The United States and Thailand hold numerous joint military exercises. They are, according to
many military analysts, invaluable, and foster a strong working relationship between the armed
forces of both countries. Before the coup, Thailand and the United States were conducting over
50 joint military exercises a year, including Cobra Gold. For the February 2015 exercise, over
13,000 military personnel participated.13 The fully participating nations include Thailand, the
United States, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia and Malaysia, along with observers from
several other Asian nations, including, for the second time, military officials from Burma. China
also participated, albeit in a limited capacity. It only took part in non-combat exercises, such as
humanitarian-assistance missions.