After Iran war deployment, USS Abraham Lincoln heads to Pattaya as police prepare for prostitution surge

Pattaya police are preparing for the arrival of about 5,000 sailors and Marines aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln by increasing patrols and targeting prostitution around the resort city's beachfront and nightlife districts.

The US aircraft carrier is scheduled to dock on Wednesday after spending more than 200 days at sea. It left its home base in San Diego in November before being diverted to the Middle East to support military operations in the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran.

Thai authorities detained between 40 and 50 people over the weekend on suspicion of involvement in prostitution. Prostitution is illegal in Thailand, although the sex industry remains openly visible in major tourist centers, including Pattaya and parts of Bangkok.

Pattaya police chief Anek Srathongyoo said officers were making every effort to control the situation but faced difficulties. "We are doing our utmost, but this is difficult to do," he said, adding that sex workers could offer services in public places without authorities knowing.

The Lincoln's deployment has set a modern-era record for the longest period at sea, according to Democratic lawmakers.

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We are doing our utmost, but this is difficult to do.