Pattaya crackdown ahead of USS Abraham Lincoln visit

Police detained 25 woman during a late-night prostitution crackdown in Pattaya on 29 August, as authorities prepare for the arrival of about 5,000 US military personnel in Chon Buri next week.

The USS Abraham Lincoln is due to dock at Laem Chabang Port from 2 to 6 September. Its personnel are expected to spend time in the area for rest and recuperation, according to Rear Admiral Surasant Kongsiri, a Ministry spokesperson.

Patrols intensified in tourist areas

More than 20 officers from Pattaya City Police, Tourist Police, Immigration Police and Chon Buri Provincial Social Development and Human Security Office joined the operation.

They carried out checks along Pattaya Beach and other public areas commonly used by residents and tourists. Officers reported finding 18 Thai nationals, five Lao nationals and two Ugandan nationals among the 25 offenders.

Police said patrols would become more frequent and more intensive, particularly on the beachfront and in tourist zones regarded as vulnerable to illegal activity.

Sailors to receive Thai law briefing

Rear Admiral Surasant said the US personnel would not be taking part in joint military exercises or operations during the port call.

Instead, the visit is limited to rest and recuperation. Sailors and Marines will be briefed on Thai laws and conduct requirements before going ashore.

Thai police and military police will oversee the visit alongside US military police responsible for their own personnel.

Police are also focusing on preventing the exploitation of children and young people. They said particular attention would be given to the street children and beggars who could be vulnerable to exploitation.

Pictures courtesy of Daily News

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31 August 2026

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Ralf001

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August 31Aug 31

1 hour ago, DonniePeverley said:
Not sure the sailors would want a crackdown. They've chosen to land in Pattaya for a reason

Stand to reason they come here given Pattaya was a R&R location for US troops during the Vietnam war.

jacko45k

Advanced Member

August 31Aug 31

3 hours ago, DonniePeverley said:
Not sure the sailors would want a crackdown. They've chosen to land in Pattaya for a reason

It's cheaper than SIngapore!

wavodavo

Advanced Member

August 31Aug 31

23 hours ago, JohnOFphon said:
Will the sailors be told that prostitution is illegal in Thailand? And then told to stay away from any woman, after being at sea for almost a year..

Gees , those naughty policemen locking up 25 prostitutes..there's gonna be a big shortage now . 5,000 salors and 25 less girls the boys will have to fight each other for the girls . Not a good look for Thailand's reputation.

flexomike

Advanced Member

September 1Sep 1

8 hours ago, HolmesEquivelant said:
Commuting from Laem Chabang or Sattahip is a pain in the as-. Even if contracted out.
Was so much better when the fleet anchored directly off Pattaya Beach as I experienced in 1980 while embarked on the “Gators”. Contracted long boats ferrying us back and forth directly to the beach.
Note the barren skyline of Naklua in the paragliding photo.
Pattaya was basically Beach Road , Walking Street and some of the side soi ‘s like 13/1/2/3/4. No need to venture any farther because nothing else existed to my knowledge.

I went there from 68-70, not much of anything there, most of the RR people went too Bangkok

Deerculler

Advanced Member

September 1Sep 1

By the sound of it .

There could be more bar girls in Pattaya than sailors.

sungod

Advanced Member

September 1Sep 1

6 hours ago, DonniePeverley said:
Not sure the sailors would want a crackdown. They've chosen to land in Pattaya for a reason

Which is what exactly?

HolmesEquivelant

Advanced Member

September 1Sep 1

33 minutes ago, sungod said:
Which is what exactly?

R&R . Just like they’ve been doing for decades. Nothing new.

Surprised Perth wasn’t on the itinerary too. Was common at one time for the fleet transiting to or from the Indian Ocean.

Captain Flack

Global Moderator

September 1Sep 1

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brewsterbudgen

Advanced Member

September 1Sep 1

7 hours ago, DonniePeverley said:
Not sure the sailors would want a crackdown. They've chosen to land in Pattaya for a reason

They won't need to worry. Any "crackdown" will be on the Beach Road girls/boys; there are no issues with the bars and gogos, which will be welcoming them (as will the girls!).

sungod

Advanced Member

September 1Sep 1

7 hours ago, HolmesEquivelant said:
R&R . Just like they’ve been doing for decades. Nothing new.
Surprised Perth wasn’t on the itinerary too. Was common at one time for the fleet transiting to or from the Indian Ocean.

I know its R and R.

Perth is off the beaten track, guess they want to get home as quick as possible.

DonniePeverley

Advanced Member

September 1Sep 1

17 hours ago, brewsterbudgen said:
They won't need to worry. Any "crackdown" will be on the Beach Road girls/boys; there are no issues with the bars and gogos, which will be welcoming them (as will the girls!).

They've done this many times before. They usually keep a very low profile. You won't even really know they're about. 5000 amongst the thousands of visitors in Pattaya can easily mingle.