Chonburi Social Development Office – Pattaya City Police are seriously cracking down on Thai and foreign women exhibiting loitering and soliciting behaviors suggestive of illegal prostitution, fearing damage to the city’s status as a world-class tourist destination. This comes ahead of the arrival of the US Navy’s USS Abraham Lincoln with 5,000 personnel visiting Thailand from 2 to 6 September 2026.
At 7:00 p.m. on 29 August 2026, Ms. Chanjira Thaibundit, Director of the Chonburi Social Development and Human Security Office, along with Police Lieutenant Colonel Siriwat Kachamat, Deputy Superintendent of Pattaya City Police, and a team of special operations police, patrol officers, Pattaya tourist police, immigration officers of Chonburi, and social development officials—over 20 personnel in total—conducted a sweep along Pattaya’s beach road and other locations in Nong Prue Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province to arrest and deter illicit prostitution activities.
This operation focused on inspecting individuals showing loitering, soliciting, or recruiting behavior for prostitution in public areas, particularly along Pattaya Beach Road and vulnerable spots along Pattaya Second Road stretching from Pattaya to the ascent of Sattahip mountain road.
Previously, illegal prostitution has been a problem affecting order and the image of Pattaya as a world-class tourist city. Importantly, this operation took place while Chonburi prepares to host incoming US military personnel. Authorities aim to clearly demonstrate that Thailand enforces laws regulating prostitution, which remains illegal under Thai law, and to raise awareness among residents, tourists, and foreigners that Pattaya is committed to maintaining order and its reputation seriously.
Ms. Chanjira revealed that under the Prevention and Suppression of Prostitution Act B.E. 2539 (1996), loitering or soliciting individuals in public places for prostitution is a legal offense. Currently, enforcement involves fines administered by the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, which is responsible for acting within its authority.
Beyond law enforcement, this sweep also aims to prevent and protect children and youth from exploitation. If anyone under 18 years old is found involved in prostitution, strict action will be taken because such cases may violate human trafficking laws, which the government prioritizes heavily.
The inspection results found 25 offenders: 5 Laotian nationals, 2 Ugandans, and 18 Thai nationals. The authorities have proceeded with fines and penalties according to the relevant laws and their legal authority.
Lieutenant Colonel Siriwat said this operation is a standard measure by Pattaya City Police, aligned with leadership policies emphasizing crackdown on loitering for prostitution in public spaces. This time, it involved coordinated efforts among Pattaya City Police, Chonburi Social Development Office, tourist police, and immigration officers to promote order and safety for residents and tourists.
Officials confirmed this enforcement will not be a one-time event but will increase in frequency and intensity, especially in high-risk areas along the beaches and tourist spots. They will also broaden inspections to related issues such as child labor, street children, begging, and cases involving children being forced to sell goods or beg.
Authorities urged Pattaya residents and business operators to act as “good hosts” by welcoming both Thai and foreign tourists with friendliness, respecting the law, and helping preserve Pattaya’s image as a safe, orderly, and trustworthy tourist city.
Especially during periods when many foreign tourists and military personnel arrive, all agencies will heighten their vigilance to clearly convey to visitors that while Pattaya is an open tourist city, it must operate within Thai law.
Police confirmed they will continue ongoing inspections and take legal action against offenders without exception to build trust in safety and uphold Pattaya’s image as one of Thailand’s key tourist cities.
Additionally, these preparations coincide with the upcoming visit of the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and US Navy and Marine personnel, scheduled to dock at Laem Chabang Port, Chonburi, from 2 to 6 September 2026. Pattaya is expected to be the main destination where over 5,000 US servicemen will come to relax.