Biggest U.S. force in years joins Thai military exercise

[webfact]

Biggest U.S. force in years joins Thai military exercise

By Panu Wongcha-um

 

Ambassador Glyn T. Davies (L) and Lt. Gen. Lawrence D. Nicholson, Commanding General, III Marine Expeditionary Force attend opening ceremony of Cobra Gold, Asia's largest annual multilateral military exercise, outside Bangkok, Thailand February 13, 2018. REUTERS/Soe Zeya Tun

 

BANGKOK (Reuters) - The biggest U.S. force in years joined an annual military exercise in Thailand on Tuesday despite controversy over the Thai junta's invitation to neighboring Myanmar's army, which has been accused of ethnic cleansing.

 

The United States scaled back attendance at Cobra Gold, Asia's largest multilateral military exercise, after a 2014 coup in Thailand. But relations between the junta and the United States have improved under President Donald Trump.

 

The presence of the 6,800 U.S. personnel - nearly double last year's number - was a demonstration of America's continuing muscle in a region where China is growing ever more powerful.

 

The Cobra Gold military exercise has been held for more than three decades. This year's Cobra Gold will be attended by some 11,075 personnel from 29 countries.

 

"This exercise is the largest multilateral exercise in the Indo-Pacific region. It speaks to the commitment of the U.S. in the region," Steve Castonguay, a spokesman for the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok, told Reuters.

 

This year's exercise has been marked by Thailand's controversial invitation to Myanmar, where 700,000 Rohingya Muslims have fled military action that the United Nations has denounced as ethnic cleansing in response to insurgent attacks.

 

Castonguay confirmed an army major from Myanmar was attending the opening ceremony but that Myanmar would not participate in any military drills.

 

The United States has pushed for the restoration of democracy in Thailand, its oldest regional ally.

 

Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha had promised an election would take place in November this year, but the junta last month said it could be delayed until February 2019 - which would be the latest of several postponements.

 

(Writing by Patpicha Tanakasempipat; Editing by Amy Sawitta Lefevre and Matthew Tostevin)

 

-- © Copyright Reuters 2018-02-13

[robertthesculptor]

Wrong move, Nazi leadership don't go there

[lovelomsak]

America is afraid and lonely. Will go to any country that will appear to be of help to America in Asia. Talk about being played.

[Enoon]

 

"The presence of the 6,800 U.S. personnel - nearly double last year's number"

 

Slightly larger than 3 MEUs (Marine Expeditionary Units, about 2200 per unit)

 

Nearly large enough to be an MEB (Marine Expeditionary Brigade, 7000 - 14000).

 

Very useful if anyone needs any......"help".

 

 

Edited February 13, 2018 by Enoon

[lvr181]

The U.S. needs him? And he will feed the same bulls hit to the U.S. that he feeds to his own people. 

[Happyman58]

Us just remembered Thailand has Airports they can use if trouble breaks out in S-E asia . Quiet honestly the Us dont give a dam about Thailand or what gov is in power Even if Thailand had Pol Pot in power they still be nice to him because Thailand has airbases.

[johng]

Ahh Cobra Gold

I wondered why there was so much harry potter ( helicopter) activity  over the Na-Jomtien airspace yesterday..

was thinking there might have been "movements"  of another kind !

Edited February 14, 2018 by johng

[thaibeachlovers]

Bar girls will be happy .

[Bangkokazy]

America is the biggest threat to the world.

but it has not won a war after World War II.
without the help of others, therefore, they seek help wherever they can

[tifino]

4 minutes ago, Bangkokazy said:

America is the biggest threat to the world.

but it has not won a war after World War II.
without the help of others, therefore, they seek help wherever they can

well, any of them construed as a war, Post WW2, have always been:

 - coalitions( as even the U.S.cannot afford to be a lone Wold Police)

- ended in Armistices to some degree; which must surely have been a better win/win, than the total annihilation of a losing side...

[bkkcanuck8]

4 hours ago, Happyman58 said:

Us just remembered Thailand has Airports they can use if trouble breaks out in S-E asia . Quiet honestly the Us dont give a dam about Thailand or what gov is in power Even if Thailand had Pol Pot in power they still be nice to him because Thailand has airbases.

