President Donald Trump on Tuesday nominated Hung Cao to permanently take on the role of Navy secretary after holding the position in an acting capacity since April. “We need Patriots like Hung leading our Navy and Marine Corps, and I can think of no one better than him to make sure our Great Navy and […]
Page A7From§Eachthe early evening edition — 1 September 2026
San Diego warship docks as Thai resort cracks down on prostitution
When a San Diego warship arrives in Thailand, the local authorities stage a crackdown on prostitution. The sweep is less about protecting anyone and more about keeping the optics tidy for the Navy's visit. It's a recurring ritual: the streets are scrubbed just long enough for the tourists to pass through, the workers are shuffled out of sight, and the ledger stays balanced for the businesses who see the uptick. Security is the headline, but the stakes are in who gets paid and who gets pushed aside. The show is for the guests, not for the people whose work is deemed inconvenient. The crackdown is temporary, the arrangement is permanent, and the receipts are the proof. Every port leaves the same footprints: a clean street, a closed door, and a bill paid for appearances.
“Every time the Navy drops anchor, the local authorities sweep the streets clean for the visit. The crackdown is for the tourists, not for the workers. The show is security, but the stakes are who gets paid.”
“It's standard procedure — ensuring our sailors are safe and the area is respectable. The local crackdown is about maintaining good relations, which benefits everyone. Did I say everyone? Maybe just the visitors.”
The receipts
“It should help stimulate Pattaya’s economy in the short term."
This page is a back-issue: the story as it ran, receipts as they were. The current edition is at the front.