Raids on Pattaya sex workers as USS Abraham Lincoln with 5,000 sailors set to dock

In Thailand's popular tourist city of Pattaya, the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier is set to dock on Wednesday, bringing approximately 5,000 sailors and Marines. Local authorities are responding to the arrival by increasing police patrols and intensifying efforts to clamp down on sex workers. The sailors will be granted shore leave in a staggered manner, with the goal of minimizing the number of personnel leaving the ships simultaneously.

Police have conducted searches over the weekend, detaining between 40 and 50 individuals suspected of prostitution. Pattaya Police Chief Anek Srathongyoo expressed concern over the difficulty in preventing solicitation, stating that sex workers could operate openly in public areas without the knowledge of authorities.

According to Pattaya Mayor Poramase Ngampiches, each US military personnel may spend between 1,000 and 3,000 baht ($30-$91) daily, depending on their duration ashore and overnight stays. Ngampiches believes the influx of personnel could briefly benefit Pattaya's tourism and hospitality industries, which have been struggling due to a weak low season.

However, there are concerns about the potential health and safety risks associated with the large number of US personnel in Pattaya. Dr. Pipatpong Fakfare, an associate professor at Bangkok University's School of Humanities and Tourism Management, warned of the increased likelihood of sexual exploitation and the spread of sexually transmitted diseases due to the influx of customers. He also noted the possibility of stress and suicide attempts among personnel aboard the carrier, given their prolonged deployment.

The USS Abraham Lincoln's connection to Pattaya traces back to the Vietnam War, when the former fishing village transformed into a major tourist destination as American servicemen started visiting the area. The carrier departed from San Diego in November 2025, initially for a six-month deployment, but later redirected toward the Middle East due to the US-Israel war with Iran.

The USS Abraham Lincoln has been at sea for over nine months, accompanied by reports of declining morale, challenging living conditions, and suicide attempts among personnel. Its last port call was in Guam in mid-December before continuing its extended deployment.