The armies of Thailand and the United Kingdom will launch a joint military exercise, codenamed "Panther Gold 2017", in Kanchanaburi on Tuesday. According to Thai military sources, the drill was proposed by the UK armed forces to its Thai counterpart, and approved by Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwon, giving the Royal Thai Armed Forces the go-ahead for the exercise. The sources said Thai infantry troops were accordingly assigned to take part in the drill. The Royal Thai Army has instructed the First Army Area to deploy forces in the 9th Infantry Division to join the exercise, which will be conducted every two years now. The drill is meant to enhance military capabilities by letting the two countries' armies exchange knowledge and experience, army sources said.

Source: Bangkok Post October 28, 2017 23:03 UTC