The Royal Thai Armed Forces are gearing up to co-host the annual Cobra Gold military exercises with its treaty ally, the United States, in late February. More than 10,000 troops from 30 nations will participate in the 43rd iteration of the largest multilateral defense training in Asia and the Pacific.

Roughly 4,000 American troops will be among those taking part in the drills. Defense analysts said this year’s Cobra Gold will feature more sophisticated military hardware than in previous years. U.S. officials said its military will focus on amphibious landing trainings and exercises.

“The objective of the exercise for 2024 is to enhance the relations of all participating nations, to enhance the forces’ capability and interoperability in conducting missions under the joint-combined environment and adapt to various kinds of threats and crises,” said Gen. Thitichai Tiantong, the Royal Thai Armed Forces Joint Chief of Staff.

U.S. Ambassador to Thailand Robert Godec, stressed the importance of Cobra Gold in the context of the strategic importance of the Indo-Pacific region, as well as the impact and benefits for improving the lives of citizens of Thailand, the U.S. and partner nations, beyond the opportunity to engage in military exercises. Those include protecting Indo-Pacific maritime trade routes to ensure the free flow of goods and services, increasing expertise in countering cyber threats to secure digital networks and protect the citizens, and enhancing military readiness to assist their citizens living and working overseas during crises.

As part of Cobra Gold 2024, the Royal Thai Navy and the U.S. Navy will conduct a joint salvage operation for the HTMS Sukhothai, which capsized and sank in the Gulf of Thailand in December 2022 with the loss of 29 crewmembers. “This salvage will hopefully bring some comfort and closure to the families of all the brave sailors and marines who were lost,” said Ambassador Godec.

Photo courtesy of  https://twitter.com/USAmbThailand/status/