BANGKOK, Thailand – The army chiefs of Thailand and Japan have agreed to deepen their military cooperation, focusing on joint training and personnel development to enhance regional security.
Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army Gen. Phana Khlaeoplotthuk officially welcomed the Chief of Staff of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Gen. Morishita Yasunori in Bangkok. The Japanese military commander is visiting Thailand as an official guest of the Royal Thai Army.
The two leaders agreed to upgrade their military relationship, with a special focus on personnel development through joint training and education. This includes enhanced cooperation on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief within the annual Cobra Gold exercise. In a significant sign of deepening trust, Thailand’s status in Japan’s Nankai Rescue drill will also be elevated from an observer to a main participant.
During the meeting, Gen. Morishita expressed concern over the current Thailand-Cambodia border tensions. Gen. Phana responded that Thailand is committed to resolving the issue through existing bilateral negotiation mechanisms like the Regional Border Committee (RBC).
The two sides also look forward to a Staff Talk meeting to be hosted in Thailand this August. Gen. Morishita has invited his Thai counterpart to make an official visit to Japan in 2026 to further solidify the strong relationship between the two armies. (NNT)
