US sailors sent back to carrier after Pattaya brawl

PATTAYA — Thai law enforcement responded to a pre-dawn altercation involving two American personnel from the USS Abraham Lincoln outside a bar situated near Pattaya’s famed Walking Street. The incident transpired around 01:30 on Thursday, following a report of physical violence by a Thai resident to emergency services. Authorities characterized the brawl as minor, but highlighted that the two marines involved were intoxicated.

Thai police, alongside members of the USS Abraham Lincoln’s shore liaison team, were rushed to the scene via the Thai emergency hotline. The American sailors were escorted to the joint operations hub managed by US Navy and Thai officials at the Hard Rock Cafe Pattaya. Subsequently, they were confined to the aircraft carrier for the remainder of its port stay.

In a daily security briefing between US Navy and Thai authorities, Navy officials disclosed that the two service members were barred from leaving the ship for the duration of the Thai visit. He confirmed his communication with Navy officials and expressed satisfaction that the Lincoln’s crew had been adequately informed about the repercussions of misconduct during their stay in Thailand.

This alcohol-related incident unfolds as approximately 5,000 sailors and Marines aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln embark on their inaugural liberty port visit during a deployment stretching over nine months. The crew has been engaged in combat operations in the Iran conflict since February. Concerns have also been voiced concerning conditions on board the carrier, with family members of sailors raising alarms over food and supply shortages, dwindling morale, and physical exhaustion.

Prior to the vessel's arrival in Thailand, its commanding officer imparted instructions to the crew regarding restrictions in Pattaya, according to an anonymous source privy to the briefing. The source revealed that sailors were cautioned about certain Pattaya areas being off-limits, and prohibited from engaging in activities such as prostitution and marijuana use.

Service members were further informed that any violations would incur the maximum penalty. Thai police have ramped up security during the port visit, deploying additional patrols at six key checkpoints across Pattaya to manage incidents involving the arrival of American service members. The USS Abraham Lincoln is scheduled to depart Thailand on Sunday.