Pattaya police steps up prostitution raids before arrival of over 5,000 US sailors who spent over 270 days at sea

Authorities in Thailand's resort city of Pattaya have stepped up vice raids ahead of the arrival of nearly 5,000 U.S. sailors and marines from the USS Abraham Lincoln and two other naval vessels.

The sailors have been deployed at sea in the Middle East for more than 270 days.

It was previously reported that the sailors of the USS Abraham Lincoln had attempted to jump overboard amidst deteriorating conditions involving food shortages and plumbing woes.

Gruelling deployment

According to Reuters, the aircraft carrier is scheduled to dock in Pattaya on Sep. 2.

It will continue its journey home on Sunday (Sep. 6).

The aircraft carrier originally left California in November 2025 for the South China Sea, before being re-routed to the Middle East ahead of the U.S.-Israeli strikes against Iran in February.

Since then, it has been out at sea on a record-setting deployment.

Its deployment was supposed to end in May, but has been repeatedly extended, BBC wrote.

Families of the sailors aboard eventually raised concerns about the mental health of those on board.

The sailors reportedly faced declining living conditions, with shortages of basic supplies, water contamination and plumbing issues.

Some of the sailors considered jumping overboard, families said.

Respite in Pattaya

Now, the over 5,000 sailors on board will finally get some respite in Pattaya.

Preparing for their arrival, a Thai provincial governor told AFP that about 600 officials will be providing security, The Guardian reported.

Pattaya's mayor said that 40 buses will transport the sailors to the beach resort city and back.

Apart from logistical arrangements, local authorities have also taken steps to curb vices.

Renowned streets known for bars and revelry, like Soi 6, have been designated by local authorities as "off-limits" to the U.S. sailors, Khaosod wrote.

The sailors have also been barred from cannabis shops and water-based activities.

Over the weekend, local authorities detained 40 to 50 people for suspected prostitution amidst stepped-up crackdowns, Reuters wrote.

Prostitution is illegal in Thailand.

"We are doing our best, but it is difficult," Pattaya's police chief was quoted as saying.