US military scales down Cobra Goldi nvolvement amid 'challenging times'
A scaled down version of Cobra Gold - an annual regional military drill led by the US - kicked off in Thailand yesterday with fewer American soldiers taking part, as Washington maintains its call for the military government to restore democracy in the Kin
The theme of the exercise is focused on humanitarian assistance and disaster response rather than combat, countering terrorism or maintaining peace.
These adjustments would keep Cobra Gold relevant in a shifting security environment, W Patrick Murphy, charge d’affaires at the US Embassy in Bangkok, said in his opening remarks.
“Some things stay the same, however. An unwavering US commitment to Asia, to peace, freedom, prosperity and democracy, and to our many partners in the region – including our co-host, Thailand, a close friend and ally for 182 years,” he said.
Murphy referred to Daniel Russel, the US assistant secretary of state, who recently visited Thailand, saying Russel made clear the unwavering friendship and support for Thai people. Russel also hoped for the country to return to democracy as soon as possible, “so we can restore our bilateral relationship to its full potential”.
Washington dispatched 3,600 troops
“Still, we can’t deny that this period is a challenging one for us all, and has necessitated a modified Cobra Gold exercise this year as Thailand manages its return to elected,
civilian-led government,” Murphy added.
Washington only dispatched 3,600 troops to join the drill this year compared to 4,500 last year.
The total number of troops from 24 participating nations is 13,000. India, like China last year, joined the exercise as an “observer plus” this year, Murphy said, while Beijing sent its security personnel to fully participate in the drill.
Thai deputy chief of defence forces General Wuttinun Leelayudh attended the opening as a representative of the Thai military, with Murphy representing the US. The ceremony was held at the Armed Forces Academy Preparatory School in Nakhon Nayok province.
Diplomats from participating countries represented their respective contingents at the ceremony.
“The benefits of this broader cooperation are already blossoming.
“The US, Thai, Indonesian, Malaysian, Chinese and Indian soldiers are making great progress, as we speak, on projects at four Cobra Gold humanitarian civic action sites that will benefit local communities for generations to come,” Murphy
said.
