Sailors ashore – warned about drugs and prostitution

Emil Forsberg

 

Published 18.06

The American sailors have disembarked in Pattaya – after 286 days at sea.

Now local authorities are warning about sexually transmitted diseases and prohibiting them from using cannabis.

– There are certain places and activities they are prohibited from participating in, says Mayor Poramase Ngampiches.

On Thursday, Scania buses drove in shuttle service to the Hard Rock Hotel in the Thai tourist resort of Pattaya to drop off the sailors after a record-long deployment at sea.

For 286 days, they have been on board the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln in the Middle East to support the US war against Iran. This has taken a toll on the personnel. According to American reports, several people have tried to jump overboard. There have also been reports of a shortage of supplies, including food and hygiene products.

The influx of 5,000 Americans is expected to contribute to a significant dent in Pattaya's coffers. The crew members are carrying nine months' worth of untouched salaries, which is expected to add up to the equivalent of 29 million kronor during their five-day stay.

But there are also concerns.

- There are certain places and activities that personnel are prohibited from participating in, such as all types of water sports, jet skis, bungee jumping, wrestling and boxing, Mayor Poramase Ngampiches told Reuters.

The American soldiers are stopped from visiting cannabis shops and pharmacies. Thai police have also reminded visitors that prostitution is illegal in Thailand, despite the fact that there are between 25,000 and 50,000 sex workers in the city, writes the BBC. 

“The influx of large numbers of visitors could increase the likelihood of sexual exploitation and the spread of sexually transmitted diseases,” Pipatpong Fakfare, an associate professor at Bangkok University’s Faculty of Humanities and Tourism, told Reuters.