Police and human security officials arrested Thai, Lao and Ugandan women for alleged street prostitution on Saturday night, only days ahead of the arrival of about 5,000 crew and marines aboard a US navy strike group.
The 20-strong team detained 18 Thai women, five Lao women and two Ugandan women along Pattaya beach, Pattaya Sai 2 Road and other public areas on Saturday night and charged them with street prostitution.
Janjira Thaibundit, social development and human security chief in Chon Buri, said the arrested women were fined and later released. The action reflected enforcement of the law against street prostitution, which is illegal, and was also aimed at preventing minors being drawn into the street trade, she said.
Pol Lt Col Siriwat Katchamat, deputy chief of crime suppression at Pattaya police station, said action against street prostitution would continue. They would also be looking for any children forced to work as vendors or beggars.
He encouraged people and businesses in Pattaya to be good hosts and to welcome visitors, tourists and the military personnel expected to arrive in large numbers.