Thailand, US launch multinational military exercises
Thailand and the US are co-hosting the 37th Cobra Gold military exercises, the Asia’s largest multinational drill, in Thailand from February 13-23, attracting over 11,000 personnel from 29 countries.
Cobra Gold is the biggest annual multinational drill in Asia, which began as a bilateral drill between Thailand and the US (Photo: AFP/VNA)
Bangkok (VNA) – Thailand and the US are co-hosting the 37th Cobra Gold military exercises, the Asia’s largest multinational drill, in Thailand fromFebruary 13-23, attracting over 11,000 personnel from 29 countries.
The annual event aimsto increase the coordination capacity of participating countries, including Singapore, Indonesia,Japan, China and Malaysia, to address maritimesecurity threats, natural disasters and epidemics.
The USscaled down its presence and military support for Thailand after the military coup inMay 2014, including for Cobra Gold.
But this year's exercise has drawn 6,800 USmilitary personnel, nearly double the number last year.
China, which joined the activity for the first time in2014, sent 44 soldiers to take part in humanitarian assistance anddisaster-relief drills.
Cobra Gold is the biggest annual multinationaldrill in Asia, which began as a bilateral drill between Thailand and the US. - VNA
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.
Thailand and the US will launch the joint drill Cobra Gold 2018, the biggest annual multilateral exercise in Asia-Pacific, from February 13 to 23 next year, announced the Royal Thai Armed Forces on October 19.
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.
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Cobra Gold is the biggest annual multinational drill in Asia, which began as a bilateral drill between Thailand and the US (Photo: AFP/VNA) 
