Thailand hosts Cobra Gold drill

Thai and U.S. soldiers make landfall in Chonburi province, East of Bangkok.

They are taking part in Cobra Gold - an annual military exercise involving military personnel from both countries.

Troops practice a number of different activities and tactics as part of the exercise, including this operation which focuses on how to handle a security situation in a remote village.

The aim of the scenario was to help improve understanding and cooperation between the two militaries by working together to storm the village.

A U.S. Company Commander said the bilateral relationship was mutually beneficial.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) CAPTAIN JONATHAN JOANNIDES, COMPANY COMMANDER:

"It's vitally important that we continue this relationship. We've known Thailand for a long long time so I think continuing in this area and having those bilateral changes where we promote common relationships and fostering those partnerships that strengthen both of us can only be good for the region."

This year's Cobra Gold is the first since the U.S. announced last year a strategy to re-engage with South East Asia.

Under the plans, the U.S. will maintain its large military bases in Japan and South Korea while stationing ships in Australia, Singapore and perhaps the Philippines.

Simon Hanna, Reuters.