PATTAYA: On August 31st, 2026, a meeting between Pattaya City officials and US Navy Security teams was held at Pattaya City Hall to prepare security and visitor services for U.S. Navy personnel due to arrive this week. It included setting rules and guidelines for visiting sailors like banning certain streets like Soi 6 or venues like cannabis shops and stressed that prostitution is strictly illegal.
Pattaya Mayor Poramese Ngamphichet assigned Bancha Kullawanich, secretary to the mayor, and Kiatisak Sriwongchai, Pattaya city clerk, to chair the meeting. Participants included Pol. Col. Milin Pienchang, superintendent of Division 2, Tourist Police Bureau 1; Phichet Thammahor, senior deputy district chief of Banglamung; representatives from Pattaya City Police Station; the ships’ security team; and other relevant agencies.
The visit involves the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and three accompanying ships. The vessels are scheduled to berth in Chonburi from September 2 to 6, 2026, with more than 5,000 personnel. Officials estimate that about 60 percent will visit Pattaya and be allowed to stay overnight.
The meeting set measures for public safety, crime prevention, and travel assistance. Navy Personnel will be barred from certain areas, including Soi 6, Soi 6/1, Soi 7, cannabis shops and pharmacies, and water-based activities. Walking Street will remain open to the sailors, but visitors must leave the area by 2:00 a.m.
Officials stressed that agencies and businesses must help prevent sexual exploitation and Navy security teams will remind sailors that the commercial sex trade is illegal. Pattaya business operators were asked to provide fair service, avoid overcharging tourists, and put safety first.
The chair directed agencies to keep close watch on tourist areas, monitor taxi fares, ensure fair treatment, and prevent exploitation so visitors can feel confident about safety.
Anyone who sees a problem or needs help can contact the Tourist Police hotline at 1155, available 24 hours, or use the Thailand Tourist Police app to report an incident, request assistance, and share a location.
Photo: Phakphum Wongklom, intern, Burapha University
Report: Siraprapha Thongsamut, Public Relations Division, Office of Tourism and Sports, Pattaya City
