Two US Sailors Restricted to Ship After Pattaya Bar Brawl

Two American sailors from the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier have been confined to their ship for the remainder of its port visit to Thailand after being involved in a bar brawl early Thursday morning. The incident occurred at approximately 1:30 AM near Pattaya's Walking Street, a well-known nightlife hub. Thai police and a shore liaison group from the USS Abraham Lincoln were dispatched to the scene following a report of a physical altercation. Police described the incident as minor but noted that the two American sailors were intoxicated. The Thai caller expressed concern that the fight could escalate without police intervention. The sailors were taken to a joint operations center run by the US Navy and Thai authorities before being returned to the aircraft carrier. During a subsequent security meeting between US Navy officials and Thai authorities, Navy officials informed the Thai side that the two service members would be restricted to the ship for the rest of the port call. Thai officials stated they had made their position clear to the Navy and were satisfied that the Lincoln's crew had been properly briefed on the consequences of misconduct in Thailand. This alcohol-related incident occurs as approximately 5,000 sailors and Marines aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln are on their first liberty port call during a deployment of over nine months, which has included combat operations in the Iran war since February. Concerns about food and supply shortages, low morale, and physical exhaustion have previously been raised by family members of sailors. Before arriving in Thailand, the ship's commanding officer had briefed the crew on restrictions in Pattaya, warning them against entering off-limits areas and engaging in prohibited activities like prostitution and marijuana use, with violations expected to result in maximum punishment. Thai police have increased security during the port visit, deploying additional patrols at six strategic checkpoints around Pattaya to manage incidents involving the influx of American service members. The USS Abraham Lincoln is scheduled to depart Thailand on Sunday. Information Source: Khaosod English