Annual war games launched in Thailand

Thailand launched its annual war games Wednesday with troops from the United States, Japan, Singapore and Indonesia linking up with Thai forces for two weeks of joint military exercises. Thailand has allocated 40 million baht (1.1 million dollars) for the games, while the United States would contribute 13 million dollars.

About 11,600 military personnel from the five nations are involved in the games, which run until February 17. Nearly 7,300 troops have come from the United States to train with about 4,000 from Thailand, 106 from Singapore, 75 from Japan and 113 from Indonesia in air, water and ground exercises. The training will be held in various locations across the country and will also carry out humanitarian projects.

The opening ceremony of this biggest war games in Southeast Asia was held in the northern city of Chiang Mai. On the occasion, US Deputy Chief of Mission James Entwistle said the focus would be on peacekeeping and humanitarian operations.

“Multinational responses to regional crises are likely to be the norm in the future. It is therefore vital that friends train together in order to better address future requirements,” Entwistle told the gathering.

“Cobra Gold is unparalleled in preparing our militaries for the real-world priorities of peace support, stability and reconstruction, humanitarian assistance and combat operations,” he said.