You are partially correct, they know Thailand exists and Thailand assumed that they were as important to the United States as they use to -- which it is not.  I would say that Vietnam has more common interests with the United States right now - where before they where not a factor (Vietnam needs to have a balanced relationship to counter the Chinese for security purposes). 

[Ricardo]

On 13/02/2018 at 12:59 PM, robertthesculptor said:

Wrong move, Nazi leadership don't go there

 

I think it's perhaps a little bit extreme, to describe the USA as having 'Nazi leadership', and I'd certainly still travel there if I needed to.

[bkkcanuck8]

2 hours ago, tifino said:

well, any of them construed as a war, Post WW2, have always been:

 - coalitions( as even the U.S.cannot afford to be a lone Wold Police)

- ended in Armistices to some degree; which must surely have been a better win/win, than the total annihilation of a losing side...

The biggest threat to the world right now is the United States steady decline into an isolationist nation.  They are currently in the progress of destroying their credentials internationally with regards to diplomacy.  The world needs to have a counterbalance to other world powers such as Russia and China, but right now the US is basically abandoning it's place in the world and China is definitely taking advantage of it.  The cost will be born by the United States for decades to come in the future.  It does not mean exerting it through military because quite honestly -- the American people leave the US military a very much weakened power.  Everyone knows that if you can keep the US from winning outright, and bog them down in a gorilla war type situation, eventually the military will be completely hamstrung and made ineffective by the citizens of the United States.  The influence that the US has to exert in this world is leading the world as a moral leader, and one of providing economic leadership.  Donald Trump has basically turned his back on the world, and his view of to win -- others must lose -- will continue to destroy the US's position in the world for the foreseeable future.

[ExpatOilWorker]

7 minutes ago, bkkcanuck8 said:

The biggest threat to the world right now is the United States steady decline into an isolationist nation.  They are currently in the progress of destroying their credentials internationally with regards to diplomacy.  The world needs to have a counterbalance to other world powers such as Russia and China, but right now the US is basically abandoning it's place in the world and China is definitely taking advantage of it.  The cost will be born by the United States for decades to come in the future.  It does not mean exerting it through military because quite honestly -- the American people leave the US military a very much weakened power.  Everyone knows that if you can keep the US from winning outright, and bog them down in a gorilla war type situation, eventually the military will be completely hamstrung and made ineffective by the citizens of the United States.  The influence that the US has to exert in this world is leading the world as a moral leader, and one of providing economic leadership.  Donald Trump has basically turned his back on the world, and his view of to win -- others must lose -- will continue to destroy the US's position in the world for the foreseeable future.

Despite all its flaws, the US has done and excellent job as the worlds watchdog and hopefully will continue to do so in the future.

China only care about Beijing's self-interest. Look what happened to Venezuela. When you sleep with dogs you'll wake up with fleas.

[ExpatOilWorker]

3 hours ago, Bangkokazy said:

America is the biggest threat to the world.

but it has not won a war after World War II.
without the help of others, therefore, they seek help wherever they can

 

Except of course:

 

Lebanon Crisis (1958)

Korean DMZ Conflict (1966–1969)

Dominican Civil War (1965)

Insurgency in Bolivia (1966–1967)

War in South Zaire (1978)

Gulf of Sidra encounter (1981)

Invasion of Grenada (1983)

Action in the Gulf of Sidra (1986)

Bombing of Libya (1986)

Tanker War (1987–1988)

Tobruk encounter (1989)

Invasion of Panama (1989–1990)

Gulf War (1990–1991)

Iraqi No-Fly Zone Enforcement (1991–2003)

First Intervention in the Somali Civil War (1992–1995)

Bosnian War (1992–1995)

Intervention in Haiti (1994–1995)

Kosovo War (1998–1999)

[Davmaac]

8 hours ago, ExpatOilWorker said:

Except of course:

 

Lebanon Crisis (1958)

Korean DMZ Conflict (1966–1969)

Dominican Civil War (1965)

Insurgency in Bolivia (1966–1967)

War in South Zaire (1978)

Gulf of Sidra encounter (1981)

Invasion of Grenada (1983)

Action in the Gulf of Sidra (1986)

Bombing of Libya (1986)

Tanker War (1987–1988)

Tobruk encounter (1989)

Invasion of Panama (1989–1990)

Gulf War (1990–1991)

Iraqi No-Fly Zone Enforcement (1991–2003)

First Intervention in the Somali Civil War (1992–1995)

Bosnian War (1992–1995)

Intervention in Haiti (1994–1995)

Kosovo War (1998–1999)

As this list proves.

