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Thai resort city cracks down on prostitution ahead of USS Abraham Lincoln arrival
By Louis Casiano
Published September 02, 2026
A Thai resort city began cracking down on prostitution ahead of the arrival of 5,000 U.S. sailors and Marines exhausted from months at sea in the Middle East.
The USS Abraham Lincoln docked near Pattaya, one of Thailand's primary nightlife areas, on Wednesday along with two other naval vessels, The Independent reported.
A Navy spokesperson told Fox News Digital that sailors are held "to the highest standards of conduct, whether at sea or in port."
"As is standard practice for all foreign port visits, the crew of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) has been advised of behavior expectations," the spokesperson said. "We thank Thailand for its hospitality and support of the crew of Abraham Lincoln."
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Pedestrians walk past a banner welcoming U.S. military personnel displayed outside a bar in Pattaya, Thailand, on Sept. 1, 2026. The resort city has stepped up security as it prepares to welcome sailors and Marines from the USS Abraham Lincoln. (AFP via Getty Images)
A local police effort involves increased patrols in beachfront and nightlife areas, as well as raids over the weekend in which more than 50 people were arrested on suspicion of prostitution.
"We are doing our best, but it is difficult," Pattaya police chief Anek Srathongyoo said Monday of his department's efforts to curb prostitution in the city.
Although prostitution is illegal in Thailand, major tourist hubs like Bangkok and Pattaya are well known for sex tourism.
The San Diego–based USS Abraham Lincoln left port in November and was redirected to the Middle East amid the U.S. war with Iran.
However, the prolonged deployment raised concerns amid reports of health issues, deteriorating conditions aboard the warship, and low morale.
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U.S. nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) is seen near Laem Chabang Port in the Gulf of Thailand on Sept. 2, 2026, near Pattaya. (AFP via Getty Images)
Pattaya Mayor Poramase Ngampiches expressed hope that the influx of American service members would boost the region's economy.
Each service member could spend around $30 to $90 per day, depending on where they stay and for how long, the mayor said.
"When we heard the news that a U.S. Navy warship would be docking in Pattaya, it became a source of hope for us," said Lisa Hamilton, president of the Pattaya Nightlife Business Association.
General views of Pattaya nightlife amid reports that the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier may visit the area on Sept. 1, 2026, in Pattaya, Thailand. The U.S. Navy has not publicly confirmed the visit. (David Silverman/Getty Images)
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Pattaya originally grew from a small fishing village into a major tourism hub largely due to U.S. military members seeking rest and relaxation during the Vietnam War.
https://www.foxnews.com/world/thai-resort-city-cracks-down-prostitution-ahead-uss-abraham-lincoln-arrival