Two US sailors removed from Thai resort town after drunken brawl

By Gavin Blackburn Published on 04/09/2026 - 8:08 GMT+2 Share Comments Add Euronews on Google Share Facebook Twitter Flipboard Send Reddit Linkedin Messenger Telegram VK Bluesky Threads Whatsapp The USS Abraham Lincoln's arrival has drawn global media interest after reports of deteriorating living conditions on board after more than 280 days at sea. Two sailors from a US aircraft carrier making a port call to Thailand were sent back to the ship after a drunken altercation, Thai police said on Friday. ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Police were alerted to a "small scuffle" involving the sailors in the early hours of Thursday near Pattaya's nightlife hotspot Walking Street, city police chief Colonel Anek Srathongyoo told the AFP news agency. "The sailors were drunk and they were fighting, making loud noise," he said. He described the incident as "trivial" and said local residents had only called police to prevent it from escalating. The unidentified sailors were not charged as "they did not violate any Thai law," Anek said. The US Navy sent the pair back to the ship, he added. The USS Abraham Lincoln's arrival has drawn global media interest after reports of deteriorating living conditions on board after more than 280 days at sea. The USS Abraham Lincoln arrives at the port in Laem Chabang, 2 September, 2026 AP Photo It has also put the spotlight on Pattaya, a resort popular with foreign tourists with a reputation for its nightlife, including sex tourism. Authorities launched a crackdown on sex workers ahead of the ship's visit, although they denied it was linked to the sailors' arrival. The police chief told AFP there had been no other notable incidents since the Lincoln docked, and one Pattaya masseuse said it had been calmer than previous military port calls. Nattakamol Chartmontri, who has worked in Pattaya for several years, told AFP many of the sailors appeared "young, well-behaved and rule-abiding." Pattaya businesses had been hoping for a windfall from the visit, which comes during low season, but Nattakamol, 48, said it had so far stayed quiet. "People on social media are so hyped about (the sailors), but actually, they have not made a significant difference to Pattaya businesses," she said. American service members of the USS Abraham Lincoln strike group arrive at a hotel in Pattaya, 2 September, 2026 AP Photo US Democratic lawmakers called for an investigation into conditions on the Lincoln last month following reports of food shortages, broken plumbing and mental health crises, including attempted suicides. President Donald Trump dismissed the concerns, which have fuelled criticism of his dragging war on Iran, although the Lincoln was replaced in the Middle East by the USS George Washington. Go to accessibility shortcuts Share Comments Add Euronews on Google Read more Thailand confirms it will cut visa-free stays to 30 days for EU travellers Eight dead, including teen suspect's grandparents, in Thailand shooting, police say Myanmar ex-junta chief seeks political legitimacy on first Thailand trip as civilian leader Tourism Thailand United States aircraft carrier