The U.S.-Thai military exercise Cobra Gold, which was discontinued this year due to the COVID 19 health situation, is expected to be reactivated next year.
Cobra Gold is one of the largest historical international military exercises conducted in Southeast Asia.
General Kongcheep Tantravanich, spokesman for the Thai Ministry of Defense, did not specify the nature of the exercises that will be conducted during the military cooperation, but said Thailand and the United States have agreed to hold a full-scale military exercise that includes electronic warfare.
General Kongcheep Tantravanich also said that a recent meeting between U.S. Secretary of Defense General Loyd Austin and Thai Prime Minister and Defense Minister General Prayut Chan-o-Cha has strengthened bilateral cooperation and support for global humanitarian campaigns.
General Austin reportedly confirmed to General Prayut Chan-o-Cha that the United States would continue to support Thailand’s future military efforts, including those related to personnel training and defense industry improvements.
The two military officials also reaffirmed the joint vision statement for the U.S.-Thai defense alliance. This alliance treaty signed in 2020 aims to promote stability, prosperity and sustainability in the Indo-Pacific region.
This meeting is a continuation of the recent visit to Thailand of Admiral John Aquilino, representative of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, who participated in the first edition of the U.S.-Thailand Senior Leaders Dialogue (SLD).
