Thai rice exports fall 17.5% in January, 2026 outlook seen at five-year low

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25 February 2026, 18:41

Thailand’s rice exports fell sharply in January, raising concerns that 2026 shipments could hit a five-year low amid a strong baht and intensifying global competition.

Chookiat Ophaswongse, honorary president of the Thai Rice Exporters Association, said exports in January totalled 530,000 tonnes, down 17.5% year-on-year, with export value plunging 30.7% to 9.7 billion baht. Shipments are expected to average around 500,000 tonnes per month through mid-year as the sector faces mounting headwinds.

The association forecasts total rice exports in 2026 at 7.03 million tonnes, down 11% from 7.9 million tonnes in 2025, marking the lowest level in five years. Export value is projected at 130–140 billion baht, a drop of 12.3%.

Exporters cited five major risk factors. Chief among them is the strengthening baht, hovering around 31 to the US dollar, making Thai rice more expensive than competitors. Thai jasmine rice is now priced at about $1,200 per tonne, the highest in the world, compared with around $970 for Indian basmati and $800–830 for similar grades from Vietnam and Cambodia. Thai 5% white rice is also priced above key rivals.

Other pressures include temporary US import tariffs under Section 122, which impose a blanket 15% duty for 150 days, potentially reducing Thai jasmine rice exports to the US by 15–20%. The US is Thailand’s largest jasmine rice market, accounting for roughly half of total jasmine exports.

Global oversupply, including record production in India, import restrictions by major buyers such as Indonesia, and food security policies encouraging self-sufficiency are also weighing on demand.

Exporters urged swift formation of a new government and called for urgent measures to address currency strength, saying a weaker baht at 33–34 per dollar would improve competitiveness. In the medium term, they stressed the need to develop new rice varieties that match global demand and reduce production costs to prevent Thailand from losing further market share to regional rivals.

Birthday drug party bust nets 128,000 pills

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Khaosod English

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25 February 2026, 17:45

Birthday drug party bust nets 128,000 pills

UDON THANI — 25 February 2026, Police have arrested nine people at a birthday party drug gathering and seized 128,000 methamphetamine pills along with assets worth about 2.2 million baht, officials said on Wednesday.

At a 11:30 news conference outside the Udon Thani Provincial Police headquarters, Deputy Governor Phisit Chai Apaiyagul and senior police officers announced the arrests.

Those detained were identified by police only by their nicknames and ages: Frame, 28; Phu, 22; Jay, 20; Pongphisit, 20; Pongphon, 28; Patcharita, 29; Nattreeya, 30; Ek, 30; and Art, 35.

Seized items included 128,000 methamphetamine tablets, 11 packets of ketamine weighing 57.77 grammes, 16 packets of collagen mixed with methamphetamine, four ketamine vape pods and 10 mobile phones.

Authorities also confiscated assets including a white Honda City registered in Bangkok, an orange four-door Ford Ranger pickup registered in Bangkok, a black Honda Lead motorcycle, a one-baht-weight gold necklace, a gold ring weighing one salung, 40,000 baht in cash and 345,460 baht held in bank accounts. The total value was estimated at 2.2 million baht.

Police said the operation began on the night of 24 February, when investigators received information that Frame was selling methamphetamine within Udon Thani municipality.

Frame was then used in a sting operation to arrange a drug purchase from a major local dealer known as Yai. Instead, Yai allegedly sent Phu to deliver the drugs. Phu was arrested with five packets of ketamine weighing 33.77 grammes, 12 packets of collagen, 70 grammes of a brown powder resembling cocaine and one ketamine vape pod.

While Phu was in custody, Yai allegedly telephoned instructing him to deliver three more packets of collagen mixed with methamphetamine to a rented house in Udon Thani municipality. Police posed as Phu and carried out the delivery, while officers lay in wait near a convenience store close to the property.

A woman came out to receive the drugs and pay for them, prompting officers to move in and search the house. Inside, they found 16 men and women gathered. Officers seized four packets of ketamine weighing 5.73 grammes, three packets of collagen mixed with methamphetamine and three ketamine vape pods.

All were taken to a police station for questioning and urine testing. Five tested positive for drug use. Jay admitted the drugs were his and said he had ordered them from Yai for a birthday celebration at the rented house, but claimed they had not yet been consumed before police arrived. Those who tested positive had used drugs earlier, police said.

Assets belonging to Jay, including a pickup truck and a mobile phone worth about 947,000 baht, were seized. Those who tested negative were recorded and released.

Further investigation led police to Ek, who was alleged to have contacted foreign nationals and, together with Art, used a car to distribute methamphetamine. A search of Ek’s condominium uncovered Art and 128,000 methamphetamine pills.

