The opening ceremony of Cobra Gold, Asia's largest annual multilateral military exercise, in Rayong province, on Tuesday. (Photo: Reuters)One of the largest and longest-running multinational military exercises in Southeast Asia, Cobra Gold, began on Tuesday in Thailand with more than 8,000 personnel from 30 countries participating. At the opening ceremony at U-Tapao Royal Thai Airfield in Rayong province, US ambassador to Thailand Sean O'Neill emphasised that Cobra Gold remains necessary to address emerging threats. "As the world changes, so must Cobra Gold. We must always ensure Cobra Gold adapts to meet new challenges and improves the interoperability we need to defend our sovereignty and prosperity now, and in the future," he said.

Source: Bangkok Post February 24, 2026 09:52 UTC