US-Thai cobra gold adds cyber, space

Thailand and the United States are preparing for the Cobra Gold 2026 joint military exercise, which will feature an expanded focus on space and cybercrime operations to reinforce a long-standing security alliance.

The 2026 iteration aims to modernize the partnership in response to an evolving security landscape. Thailand’s Chief of Defense Forces General Ukris stated that the Indo-Pacific region has faced increasingly complex security challenges over the past two to three years, including tensions in the South China Sea, geopolitical competition between major powers, and transnational threats. 

The Thai military chief further emphasized that while Thailand is a peace-loving nation, it remains ready for combat at all times.