Pattaya Steps Up Prostitution Patrols as 5,000 US Sailors Arrive After 200 Days at Sea

Pattaya police are stepping up prostitution patrols as about 5,000 US sailors and Marines prepare to visit the resort city following a lengthy deployment at sea. The USS Abraham Lincoln and two other US Navy vessels are scheduled to dock at Laem Chabang Port, near Pattaya, from 2 to 6 September. The stop will allow the crews to rest after spending more than 200 days without a full port visit.

The arrival is expected to provide a much-needed boost for Pattaya's restaurants, hotels, bars and transport businesses. However, it has also brought renewed attention to the city's illegal sex trade. Police have already conducted sweeps along the beachfront and in other busy tourist areas, with further checks planned during the Navy visit. Officials said the measures aim to keep public areas safe and prevent illegal solicitation, particularly as thousands of visitors arrive in a short period.

Pattaya Police Step Up Prostitution Patrols

Police, immigration officers and social workers conducted a major inspection around Pattaya Beach, Second Road and other public areas on 29 August. Authorities said 25 people were detained, including 18 Thai nationals, five Lao nationals and two Ugandan nationals. Officials said the detainees were dealt with under laws covering prostitution and public solicitation.

The operation formed part of a wider weekend crackdown ahead of the US Navy visit. Officials later said about 40 to 50 people had been detained in prostitution-related operations over the weekend, while additional patrols were being prepared for the beachfront and nightlife areas. Tourist police also said officers planned to use cameras and drones as part of security operations during the large military visit.

Prostitution is illegal in Thailand, although the sex industry remains highly visible in parts of Pattaya and Bangkok. Pattaya police chief Anek Srathongyoo said enforcement was difficult because illegal solicitation could take place in public without officers immediately noticing it. "We are doing our best, but it is difficult," he said. Local officials also said stricter checks would continue after the Navy visit and include efforts to protect children from exploitation.

USS Abraham Lincoln Ends Long Stretch at Sea

The USS Abraham Lincoln left San Diego in November 2025 and was later deployed to the Middle East for military operations. Thai officials said the vessel's upcoming stop was for rest, recovery and supplies, with no joint military exercise planned with Thailand. The carrier will be accompanied by two other US Navy vessels during the visit to eastern Thailand.

The crew has endured an unusually long period without a regular port break. Reports put the ship's uninterrupted time at sea at well over 200 days, while the US Navy said on 14 August that the Lincoln had already been deployed for 266 days, including 200 days in a combat zone. The Navy acknowledged that sailors and Marines were tired after the extended mission but said commanders were supporting the crew.

Pattaya Cracks Down on Prostitution

Pattaya police have conducted repeated checks targeting prostitution, particularly in busy tourist and nightlife areas. Officers have targeted both Thai and foreign workers accused of openly offering sexual services in public places.

One earlier operation in September 2025 focused on alleged foreign prostitution after police received complaints about activity in parts of Pattaya. Officers questioned several women as part of the crackdown, saying the checks aimed to prevent illegal solicitation and protect the city's tourism image.

The latest patrols come as Pattaya prepares to host thousands of US sailors and Marines on shore leave nearby. Police said officers would maintain a visible presence around beaches, entertainment districts and other crowded areas as the city prepares for the sudden increase in visitors.

Pattaya Hopes Navy Visit Brings Business Boost

Pattaya Mayor Poramase Ngampiches said each visiting service member could spend about 1,000 to 3,000 baht, or roughly £22 ($30) to £67 ($91), for each day spent ashore. Local estimates suggest the visit could bring millions of baht to restaurants, bars, transport services and other businesses if large numbers of personnel visit Pattaya. Shore leave will be staggered, so all 5,000 visitors are not expected to enter the city at the same time.

The visit comes during a difficult year for some businesses in Pattaya's nightlife and tourism sectors. Local business owners see the US Navy's arrival as an opportunity to attract more customers, although some personnel may choose to travel to Bangkok or elsewhere. The eventual boost will depend on how many people receive shore leave, where they go and how much they spend.

There are also concerns that some of the additional spending could reach Pattaya's illegal sex industry. Tourism expert Pipatpong Fakfare warned that a sudden increase in customers could heighten risks associated with sexual exploitation and sexually transmitted infections. This is one reason authorities are intensifying checks as the Navy visit approaches.

Originally published on Fashiontimes UK