BANGKOK, Thailand – The Royal Thai Army and the Australian Army are conducting Exercise Chapel Gold 2026, an annual joint military exercise intended to enhance operational readiness and military cooperation between the two countries. The exercise is being conducted in Prachin Buri province until June 29 under the responsibility of Thailand’s 1st Army Area. More than 400 personnel from the Royal Thai Army’s 2nd Infantry Regiment, King’s Guard, are participating alongside more than 150 personnel from the Australian Army’s Rifle Company Butterworth 148. The exercise was officially commenced by Major General Benjapol Dejatiwongse Na Ayudhya, commander of the 2nd Infantry Division, King’s Guard, and Captain Paul Welch, Australian defense attaché to Thailand.
Training activities include tactical operations, maneuver warfare, jungle survival, live-fire marksmanship, armored unit operations, and professional military exchanges. Personnel from both armies are also sharing operational experience and field skills to improve coordination and interoperability. The exercise is expected to enhance the capabilities and readiness of participating troops while further strengthening long-standing military relations between Thailand and Australia. The training also supports cooperation in regional security and preparedness for a broad range of future missions. (NNT)
