Should the US move its Cobra Gold war games out of Thailand?

[webfact]

Should the US Move Its Cobra Gold War Games Out of Thailand?
Joshua Kurlantzick

THAILAND: -- Despite the fact that Thai junta leader–turned prime minister Prayuth Chan-ocha recently let slip that the current Thai regime might not hold elections until 2016 or later, U.S. policy toward the kingdom remains largely the same as before the coup.

Some in the State Department and other parts of the administration have urged the U.S. government to take a tougher line against Thailand, noting that there should be a clear U.S. response to the overthrow of an elected government. But recent reports suggest that the Obama administration is not going to cancel the 2015 Cobra Gold military exercises with Thailand next year or move it to another country, which would be a serious blow to the prestige of the Thai armed forces.

Moving Cobra Gold, in fact, would be a much tougher response to the coup than the mild sanctions put in place by the Obama administration thus far. The administration plans merely to scale Cobra Gold down.

As Stars and Stripes recently reported:

The United States and Thailand will scale down next year’s Cobra Gold military exercise because of the rift in relations that followed Thailand’s military coup earlier this year.…Many consider the multinational exercise to be not only important military training but also an instrument of U.S. regional diplomacy. Despite some uncertainty over the future of next year’s exercise, logistical planning [with the Thai military] had been ongoing and a bilateral conference is planned for later this month, State Department officials said.

In other words, Cobra Gold is still going to happen. The Thai government, eager for any signals from Western nations that they accept the coup (see, for example, Siam Voices’ blog post on Prayuth’s recent trip to Europe to accumulate stamps of approval), will interpret this decision as one more sign that U.S.-Thailand relations are returning to business as usual, whether or not Thailand is returning to electoral democracy.

Full story: http://www.defenseone.com/threats/2014/10/should-us-move-its-cobra-gold-war-games-out-thailand/97124/

-- Defense One 2014-10-23

[Somtamnication]

A worthless exercise. And doing it is a simple thumbs up to the current govt.

[The stuttering parrot]

Pretty weak from the Obama administration.

On one hand they condemn the coup and yet by giving this government any lead way they will take it as accepted.

They wouldn't do business with Burma under military rule so why Thailand.

Especially after Thailand never got a look in at the UN .

Weak as bloody lolly water!

[Roadman]

Well done the US.

Regional strategies are of far more importance than picking over the bones of the removal of a failed and violent democracy.

[daveAustin]

It's all about strategy for the US, they really couldn't give a flying one about the place. If Thailand were located in the arse end of Africa (read, not near China) and there was no chance of the sailors to get their end away, it'd be a case of Muang Thai who?

[thesetat2013]

The USA should embrace Thailands coup for what it is. A process to eliminate the massive corruption engaged in by the past Gov.

Thais are only tapping the surface of real democracy and perhaps the USA wanted a civil war here which was very near in coming with YL.

[NeverSure]

The USA should embrace Thailands coup for what it is. A process to eliminate the massive corruption engaged in by the past Gov.

Thais are only tapping the surface of real democracy and perhaps the USA wanted a civil war here which was very near in coming with YL.

Really? The "investigation" of a couple of murdered Brits on a certain Island wouldn't indicate an end to corruption for me.

Where is this person riding in on a white horse wearing the white hat to put an end to this?

What I have seen is a change of shirt colors as to who is in favor.

[rametindallas]

Should the US Move Its Cobra Gold War Games Out of Thailand?

Short answer, NO! Long answer, Noooooooo. Too much at stake that is bigger than Thailand. Too many other countries to be considered for the U.S. to get on its 'high horse' over a coup when the country is otherwise stable.

By design, Cobra Gold alternates between large, combat-oriented exercised and a 'smaller' version that focuses on peacekeeping missions. The fact that the 'smaller' exercises are scheduled for February has been used by propagandists to claim the U.S. has 'scaled down' CG to show disapproval of the Junta. An expected 9,000 U.S. troops and 6,000 Thai soldiers, as well as active troops from Singapore, South Korea, Indonesia, Japan, and Malaysia will participate in 2015 Cobra Gold, according to U.S. sources. Chinese troops will participate in the part of the games involving humanitarian and civil assistance programs. Invitations to observe have been sent out to Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam, China, New Zealand, Russia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Timor-Leste, and the Netherlands. This exercise, involving so many countries, is important for continued cooperation in the whole region. There were never any plans by the U.S. to move CG to Australia.

Propagandize if you will, but this exercise, involving so many countries, is good for the whole world as it promotes more cooperation. Cobra Gold is much larger than the ever-changing political landscape in Thailand.

Edited October 23, 2014 by rametindallas

[rakman]

Thailand needs the tourists, and while many in the US Govt don't like certain coups and help others (remember Honduras?), Thailand has it in their constitution to pull a coup if things are heading badly.

