego in November and was later redirected to the Center East to assist US army operations in opposition to Iran.
AP reported that the ship had spent greater than 250 consecutive days at sea, setting a report for uninterrupted time at sea.
AFP reported that this was the primary port name for the provider’s 5,000-strong crew since November.
The extended deployment has additionally triggered issues over circumstances aboard the ship.
AP reported issues about deteriorating psychological well being among the many crew in addition to shortages of provides, together with meals and hygiene merchandise.
Reuters individually reported that military-focused shops had described suicide makes an attempt and declining morale aboard the provider.
Pattaya Hopes For Financial Enhance
Regardless of the crackdown, Pattaya companies are hoping the sailors’ arrival will present a much-needed financial increase.
Reuters reported that every US army personnel may spend between 1,000 and three,000 Thai baht ($30 to $91) per day, relying on how lengthy they continue to be ashore and whether or not they keep in a single day, in accordance with Pattaya Mayor Poramase Ngampiches.
AFP reported that the mayor hoped the sailors may convey as a lot as 100 million Thai baht, or about $3 million, into town throughout their keep.
Nonetheless, native authorities are in search of to stability the anticipated financial advantages with safety and security issues.
The USS Abraham Lincoln is anticipated to stay within the space till Sunday, with shore go away staggered in order that your complete crew doesn’t go away the vessel on the identical time.
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In regards to the Writer
Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy Information Editor at News18.com. She has greater than 10 years of expertise in nationwide and worldwide information and has beforehand labored on a number of desks.
September 02, 2026, 06:56 IST
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