Both were charged with joint possession of a Category 1 narcotic with intent to sell. Police seized four mobile phones, a car, gold jewellery, 40,000 baht in cash and bank deposits worth about 1 million baht for further legal proceedings.

“Don’t Go to Thailand,” Foreigner says here’s why

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Khaosod English

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25 February 2026, 17:22

A foreign TikTok user has gone viral after posting a tongue-in-cheek video warning people not to visit Thailand — only to explain that the country made him fall in love with it.

In the clip, Alex Glabdorf (@alex.glandorf) speaks directly to the camera while driving, repeatedly saying: “Do not go to Thailand. Do not do it.” He jokes that travellers who book a one- or two-week trip will eventually have to return home — and once back, they will “hate” their jobs and normal lives because they cannot stop thinking about Thailand. He humorously claims visitors will want to sell everything and move back permanently, saying he himself spent a year in the country before returning home after running out of money. “Thailand took all my money,” he says, before ending the video by asking who is heading to Songkran in April.

@alex.glandorf Thailand messed me up fr 🇹🇭 That’s all I’m gonna say. Songkran in April? Who’s all going? #thailand #songkran #thailandtravel #traveltok ♬ original sound – Alex Glandorf

The video quickly gained traction online, drawing warm reactions from Thai users who said they felt both amused and proud. Many foreign viewers also joined the discussion, sharing their own experiences and travel plans. Some said they were flying to Thailand within days, while others wrote that they had already visited multiple times and were eagerly waiting for their next trip, describing Thailand as the “best country” with the “best people.”

Cambodia suspends Panda Commercial Bank’s operations for worsening financial situation

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Xinhua News Agency

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25 February 2026, 16:08

PHNOM PENH, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) — The National Bank of Cambodia (NBC), also known as the central bank, on Monday halted the operations of the Panda Commercial Bank for its worsening financial situation.

The NBC said in a public notice that prudential supervision found that the bank’s financial condition has deteriorated, which will lead to the inability to provide banking services.

“In this regard, the NBC has decided to appoint Morisonkak MKA Audit-Accounting Co., Ltd. as the provisional administrator and liquidator of the Panda Commercial Bank,” the notice said.

“During this period, Panda Commercial Bank is suspended from providing any new banking services, including accepting deposits and granting loans,” it added.

The notice said the Morisonkak MKA Audit-Accounting Co., Ltd. has the right to manage and control all operations and assets of the Panda Commercial Bank from the date of this announcement onwards.

According to the notice, customers who have deposited at the bank must prepare documents to withdraw their deposits, while those who have borrowed money from the bank must continue to fulfill their obligations as usual.

The Panda Commercial Bank received a commercial bank license in 2019, the notice said, adding that it has the current assets of approximately 776 million U.S. dollars, loans of about 536 million dollars, and deposits of roughly 502 million dollars.

The bank accounted for 0.77 percent of Cambodia’s banking system by the end of 2025.

According to the NBC, by the end of 2025, the Southeast Asian country has 59 commercial banks, 89 microfinance institutions, seven specialized banks, and 89 rural credit institutions, with 30.6 million deposit accounts and 4.5 million credit accounts.

Baby’s body found in tour bus toilet bin

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Khaosod English

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25 February 2026, 16:04

Baby’s body found in tour bus toilet bin

PHITSANULOK — 25 February 2026, The body of a newborn boy was found in a rubbish bin inside the toilet of an interprovincial bus parked at a depot in Wang Thong district, police said on Wednesday.

Investigators said the infant still had an umbilical cord and placenta attached and was believed to have died recently. The body was sent for autopsy at Wang Thong Hospital as police stepped up efforts to locate a woman suspected of being the child’s mother for questioning and possible legal action.

Police were alerted to the discovery on 25 February 2026. Lt. Col. Sommai Rakpom, an investigator at Wang Thong Police Station, coordinated with detectives, rescue workers from the Burapha Rescue Unit and a duty doctor from Wang Thong Hospital to examine the scene.

The bus, operating on the Udon Thani–Phitsanulok route and bearing Phitsanulok registration number 10-1638, was parked at a tour bus garage in Moo 3, Ban Dong Khoi, Wang Phikul subdistrict, Wang Thong district. The infant’s body was found at the bottom of a bin in the vehicle’s toilet.

The 53-year-old driver, Santi Lertwongsakulchai, said the bus had travelled from Udon Thani via Loei to its final destination in Phitsanulok, picking up passengers at designated stops including Nong Bua Lamphu and Wang Saphung districts. After dropping off passengers at Phitsanulok Bus Terminal 2 and the final stop at Bus Terminal 1, the bus was parked at the depot at 18:00 on 24 February 2026.

