Thai, American and South Korean forces “assaulted” Sattahip’s Had Yao Beach, practicing amphibious-assault tactics during the annual Cobra Gold joint military exercise.
Deputy Royal Thai Army Commander in Chief Adm. Yuthana Fakpholngam was among the top military officials from a host of nations observing as nearly 10,000 men carried out the mock assault.
Armed forces leave their transport ship and head for Had Yao Beach.
The U.S. this year has 8,948 men and women participating in Cobra Gold. Thailand tasked 13,180 personnel to join and South Korea sent 324. Others actively engaged are Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia and Japan. Ten other nations have sent observers.
Amphibious Squadron commander Rear Adm. Chochat Krathet said the training helps allied forces work better in unison and noted that this was the second time South Korea has sent more than 300 forces.
Another benefit, he said, was the U.S. decision to allow other nations to utilize some of its advanced weaponry and share tactics than can be adopted by other nations.
Troops wait for the signal to proceed.
After disembarking from the amphibious vehicles, armed forces make their way up the beachhead.
Troops take up defensive positions along the shoreline.
