S. Korea to participate in multinational drill in Thailand

SEOUL, May 6 (Yonhap) -- South Korea will send 300 troops to Thailand next year
for its first full-scale participation in an annual U.S.-led drill, officials
said Wednesday.

About 180 Marines and 120 Navy soldiers will participate in the six-week "Cobra
Gold" exercise, the officials at the Ministry of National Defense said. The
country also plans to deploy an amphibious vessel and several armored landing
vehicles.
The exercise, which usually takes place from April-May, began in 1981 as a joint
exercise between the U.S. and Thailand. It now draws Japan, Singapore and
Indonesia as well.
The participation will mark the first time South Korea has dropped its status as
an observer and contributed troops to the exercise, which has gradually shifted
its focus to peacekeeping operations from disaster control, the officials said.
South Korea and Thailand are two of the five countries in the Pacific Region that
the U.S. has security alliances with.
samkim@yna.co.kr
(END)