Thai and Australian forces launched the Chapel Gold 2026 joint military exercise in Prachinburi Province on 18 June 2026, aimed at strengthening bilateral military relations and enhancing operational readiness through combined training activities. The opening ceremony was presided over by Brig Gen Benjapol Dechatwong na Ayutthaya, Commander of the 2nd Infantry Division Royal Guard, at Chakraphong Camp, Mueang Prachinburi, Prachinburi Province.
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This activity forms part of ongoing defence engagement between Thailand and Australia aimed at strengthening practical cooperation and readiness. The programme includes a range of joint activities such as forest survival training, conducted in a structured field environment, knowledge exchange sessions, and ice-breaking exercises designed to build familiarity and camaraderie between Thai and Australian personnel during the training period.
The exercise is hosted by the 2nd Infantry Division Royal Guard and focuses on improving shared tactical skills and mutual understanding while supporting effective coordination in field conditions, enhancing interoperability at the tactical level within a bilateral training framework. The ice-breaking component was designed to support team cohesion and improve working relationships between personnel from both nations in a multinational training environment.
Officials highlighted that the exercise represents an important step in strengthening defence cooperation between Thailand and Australia, with an emphasis on improving interoperability, coordination, and readiness for future joint operations under ongoing bilateral defence cooperation efforts.
It also serves as a platform for exchanging operational experience and building long-term professional relationships between participating forces, supporting sustained collaboration and mutual capability development. The initiative underscores continued efforts to enhance coordination and preparedness for future combined training and operational scenarios.
Pictures courtesy of Kaoded
Laoded reported that further training activities will continue as part of Chapel Gold 2026, with both sides expected to deepen practical cooperation and exchange operational experience throughout the exercise period, reinforcing joint preparedness and coordination capabilities and reinforcing bilateral defence ties and operational readiness over the duration of the exercises.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now Kaoded 22 June 2026