National —
Thailand is set to host the two-week-long war games of Cobra Gold 2023, starting on February 27th, with over 7,000 military personnel from 30 countries, including the United States, in attendance.
The United States will send its largest number of troops in ten years of around 6,000 personnel to participate in the annual Indo-Pacific region’s largest combined military exercise to commemorate the U.S. and Thailand’s 190th anniversary of diplomatic ties.
This year’s drills will take place from February 27th to March 10th, in the Thai provinces of Lop Buri, Chanthaburi, Sa Kaeo, and Rayong, the army’s chief-of-staff, General Thitichai Tianthong told a press conference on Tuesday, February 14th. The conference was also attended by the US Ambassador to Thailand, Robert F Godec.
The drills comprise three significant events, according to General Thitichai. Firstly, a staff exercise that encompasses a seminar for senior leaders, followed by humanitarian civic assistance projects that aim to benefit Thai communities. Lastly, a field training exercise is planned, which includes a diverse range of training events aimed at enhancing regional relationships and promoting interoperability.
Godec said Cobra Gold is important because the Indo-Pacific represents nearly two-thirds of the world’s economy and has been a driving force behind global economic growth in the last five years.
The main participants of this year’s training will be Thailand, the U.S., Singapore, Japan, Indonesia, South Korea, and Malaysia, while China, India, and Australia will partake in the humanitarian aid mission.
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