Where there is war or trouble the 'good ole' USA is never far away! 

[Carib]

13 hours ago, Happyman58 said:

Us just remembered Thailand has Airports they can use if trouble breaks out in S-E asia . Quiet honestly the Us dont give a dam about Thailand or what gov is in power Even if Thailand had Pol Pot in power they still be nice to him because Thailand has airbases.

Bingo !

[bkkcanuck8]

8 hours ago, ExpatOilWorker said:

Except of course:

 

Lebanon Crisis (1958)

Korean DMZ Conflict (1966–1969)

Dominican Civil War (1965)

Insurgency in Bolivia (1966–1967)

War in South Zaire (1978)

Gulf of Sidra encounter (1981)

Invasion of Grenada (1983)

Action in the Gulf of Sidra (1986)

Bombing of Libya (1986)

Tanker War (1987–1988)

Tobruk encounter (1989)

Invasion of Panama (1989–1990)

Gulf War (1990–1991)

Iraqi No-Fly Zone Enforcement (1991–2003)

First Intervention in the Somali Civil War (1992–1995)

Bosnian War (1992–1995)

Intervention in Haiti (1994–1995)

Kosovo War (1998–1999)

The original poster is technically correct -- since the last officially declared war (formal declaration of war) was actually World War II.   You can not win a war if you are not formally at war....  on the bright side they have not officially lost a war after World War II either 

[bkkcanuck8]

13 minutes ago, Davmaac said:

As this list proves.

Where there is war or trouble the 'good ole' USA is never far away! 

And when they decide not to enter it the left is not far behind asking why the government does not do anything.  

[EVENKEEL]

As stated Cobra Gold Training is nothing new. And yet all the USA bashers crawl out of their holes to howl. In the future if and when the different countries do business together, they'll have a better understanding of a nation's strength and weakness.

 

Party on 7th. Fleet.

[Happyman58]

15 hours ago, bkkcanuck8 said:

You are partially correct, they know Thailand exists and Thailand assumed that they were as important to the United States as they use to -- which it is not.  I would say that Vietnam has more common interests with the United States right now - where before they where not a factor (Vietnam needs to have a balanced relationship to counter the Chinese for security purposes). 

The  world would be a better place if all the soldiers if they all packed up there guns and went home " There is a song called When the war is over I wish they learn the words and go home

[bkkcanuck8]

2 hours ago, Happyman58 said:

The  world would be a better place if all the soldiers if they all packed up there guns and went home " There is a song called When the war is over I wish they learn the words and go home

That is pipe-dream akin to saying the world would be a better place if everyone just respected everyones rights and never committed a crime.  We then disband the police force.  Only problem is there is always a few (or more than a few) that will take advantage of the situation -- and with no-one to stop the bullies... you end up with a much worse situation for most everyone.  Most western leaders don't understand "hard power" and approach situations with the belief that diplomacy will win the day, but the old leaders that understand "hard power" typically use that pretence to lull the other leaders into a fall sense of security -- wait a few years -- then resume... and bit by bit they will succeed since too many will not stand up.  The end result of withdrawing from the world, will be a world where genocide and oppression will become easier and more common place.

[lovelomsak]

12 minutes ago, bkkcanuck8 said:

That is pipe-dream akin to saying the world would be a better place if everyone just respected everyones rights and never committed a crime.  We then disband the police force.  Only problem is there is always a few (or more than a few) that will take advantage of the situation -- and with no-one to stop the bullies... you end up with a much worse situation for most everyone.  Most western leaders don't understand "hard power" and approach situations with the belief that diplomacy will win the day, but the old leaders that understand "hard power" typically use that pretence to lull the other leaders into a fall sense of security -- wait a few years -- then resume... and bit by bit they will succeed since too many will not stand up.  The end result of withdrawing from the world, will be a world where genocide and oppression will become easier and more common place.

I agree with much of what you say.

 But the USA in bed with Thailand ? 

