SKorean soldiers join “Cobra Gold 2012” in Thailand

CHONBURI, February 11 (TNA) - South Korea’s military forces have joined the annual joint Thai-US military drill for the first time this year, under the code name "Cobra Gold 2012, as the 10-day regional military exercise is being held in Thailand's eastern Chonburi Province until February 17. An amphibious drill of the Cobra Gold 2012 military exercise took place on Hat Yao Beach as part of a Royal Thai Navy compound in Chonburi's Sattahip District. Thai Deputy Supreme Commander Admiral Yutthana Fakpolngam and members of the Thai House committee on military affairs witnessed the drill. The Royal Thai Navy deployed His Thai Majesty Ship or HTMS Surin and HTMS Mann Nai in a landing drill and the US Navy deployed its landing ship Tortuga in the exercise for the 12th year. Rear Admiral Chorchat Krathet, Commander of the Amphibious Squadron, said it was the first time for South Korea to send its soldiers to participate in the amphibious exercise, which was a positive sign for military partnerships in the future. The amphibious exercise is set on Hat Yao beach in Chon Buri from February 10-14. Participating in the drill are 150 soldiers of the three countries, 29 amphibious vehicles, two F-18 fighter jets, and two CH-46 helicopters. (TNA)