British troops along with military hardware arrived in Thailand yesterday morning for a joint military exercise which will take place from today until Nov 24 with a Kanchanaburi-based infantry unit.
A total of 120 soldiers from the 1st Battalion Irish Guards, along with their equipment landed at Bangkok's Don Muang military airport on an KC-30/Airbus A330 MRTT.
The troops were welcomed by Maj Gen Suthon Muanpitak, deputy director in charge of the joint exercise, and Col Roger Lewis, defence attache, at the British embassy in Bangkok.
They will join 300 Thai troops for the drill codenamed Panther Gold 2017. Of the Thai soldiers, 220 are drawn from the 9th Infantry Division including 120 rifle company soldiers.
The military exercise, which will be held in Kanchanaburi, is aimed at enhancing military capabilities in terms of tactical and strategic operations.
The forces will also earn about the traditions, culture and customs of each others' countries to deepen ties between the troops. It is also hoped Panther Gold will strengthen security cooperation between the two nations.
The opening ceremony for the joint exercise will be presided over by Lt Gen Parinya Kunnasri, chief of the Directorate of Operations, and Maj Gen Giles Patrick Hill, assistant chief of the British army's Defence Staff. Panther Gold 2017 is the first joint military exercise between the UK and the Thai armies.
