Thai authorities have recently detained numerous individuals suspected of prostitution in Pattaya, a major tourist area, in anticipation of a visit by approximately 5,000 U.S. sailors and Marines. This action took place before their arrival on a Wednesday.
Reports from Reuters and local media indicate that police apprehended between 40 and 50 people over the weekend through various raids. The raids occurred as the USS Abraham Lincoln docked in eastern Thailand after setting a record for the longest continuous deployment at sea.
The carrier stayed at sea for more than 200 days, initially directed from the South China Sea to the Middle East in January. This maneuver supported U.S. military actions against Iran initiated in February. During the sailors’ four-day stay in Thailand, they are slated to leave for the carrier’s home port in San Diego.
Pattaya is notorious for its vibrant nightlife and sex tourism. Despite prostitution being illegal in Thailand, enforcement is not always stringent, making detection challenging. Authorities and advocacy groups acknowledge these issues.
Pattaya police chief Anek Srathongyoo remarked, “We are doing our best, but it is difficult,” in a statement reported by Reuters.
According to The Pattaya Mail, police and local officials performed a “late-night inspection” of the beach area and key city locations on August 29.
This situation remains ongoing, and updates will follow as more information becomes available.