Two US Sailors Confined to Ship After Pattaya Bar Fight
Two American sailors from the USS Abraham Lincoln were confined to their ship after a drunken fight outside a Pattaya bar early Thursday, prompting increased security patrols during the carrier's port visit.
Pattaya police responded to a fight involving two American sailors from the USS Abraham Lincoln outside a bar near Walking Street around 01:30 on Thursday. A Thai citizen called emergency services after witnessing the altercation, concerned it could escalate. Police described the incident as minor but noted the two sailors were intoxicated.
Thai police and members of the USS Abraham Lincoln's shore liaison group were dispatched to the scene. The two Americans were taken to a joint operations centre run by the US Navy and Thai authorities at Hard Rock Cafe Pattaya before being returned to the carrier. During a security meeting, US Navy officials informed Thai authorities that the sailors had been restricted to the ship for the remainder of the port call.
The incident occurs as approximately 5,000 sailors and Marines aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln make their first liberty port call during a deployment exceeding nine months. The crew has been involved in combat operations since February. Before arriving in Thailand, the commanding officer briefed the crew on Pattaya restrictions, warning sailors that certain areas were off limits and prohibiting activities including prostitution and marijuana use, with violations to result in maximum punishment.
Thai police have increased security during the port visit, deploying additional patrols at six strategic checkpoints around Pattaya. The USS Abraham Lincoln is expected to depart Thailand on Sunday.