Plus, Thailand will get a ton of extra money and a lot of new equipment.

[chainarong]

It is not in the best interests of both countries or Thailand's allies to become embroiled in silly military nonsense , weakening standards in the region do not allow Thailand or its allies to drop the ball, there is one particular country that is now becoming or trying to become an influence in the region and it is not because they want friends, the balance of regional power along with relationships with Thailand , need all the harmony that can be fostered, to this extent the US , OZ, CA and NZ should carry on business as usual.

[Lannig]

Welcome to Realpolitik

[uffe123]

Yes, the U.S. should not hold or participate in any more war games in Thailand. As everyone knows, one cannot post the reason why?

[Commerce]

Should the US Move Its Cobra Gold War Games Out of Thailand?

Short answer, NO! Long answer, Noooooooo. Too much at stake that is bigger than Thailand. Too many other countries to be considered for the U.S. to get on its 'high horse' over a coup when the country is otherwise stable.

By design, Cobra Gold alternates between large, combat-oriented exercised and a 'smaller' version that focuses on peacekeeping missions. The fact that the 'smaller' exercises are scheduled for February has been used by propagandists to claim the U.S. has 'scaled down' CG to show disapproval of the Junta. An expected 9,000 U.S. troops and 6,000 Thai soldiers, as well as active troops from Singapore, South Korea, Indonesia, Japan, and Malaysia will participate in 2015 Cobra Gold, according to U.S. sources. Chinese troops will participate in the part of the games involving humanitarian and civil assistance programs. Invitations to observe have been sent out to Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam, China, New Zealand, Russia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Timor-Leste, and the Netherlands. This exercise, involving so many countries, is important for continued cooperation in the whole region. There were never any plans by the U.S. to move CG to Australia.

Propagandize if you will, but this exercise, involving so many countries, is good for the whole world as it promotes more cooperation. Cobra Gold is much larger than the ever-changing political landscape in Thailand.

When you write 'promotes cooperation', are you including Thailand also?

[jdinasia]

Obviously Thailand and the US need Cobra Gold.

This is a regional exercise and Thailand is a vital strategic ally. The US shift to an Asian focus needs Thailand more now than ever.

[thesetat2013]

The USA should embrace Thailands coup for what it is. A process to eliminate the massive corruption engaged in by the past Gov.

Thais are only tapping the surface of real democracy and perhaps the USA wanted a civil war here which was very near in coming with YL.

Really? The "investigation" of a couple of murdered Brits on a certain Island wouldn't indicate an end to corruption for me.

Where is this person riding in on a white horse wearing the white hat to put an end to this?

What I have seen is a change of shirt colors as to who is in favor.

Excuse me! Prayuth was just supposed to come in and kill everyone the first week right?

Aside from the fact that stuttering parrot sides with your backlash at me leads me to think you agreed that YL and all the corruption that was allowed before with the YL ADMIN was A-OK!

Prayuth could not have painted a bullseye on everyone. They have to be rooted out. The shirt color you mentioned has NO bearing in this topic. So go do your RED trolling elsewhere.

Edited October 23, 2014 by thesetat2013

[ToddinChonburi]

Should the US Move Its Cobra Gold War Games Out of Thailand?

Short answer, NO! Long answer, Noooooooo. Too much at stake that is bigger than Thailand. Too many other countries to be considered for the U.S. to get on its 'high horse' over a coup when the country is otherwise stable.

By design, Cobra Gold alternates between large, combat-oriented exercised and a 'smaller' version that focuses on peacekeeping missions. The fact that the 'smaller' exercises are scheduled for February has been used by propagandists to claim the U.S. has 'scaled down' CG to show disapproval of the Junta. An expected 9,000 U.S. troops and 6,000 Thai soldiers, as well as active troops from Singapore, South Korea, Indonesia, Japan, and Malaysia will participate in 2015 Cobra Gold, according to U.S. sources. Chinese troops will participate in the part of the games involving humanitarian and civil assistance programs. Invitations to observe have been sent out to Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam, China, New Zealand, Russia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Timor-Leste, and the Netherlands. This exercise, involving so many countries, is important for continued cooperation in the whole region. There were never any plans by the U.S. to move CG to Australia.

Propagandize if you will, but this exercise, involving so many countries, is good for the whole world as it promotes more cooperation. Cobra Gold is much larger than the ever-changing political landscape in Thailand.

Yes you get the big picture.

[rametindallas]

Should the US Move Its Cobra Gold War Games Out of Thailand?

Short answer, NO! Long answer, Noooooooo. Too much at stake that is bigger than Thailand. Too many other countries to be considered for the U.S. to get on its 'high horse' over a coup when the country is otherwise stable.

