Adm. Samuel J. Paparo, commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, traveled to Thailand, where he met with senior government and military leaders to reinforce the enduring U.S.-Thailand Alliance, Dec. 15-18.
He met with Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Phumtham Wechaychai, Chief of Defence for the Royal Thai Armed Forces Gen. Songwit Noonpackdee, Deputy Chief of Defence for the Royal Thai Armed Forces Gen. Paiboon Vorravanpreecha, Royal Thai Air Force Assistant Commander in Chief Air Chief Marshal Sakesan Kantha, Royal Thai Army Commander in Chief Gen. Pana Klaewblaudtuk, Royal Thai Navy Commander in Chief Adm. Jirapol Wongwit, and U.S. Ambassador to Thailand Robert F. Godec.
They discussed shared commitments to key priorities such as maritime security, cyber security, military modernization, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. They also focused on expansion of people-to-people ties through diplomatic and commercial relations.
While in Bangkok, Paparo participated in an honors ceremony at the Royal Thai Armed Forces headquarters. The visit not only showcased strategic alignment and initiatives, but also highlighted the deep appreciation and strength between the two nations.
During their annual Senior Leader Dialogue, Paparo and Songwit committed to increased military-to-military planning and activity, including continued growth of Exercise Cobra Gold. Now in its 43rd year, Cobra Gold is a Thai-U.S. training event that builds on the long-standing friendship between the two allied nations and brings together a robust multinational force to promote regional peace and security.
The U.S. and Thailand have been defense treaty allies since the signing of the Southeast Asian Collective Defense Treaty in 1954 and demonstrate continued allegiance through the signing of the 2022 U.S.-Thailand Communiqué on Strategic Alliance and Partnership. As enduring friends, military allies and economic partners, they remain steadfast in safeguarding regional security and sovereignty in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
