5,000 US troops arriving on Thai shores, sex workers receive stern warning

After spending more than 200 days at sea, the giant US warship 'USS Abraham Lincoln' is now approaching the city of Pattaya, Thailand. 

The ship is carrying about 5,000 US military personnel. They will come to this tourist town for rest and recreation. While there are hopes that local businesses will be boosted by the arrival of the troops, strict police surveillance has been strengthened across the city to deal with illegal sex trade and disorder.

Pattaya's hotel and shop owners, who have been struggling with a long-term slump in business, are seeing the arrival of the soldiers as a positive development. The local mayor estimates that each soldier could earn between $30 and $91 a day, which would provide a temporary boost to the city's economy.

But with so many troops in the city at once, there are also concerns about the risk of sexual assault and the spread of disease. Although prostitution is legally prohibited in Thailand, it is quite open in Pattaya. So before the US troops arrive in the city, police have increased patrols in nightlife and beach areas. About 50 people have already been arrested in raids.

The US warship set sail in November last year. Later, the ship was forced to stay there due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran in the Middle East. 

Spending more than 200 consecutive days at sea has put a lot of mental stress on the soldiers. Therefore, this trip to Pattaya is believed to help relieve the fatigue and mental stress of the soldiers.

Source: Independent .