  Like one poster stated USA built  airstrips and need to hopefully keep access to them through things like Cobra Gold. There is no gaurantee when the time comes and the USA needs the airstrips that Thailand will let them use  the airstrips. USA  may at that time be fighting with an Ally of Thailands and USA will be on the wrong side of the fight.

  Those same airstrips could be used by the nations  against America warring in Asia.

Edited February 15, 2018 by lovelomsak

[Happyman58]

30 minutes ago, bkkcanuck8 said:

That is pipe-dream akin to saying the world would be a better place if everyone just respected everyones rights and never committed a crime.  We then disband the police force.  Only problem is there is always a few (or more than a few) that will take advantage of the situation -- and with no-one to stop the bullies... you end up with a much worse situation for most everyone.  Most western leaders don't understand "hard power" and approach situations with the belief that diplomacy will win the day, but the old leaders that understand "hard power" typically use that pretence to lull the other leaders into a fall sense of security -- wait a few years -- then resume... and bit by bit they will succeed since too many will not stand up.  The end result of withdrawing from the world, will be a world where genocide and oppression will become easier and more common place.

might as well disband the RTP and start again Anyway carry on i dont care. Wars create jobs and money  Just a dream i guess having a war free world. There are more wars going on now. Makes you wonder why we have the United Nations?

 

[bkkcanuck8]

33 minutes ago, lovelomsak said:

I agree with much of what you say.

 But the USA in bed with Thailand ? 

  Like one poster stated USA built  airstrips and need to hopefully keep access to them through things like Cobra Gold. There is no gaurantee when the time comes and the USA needs the airstrips that Thailand will let them use  the airstrips. USA  may at that time be fighting with an Ally of Thailands and USA will be on the wrong side of the fight.

  Those same airstrips could be used by the nations  against America warring in Asia.

Personally, I would expand it further.  You have Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and United States.  You have China, Laos, Myanmar, Netherlands, New Zealand, Russia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam as observers.  I would allow all that want to participate in the exercises as want to.  It is better that the militaries from as many countries be involved in exercises so that they can co-ordinate defence against an aggressor state as well as disaster co-ordination.  The logic behind it is that hopefully with more participating that there will be less of a chance of a rogue state thinking that it will be easy being an aggressor against potentially a united and trained defence.  

 

[bkkcanuck8]

39 minutes ago, lovelomsak said:

I agree with much of what you say.

 But the USA in bed with Thailand ? 

  Like one poster stated USA built  airstrips and need to hopefully keep access to them through things like Cobra Gold. There is no gaurantee when the time comes and the USA needs the airstrips that Thailand will let them use  the airstrips. USA  may at that time be fighting with an Ally of Thailands and USA will be on the wrong side of the fight.

  Those same airstrips could be used by the nations  against America warring in Asia.

Nor should Thailand act as a colony and allow the unconditional use of their airstrips if it is against their own interests.

[Sonhia]

Why are the USA in joint military exercise operations with Thailand? 

 

Are both nations that worried, or paranoid, that they maybe under threat from an other nation or nations?

 

Or could it simply be for logistical reasons plus advantage on the part of one particular forceful nation, blinkering the lesser nation? 

 

If conflict should arise, who will be left holding the baby?

 

I wonder?

 

Its a pitty humans cannot focus, as a collective group,  on protecting and preserving the only home we will ever have.  PLANT EARTH

 

 

[lovelomsak]

39 minutes ago, bkkcanuck8 said:

Nor should Thailand act as a colony and allow the unconditional use of their airstrips if it is against their own interests.

The airstrips were built by America so I think America feels they should keep access to them. The strips were built for Vietnam war and USA probably feels they should have use of them if they go to war in the area. Perhaps just high expectations on the USA side.

  And they would definitely find out if it was against Thailands interest they would not get access. You are right they would not act as a colony.

  

Edited February 15, 2018 by lovelomsak

[joeyg]

Well, we have bombed Bangkok before... 

 

[suzannegoh]

The airstrips were built by America so I think America feels they should keep access to them. The strips were built for Vietnam war and USA probably feels they should have use of them if they go to war in the area. Perhaps just high expectations on the USA side.
  And they would definitely find out if it was against Thailands interest they would not get access. You are right they would not act as a colony.
  

There's also a cooperative defence treaty between the US and the former SEATO nations to which Thailand is a signatory.