Cobra Gold 2010

[PeteC]

In full swing over here. Thai and foreign military everywhere. The Pattaya girls must be in full plumage as well. Pete
_______________
Cobra Gold swings into full gear
Published: 5/02/2010 at 01:32 AM
Online news: Local News Bangkok Post

Sattahip District, Chon Buri: More than 800 US, Thai and South Korean marines stormed Hat Yao Beach in Thailand on Thursday with Seoul joining the annual joint war games for the first time.


The three-week Cobra Gold exercise sends a message that the United States will have a continued presence in the Asia-Pacific region, and the military is one aspect of that presence, said Lt Gen Benjamin Mixon, commander of the US army, Pacific.

The core exercise, being held for the 29th time, will focus on peacekeeping operations and humanitarian and disaster responses.

Mixon said South Korea’s participation was exciting.

"South Korea is a leader in the Asia-Pacific region, and this just underscores their importance in the peace and stability within the region," he said.

Singapore, Japan and Indonesia also are participating in the war games involving 11,500 military personnel.

On Thursday, the three countries' marines and US Navy Seals charged onto a beach southeast of Bangkok from 24 amphibious vehicles as helicopters clattered overhead and simulated explosions erupted along the shore.

[Spitfire]

Yeah Pete, in full swing in Korat too at the moment, few hotel rooms in the betters one available. Will say though, that up here at least, it's a much more sedate affair than it used to be, much more low profile apart from the endles streams of jets and sonic booms over the city. Gone are the days of 3000 baht perdium a day and partying left, right and center, they are not allowed out like they used to be 7-10 years ago. You still see the soldiers out now but they seem to all be in pre-approved places, or near to the hotel, that have been checked-out by an advance party of officers etc before the exersizes begin, nowhere near as overt as it used to be here in Korat.

Also see the girls with legs up to their arm pits in tiny dresses that look completely out of place prowling around trying to hunt down a marine or two, it's harvest time, predators away follow the prey .

[STEVE G]

Lucky buggers, at this time of year in the British military we used to invade Northern Norway!
I'll admit it is a fine country, but a bit lacking in the sort of entertainment opportunities that might excite the mind of the young serviceman.

[PeteC]

I think it's all over tomorrow, the 11th. There is/was an aircraft carrier parked off of Pattaya and it's those lucky lads who are getting a run at Pattaya I think. Pete