(2 Jun 1998) English/Nat
Thai and U-S troops have been taking part in the annual Cobra Gold military exercises in Thailand.
Tanks, helicopters, jet fighters and thousands of soldiers stormed onto the Hat Yao beach on the final day of the country's biggest military exercise.
The peace and tranquillity of waters off the Hat Yao Beach in Chon Buri in Thailand was shattered by this phase of the annual Cobra Gold exercise.
16- thousand troops from both Thai and U-S forces have been taking part in the event which started over a month ago.
It is America's largest set-piece exercise in Asia.
For the past seventeen years, the Cobra Gold exercise has provided the Thai force a chance to train alongside and learn from U-S soldiers and commanders.
On the final day of Cobra Gold '98, spectators and military observers were shown an assault on an enemy-held beach.
The attack was carried out by a "combined task force": ships, helicopters, strike aircraft and marines working together to secure their objectives.
Overall, though, Cobra Gold is about much more than just manoeuvres and machinery.
SOUNDBITE: (English)
"It's of extreme importance to both countries for a variety of reasons. One of course is the opportunity to train and use the latest equipment together so we have the capability of doing so in times of need. Second is to send a symbol to the region and the world that the U-S is engaged, and we have a continuing, ongoing and very strong friendship with our Thai allies."
SUPER CAPTION: Ralph Boyce, U-S Charge D'Affaires, Bangkok
Out at sea, special forces prepared their raiding craft for hazardous reconnaissance missions, ahead of the main attack force during the exercise.
But who, exactly, is the enemy ?
In the past year, Thai forces have clashed with troops from neighbouring Cambodia and Myanmar, (Burma) but the Americans insist that Cobra Gold is not aimed at any country in particular.
It's been a difficult year for the Thai military.
Its relationship with the United States has been clouded by the financial crisis and it's had to cancel an order for a batch of new F-18 fighter jets it can no longer afford.
But the Cobra Gold exercises are a chance for them to work alongside U-S troops and rehearse strategy and tactics that would be needed in combat situation.
Find out more about AP Archive: [ Ссылка ]
Twitter: [ Ссылка ]
Facebook: [ Ссылка ]
Instagram: [ Ссылка ]
You can license this story through AP Archive: [ Ссылка ]
