Fears of a surge in sexually transmitted diseases have been raised as 5,000 US Navy personnel are set to dock in Pattaya, Thailand, after spending almost a year at sea. The USS Abraham Lincoln, an aircraft carrier, is due to arrive in the city on Tuesday after a record 265 consecutive days at sea.
Arrival in 'Sin City'
The ship set sail from San Diego last November and has not touched land for 243 days. The crew's arrival in Pattaya, a city known for its prominent sex tourism industry, has sparked concerns among local officials and academics.
The city, sometimes dubbed 'Sin City' and the world's 'prostitution capital', is home to around 60,000 sex workers. The visit comes after a year at sea marked by food shortages, cramped living quarters and poor hygiene conditions on board.
Health and safety concerns
Pipatpong Fakfare, an associate professor at Bangkok University's School of Humanities and Tourism Management, warned that the visit posed a "risk to health and safety". He told local media: "The influx of a large number of customers may increase the likelihood of sexual exploitation and the spread of sexually transmitted diseases."
Officials in Pattaya have tried to clean up the city's reputation in recent years, with around 50 people arrested last week as part of a crackdown on prostitution. Top cop Anek Srathongyoo admitted: "We are doing our best, but it is difficult."
Economic boost expected
However, not everyone is concerned about the arrival. Pattaya mayor Poramase Ngampiches said each US military personnel could spend 1,000 baht (S$38) to 3,000 baht per day, depending on how long they stayed ashore and whether they stayed overnight. He told local media: "It should help stimulate Pattaya's economy in the short term."
Lisa Hamilton, president of the Pattaya Nightlife Business Association, said the news was a source of hope after a slow year for trade.
Conditions on board
Whistle-blowers said the ship had run out of fresh fruit and vegetables, while the vessel's plumbing system is said to have broken down, with basic hygiene products like toilet paper also running low. At least one sailor is reported to have attempted suicide.
Controversy surrounding conditions onboard was addressed by Donald Trump, who insisted it was "beautifully maintained and beautifully taken care of" and that it had been deployed for "not nearly long enough".