By design, Cobra Gold alternates between large, combat-oriented exercised and a 'smaller' version that focuses on peacekeeping missions. The fact that the 'smaller' exercises are scheduled for February has been used by propagandists to claim the U.S. has 'scaled down' CG to show disapproval of the Junta. An expected 9,000 U.S. troops and 6,000 Thai soldiers, as well as active troops from Singapore, South Korea, Indonesia, Japan, and Malaysia will participate in 2015 Cobra Gold, according to U.S. sources. Chinese troops will participate in the part of the games involving humanitarian and civil assistance programs. Invitations to observe have been sent out to Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam, China, New Zealand, Russia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Timor-Leste, and the Netherlands. This exercise, involving so many countries, is important for continued cooperation in the whole region. There were never any plans by the U.S. to move CG to Australia.

Propagandize if you will, but this exercise, involving so many countries, is good for the whole world as it promotes more cooperation. Cobra Gold is much larger than the ever-changing political landscape in Thailand.

When you write 'promotes cooperation', are you including Thailand also?

An unexpected question. Every country that participates in a single event must, by definition, cooperate for the event to be a success. So, yes, that includes Thailand, with its 6,000 troops participating with the other active participants and also acting as host to all the observer countries. Maybe you meant the question in a different way?

Already, China and Vietnam are beginning to cooperate on oil rights in the South China Sea and, since many of the countries listed as participating is some way have active disputes regarding the South China Sea, any time they can come together as a group will be more conducive to peace rather than war. War is a terrible thing and if they can all 'play' at war without engaging in the real thing, it is a good thing.

[DaddyWarbucks]

Nothing in it for Thailand... stay neutral and learn from the Swiss.

[EnglishJohn]

Bangkok Post reported that Cobra alternates between a big one and a small one and the next one is a small one. It mentioned that those with a political agenda will try to make out it has been reduced in size as a protest against the coup.

It was quite a surprise to read that as BKP changed to be decidedly pro Pheu-Thai just as the protests started last November. I would love to know what happened in the management at that time ...

[whybother]

Yes, the U.S. should not hold or participate in any more war games in Thailand. As everyone knows, one cannot post the reason why?

Doesn't the OP discuss the reasons why? Why can't you?

[Somtamnication]

The USA should embrace Thailands coup for what it is. A process to eliminate the massive corruption engaged in by the past Gov.

Thais are only tapping the surface of real democracy and perhaps the USA wanted a civil war here which was very near in coming with YL.

Really? That is why the council members do not have to release their wealth information. No corruption there!

[Pib]

Nothing in it for Thailand... stay neutral and learn from the Swiss.

Yes, let others fight wars...watch from the mountains while counting gold coins.

[rametindallas]

Yes, the U.S. should not hold or participate in any more war games in Thailand. As everyone knows, one cannot post the reason why?

Doesn't the OP discuss the reasons why? Why can't you?

uffe123 still believes in the mysterious Thai 'Third Hand'. I hate to break it to him but he needs to know that Dr. Thaksin was the man behind the curtain of the 'Third Hand'.

[metisdead]

Reminder:

Referring to Thailand or the government as a dictatorship, military dictatorship or other such terms will be removed.

[2fishin2]

The USA should embrace Thailands coup for what it is. A process to eliminate the massive corruption engaged in by the past Gov.

Thais are only tapping the surface of real democracy and perhaps the USA wanted a civil war here which was very near in coming with YL.

That was a very well thought out response to a military exercise....

[visionchaser45]

We should withdraw. in fact, we should be taking a line similar to Australia. We used to stand for something, but now all we stand for is $$$$$$$$$$$$

[willyumiii]

As an outsider or non-Thai, it seems to me things are better now than before.

It also seems that most Thais I know are pleased with the change.

I think that if elections were held now, the current government would be approved.

Once this is done, the government of the USA would be free to support Thailand again.

This would be beneficial to both countries.

So, why not hold those elections now?

[smedly]

I fail to see the purpose of this thread and why the author raised the question in the first place - what is the point

[jdinasia]

The USA should embrace Thailands coup for what it is. A process to eliminate the massive corruption engaged in by the past Gov.

Thais are only tapping the surface of real democracy and perhaps the USA wanted a civil war here which was very near in coming with YL.

Really? That is why the council members do not have to release their wealth information. No corruption there!

Pardon??

[RKASA]

The USA should embrace Thailands coup for what it is. A process to eliminate the massive corruption engaged in by the past Gov.

Thais are only tapping the surface of real democracy and perhaps the USA wanted a civil war here which was very near in coming with YL.

The US wanted a civil war here? OMG. BTW the last 18 coups to eliminate corruption have worked so well they needed to try again. "The USA should embrace Thailand's coup for what it is" they have and they didn't like it - you mean to say they should except it, but they don't - they tolerate it.

PS to add Thailand is like that brother in law you love but sometimes wish you could slap silly - everyone still shows up for Thanksgiving dinner.

Edited October 23, 2014 by RKASA