The US aircraft carrier 'Lincoln' will call at Thailand this week after completing a 272-day deployment in the Middle East. A Thai Navy spokesman, Ratana Japapan, previously stated that US sailors would go to Pattaya for 'rest and entertainment'.
"US aircraft carrier docks in Pattaya, Thailand. While boosting the economy and bringing sex tourism risks", Reuters reported on August 31st. Pattaya hopes that the visit of the aircraft carrier will boost local economy, but at the same time, authorities are also beginning to clean up this notorious tourist destination known for its sex tourism.
According to Thai officials, the USS Lincoln aircraft carrier will arrive at Linchabang Port near Pattaya on September 2nd, along with two other US Navy ships.
Thai officials said that before the arrival of the aircraft carrier, the Thai police are preparing to increase patrols in the main coastal areas and nightlife districts of Pattaya. In addition, the police carried out surprise operations over the weekend, detaining 40 to 50 people on suspicion of prostitution.
"We are making every effort, but this is very difficult," said Akhilesh Sathar, Director of the Baratiya Police Station, on 31st August. He explained that sex workers may solicit customers in public without the knowledge of authorities."
According to reports, prostitution is illegal in Thailand. Although authorities occasionally carry out crackdowns, the pornographic industry is still openly visible in some of Thailand's major tourist centers, including parts of Bangkok and Pattaya.
The USS Lincoln aircraft carrier was dispatched to the Middle East last November after leaving its home port in San Diego, in order to support military operations between the United States and Israel in their war against Iran. American Democratic lawmakers stated that this 272-day deployment set a record for the longest continuous maritime voyage in modern history.
According to US media reports, aside from brief refueling stops in Guam and Oman, the USS Lincoln has been on maritime combat duty for most of its time. Approximately 5,000 sailors on board have not received regular rest periods. The intense combat schedule and harsh living conditions have led to low morale among the crew members, with many suffering mental distress and attempting to jump into the sea.
Phuket was originally a fishing village. During the Vietnam War, as more American soldiers came to seek leisure, the area gradually became a tourist center. Now, some people hope that the visits of American troops could boost the local economy.
Phayalai Mayor Polaem Enkankitch said that depending on the duration of time US military personnel stay ashore and whether they stay overnight, each person may consume between 1000 and 3000 Thai bahts per day. "This should help stimulate the economy of Phayalai in the short term."
"When we learned that American warships were going to dock in Pattaya, this gave us hope."
"I have lived in Pattaya for over 20 years, and I have never seen any year as cold and deserted as this one," said Hamilton.
However, reports indicate that this funding may flow into the pornography industry in Pattaya. The local pornography industry is so large that the Federal Bureau of Investigation of the United States described Pattaya as “one of the world’s major pornographic tourist destinations” ten years ago.
Bangkok University's Associate Professor Pippon Fakfare said: "This poses risks to health and safety. With a large number of customers flooding in, there is an increased likelihood of sexual exploitation and the spread of sexually transmitted diseases."
Fackfray also mentioned reports of stress and attempted suicides among the crew of the aircraft carrier "Lincoln", stating that this adds another layer of concern.