A 52-year-old bus attendant, who discovered the body, told police she boarded the parked bus on Wednesday morning to prepare it for cleaning ahead of its scheduled 11:00 departure to Udon Thani. As she removed the toilet bin to empty it, she noticed it was unusually heavy. Upon opening the lid, she found the infant’s body inside.

She said she recalled a young, tall, thin woman wearing jeans who boarded the bus in Loei province and appeared unwell. The woman lay on a seat at the rear near the toilet before getting off at Phitsanulok Bus Terminal 1.

Preliminary findings by police and the attending doctor suggested the boy was about seven to eight months’ gestation and physically developed. Authorities said he may have been born prematurely and died shortly after birth, or may have been stillborn, though the possibility of foul play has not been ruled out. An autopsy will determine the cause of death as police work to identify and question the child’s mother in accordance with the law.

PNP 15 joins DPT to boost Thailand’s coastal management with area-based, nature-based and hybrid solutions

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Mc Marketing

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25 February 2026, 15:59

On 24 February 2026, at the Department of Public Works and Town & Country Planning(DPT), representatives of The Intermediate Certificate course of Young Leadership in Democratic Governance (Class 15) or PNP 15 , King Prajadhipok’s Institute, led by the Owl Group, met with Mr. Phongnara Yenying, Director-General of the Department of Public Works and Town & Country Planning, to deliver the study findings and policy recommendations entitled “Sustainable Engagement for Adaptive Governance and Unified Action in Resilient Development (SEA GUARD Project).” The Owl Group, PNP 15, is composed of representatives from multiple sectors, including Gun Jompalang Chuay Su Foundation, Prince of Songkla University, Taweesap (Jew Jae Heng) co.,Ltd., Vincent International Co.,Ltd., Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited, and the Royal Thai Army Band Department. The meeting aimed to support future efforts to drive solutions to coastal erosion challenges in Thailand.

Following the discussion, Mr. Phongnara Yenying said the Department welcomed insights and research presented by the younger generation and diverse stakeholders from PNP 15, based on both fieldwork and conclusions drawn from a policy debate. He noted that the information aligns with the Department’s direction to strengthen a sustainable balance between engineering and environmental considerations. He emphasised that the Ministry of Interior’s core mission is to relieve public hardship and promote public well-being, and that in many coastal areas the Department becomes involved after requests are submitted through local administrative organisations.

Looking ahead, he underscored the importance of advancing Hybrid Solutions, integrating engineering structures with nature-based innovations that are appropriate for each locality, and stated that the Department is willing to have further study and incorporate the concept of “Area-based Nature-based and Hybrid Solutions” into future workplans. This would enable flexible coastal protection designs tailored to local contexts, respond to community needs, and minimise impacts on ecosystems as much as possible. He added that the Department will continue working with all sectors to deliver tangible outcomes.

Dr. Sorawit Lim-o-pas Pulsawasd, representative of the Owl Group, PNP 15, stated that the recommendations were developed under close guidance from Assoc. Prof. Dr. Prinya Thaewanarumitkul, the project advisor, and were the outcome of comprehensive data collection across four distinct contexts: Phetchaburi (Chao Samran Beach), Trang (Koh Libong), Surat Thani (Koh Samui), and Bangkok (Bang Khun Thian).

He also highlighted the success of a national environmental policy debate titled “Political Party Policies and Thailand’s Environmental Crisis: Grey Infrastructure or Green Solutions?” held at King Prajadhipok’s Institute on 30 January, which brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including the Beach for Life network, academics from Kasetsart University, and community representatives directly affected by coastal erosion from Prachuap Khiri Khan, Phetchaburi, Samut Prakan, and Bangkok.

Dr. Sorawit noted that in-depth dialogue with all sectors including representatives from five political parties responsible for environmental policy suggested that relying solely on concrete seawalls may no longer be a final answer. Stakeholders broadly supported the push for Area-based Policy Solutions, and the Department’s openness to considering Nature-based Solutions and Hybrid Solutions was described as a meaningful starting point and a new dimension of work that places environmental concerns and people’s voices at the centre.

The debate attracted strong attention from major political parties. Party representatives, including Mr. Plodprasop Suraswadi (Pheu Thai Party), Mr. Varawut Silpa-archa (Bhumjaithai Party), Mr. Satit Wongnongtaey (Democrat Party), Dr.Decharat Sukkamnerd (People’s Party), and Mr. Priyet Angkurakitti (Thai Sang Thai Party), presented approaches that emphasised sustainability. The Owl Group, PNP 15, compiled these perspectives into a white paper and submitted it as a policy proposal to the Department of Public Works and Town & Country Planning to support future coastal erosion management. The initiative aims to help advance public policy that maximises benefits for people, the economy, and Thailand’s coastal resources in a sustainable manner.

