Cobra Gold multi-national military exercise starts in Thailand
One of the Asia-Pacific region's largest multinational military exercises, called "Cobra Gold," started in Thailand on February 13, involving more than 11,000 personnel from more than 29 countries.
Hanoi (VNA) - One of the Asia-Pacific region'slargest multinational military exercises, called "Cobra Gold," startedin Thailand on February 13, involving more than 11,000 personnel from more than29 countries.
The annual exercise, the 37th of its kind andco-hosted by Thailand and the US, aims to increase the ability of participatingnations to work together to handle maritime security threats, natural disastersand epidemics.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, US Ambassador to ThailandGlyn Davies said the exercise will pave the way for greater internationalcommitment to dealing with global challenges, adding that no country couldaddress the 21st century challenges alone.
The US scaled down its presence and military support forThailand after the May 2014 military coup, including for Cobra Gold. But thisyear's exercise has drawn 6,800 US military personnel, nearly double the numberlast year.
China, which joined the activity for the first time in 2014,sent 44 soldiers to take part in humanitarian assistance and disaster-reliefdrills.
The exercise is scheduled to last till February 23.-VNA
The annual multilateral military drill named “Cobra Gold” hosted by Thailand and the US kicked off in Thailand’s northern province of Phitsanulok on February 11.
Thailand is hosting the annual multi-national military training event - Cobra Gold from February 9 to 20, with a focus on humanitarian aid and disaster mitigation.
Cobra Gold, an annual Thai-US co-sponsored joint and multinational military exercise, was kicked off at the Royal Thai Marine Corps in Sattahip district of Chonburi province, Thailand on February 9.
The US and Thailand launched the annual Cobra Gold military exercises at the Sattahip Royal Thai Marine Corps Base in Chonburi province, on February 14.
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Cobra Gold 2017 in Thailand (Source: Kyodo) 
