The event this year drewthe participation of troops from the United States, Thailand, Indonesia,Japan, the Republic of Korea, Malaysia and Singapore, while Indiajoined for the first time and China will participate in humanitarianexercises.
The United States sent 3,600 troopsfor this year’s exercise, down 1,000 from last year as the US-Thailandties are in a difficult period following the military coup in Thailandlast May.
Japanese news agency Kyodo quoted UScharge d'affaires Patrick Murphy as saying at the opening ceremony inNakhon Nayok Province that this period is a challenging one for “usall”, and has necessitated a modified Cobra Gold exercise this year asThailand manages its return to elected, civilian-led government.-VNA