Pattaya expects economic boost from US Navy carrier visit

After a long deployment in the Middle East, a US Navy aircraft carrier will dock in Thailand's resort city of Pattaya this week, raising hopes of an economic boost, even as local authorities cracked down on parts of the sex tourism destination.

The Abraham Lincoln is due to dock on Wednesday at nearby Laem Chabang, with two accompanying Navy vessels, to allow nearly 5,000 sailors and Marines aboard to rest and recuperate after over 200 days at sea, according to Thai officials.

Ahead of its arrival, police are preparing additional patrols around Pattaya's main beachfront and nightlife district besides raids over the weekend that led to 40 to 50 people in detention for suspected prostitution, officials said.

"We are doing our best, but it is difficult," Pattaya police chief Anek Srathongyoo said on Monday, explaining that sex workers could potentially solicit in public areas without the knowledge of the authorities.

Prostitution is illegal in Thailand and, despite occasional crackdowns, the sex industry is openly visible in major tourism hubs, including parts of Bangkok and Pattaya.

The Lincoln left its home port of San Diego in November and was later redirected to the Middle East to support military operations in the US-Israeli war with Iran — setting a modern-day record for consecutive days at sea, according to Democratic lawmakers.