"Cobra Gold 16" kicks off in Thailand

BANGKOK, February 9 (TNA) - This year's annual regional military exercises, "Cobra Gold 16", which are jointly hosted by the United States and Thailand, have been kicked off and participated by more than 8,775 military personnel from 27 allied countries. US Ambassador to Thailand H.E. Glyn T. Davies and Thai Supreme Command General Sommai Kaotira on Tuesday jointly presided over the launch of the "Cobra Gold 16" at the Thai marine headquarters in Sattahip area of seaside Chon Buri Province in the Thai East, considered the largest military exercises in Southeast Asia. At the ceremony, the US top envoy said the over 20 countries are working together in the ongoing "Cobra Gold 16", aimed to uphold peace and stability in one of the world's most powerful and important regions. The US ambassador later told journalists that the "Cobra Gold 16", the 35th of its kind and set during February 9-19, would boost strength and preparations for participating countries to fight against natural disasters which could occur in the future, such as floods and storms, and it would also strengthen relations among the participating countries. Seven countries, including the United States, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand, are participating in the main exercises of the "Cobra Gold 16", which also covers military drills on humanitarian assistance and disaster responses. (TNA)