USS Abraham Lincoln Arrives in Pattaya Amid Thai Crackdown on Sex Workers The Thai government has intensified its crackdown on sex workers in Pattaya ahead of the arrival of the U.S. warship USS Abraham Lincoln. The move comes as the ship, which has spent 250 consecutive days at sea conducting operations against Iran in the Middle East, prepares to dock in the Thai resort city. Authorities have detained 50 individuals in the city so far, citing existing prostitution laws that criminalize activities such as operating brothels or profiting from sexual work. Approximately 5,000 U.S. sailors, Marines, and pilots are expected to arrive in Pattaya, a city long recognized as a global hub for sex tourism. Thai officials have emphasized that the enforcement of these laws is part of efforts to bolster the local economy, which has seen a decline in tourism following the outbreak of conflict in the Middle East. The U.S. military presence is anticipated to revitalize the region’s tourism sector, which has struggled with reduced visitor numbers amid geopolitical tensions. The crackdown has drawn attention to the legal framework in Thailand, where prostitution is officially illegal. While the country has historically tolerated sex work in certain areas, recent legislative actions have sought to curb the industry. The Thai government’s decision to enforce these laws more rigorously coincides with the arrival of the Abraham Lincoln, which has raised concerns about the potential impact on local communities and businesses. Reports indicate that the ship’s crew has faced challenges during its prolonged deployment, including instances of psychological stress and even suicide attempts among sailors. Additionally, issues such as contaminated drinking water and inadequate facilities on board have sparked criticism, with some U.S.#thailand #pattaya #uss_abraham_lincoln #sex_workers #thai_government
