5,000 sailors at sea for over 200 days arrive at port – government calls for prostitution warning

Authorities issued crack down on prostitution ahead of arrival

USS Abraham Lincoln has set a record for longest time at sea, leaving its home port of San Diego in November 2025 before getting redirected to the Middle East to support military actions in the ongoing Iran war.

The prolonged journey aboard the vessel has brought attention to its sailors, with reports of mental health concerns and worsening conditions aboard.

With the ship set to dock this Wednesday at Pattaya, a Thai resort city where prostitution is legal. 

Although the visit has raised hopes of an economic boost, local police are preparing patrols around the city’s main beaches and party district. 

Anek Srathongyoo, Pattaya Police Chief, said on Monday that they are doing their best, “but it is difficult” regarding sex workers soliciting public areas without prior knowledge from the authorities. 

Prostitution in Pattaya remains legal, however it is illegal to solicit it. 

Pattaya Police raids over the weekend have led to 40 to 50 arrests or detention under suspected prostitution soliciting. 

The city, originally a small finishing village, transformed itself into a tourism megapolis centered on the back of US military personnel during the Vietnam War.

After over 200 days at sea, the sailors onboard the USS Abraham Lincoln will finally be able to set on land and ‘let loose’ for a handful of hours to a couple of days.

It is estimated that each military personnel could spend 1,000 to 3,000 baht (£22 to £67) depending on how long they are stationed ashore. 

Lisa Hamilton, president ‌of the Pattaya Nightlife Business Association, said: "When we heard the news that a US Navy ‌warship would be docking in Pattaya, it ​became a source of hope for us.

"I have lived in ​Pattaya for more than 20 years, and I have never seen any year as slow as this one."

Since not all 5,000 sailors can go on land at once, the visits will be staggered.

The overall commercial success in Pattaya’s 300,000 hotel rooms will depend entirely on the sailors' decisions to remain in Pattaya, or visiting its capital, Bangkok, a mere two-hour long drive away.