Corrections Department says Thaksin eligible for parole on 9 May

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Khaosod English

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25 February 2026, 15:57

BANGKOK – 25 February 2026, The Department of Corrections says former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra is eligible for parole on 9 May after serving two-thirds of his one-year sentence.

Yutthana Nakruangsee, deputy director-general and spokesman of the Department of Corrections, said the Central Klong Prem Prison committee has yet to finalise the list of inmates eligible for general parole for submission to the department-level committee.

He said Thaksin is serving a one-year (12-month) sentence. Under the two-thirds rule for general parole, an inmate must have served eight months. Thaksin entered the justice process on 9 Sept 2025. Based on that calculation, he would be eligible for release on parole on 9 May 2026.

Under procedures, parole consideration begins at the prison committee level. Once eligible names are compiled, they are forwarded to the department committee for screening before being submitted to the final stage, the Justice Ministry committee.

Yutthana said that although 9 May falls on a Saturday, authorities are obliged to uphold inmates’ rights. If parole is approved, the prison must release the inmate in accordance with procedures. From about 07:00–08:00, officials will verify documents before relatives collect the parolee and take him to the residence registered with probation authorities.

If parole conditions are violated, the individual will be returned immediately to prison to serve the remainder of the sentence.

In Thaksin’s case, as the sentence is relatively short at one year, electronic monitoring will not be required, Yutthana said. He must report to probation officers as scheduled. After completing the remaining four months on parole, he will have served the full one-year term, ending on 9 Sept 2026, and will then receive a certificate of release from prison.

Bangkok opens 190 cooling centres as Thailand enters peak summer

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Khaosod English

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25 February 2026, 15:26

BANGKOK — Thailand has officially entered the summer season in late February, with the hot period expected to last until around mid-May. Authorities warn that temperatures could peak at 42–43°C in some areas, particularly in the North, while upper Thailand may see average highs of 36–37°C, raising health concerns including heatstroke.

The intense heat, sometimes alternating with thunderstorms, poses challenges for outdoor workers and commuters using public transport. Officials cautioned that prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures increases the risk of heatstroke, especially among vulnerable groups.

To ease the impact, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has opened 190 “Cooling Centres” across the capital, offering safe spaces for residents to escape the heat. The centres are located at all 50 district offices, public health service centres, sports complexes and selected pilot schools. Residents can check locations, services and opening hours via the BMA’s online platform.

Beyond cooling centres, City Hall has introduced four key measures to address urban heat more systematically: developing a heat index monitoring and early warning system; strengthening protection for at-risk and vulnerable groups; improving urban infrastructure to reduce heat accumulation; and enhancing public communication and community engagement on heat-related risks.

KMUTNB’s KNACKSAT-2 Satellite Successfully Sends Signal Back to Thailand

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Mc Marketing

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25 February 2026, 14:44

Thailand has successfully received signals from the KNACKSAT-2 satellite developed by KMUTNB. The satellite has transmitted signals back to Thailand, with the first detection achieved by the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT), confirming a significant milestone in Thailand’s space mission.

King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok (KMUTNB) proudly announces the successful reception and decoding of signals from the KNACKSAT-2 satellite following its deployment into orbit from the International Space Station (ISS). During its first orbital pass over Thailand on Sunday night, February 22, 2026, at 01:02 a.m., the NARIT ground station became the first organization in Thailand to successfully detect the signal from KNACKSAT-2 (First Signal), confirming that the satellite stays in orbit.

System Status Confirmation

The successful signal reception and decoding indicate that:

The electrical power generation and power management systems are functioning within normal parameters.
The on-board computer for CubeSat missions is demonstrating stable, reliable operation.
The satellite can transmit beacon signals and telemetry to the ground station.
Signal strength and stability are at appropriate levels.

The successful deployment of KNACKSAT-2 marks a significant milestone for the satellite mission, showcasing significant national space capability alongside the operational readiness of the Thai-developed CubeSat.

Additionally, amateur radio operators and stations within the global SatNOGS (Satellite Networked Open Ground Station) network have reported they are actively receiving signals, telemetry and data transmitted from KNACKSAT-2 as it orbits the Earth and passes over various regions including America, Japan, Australia, and Europe. These reports further confirm healthy signal transmission and operational status, indicating the satellite is currently undergoing the LEOP phase.

National and International Collaboration

KNACKSAT-2 is a 3U CubeSat (30x10x10 cm) multi-payload platform developed by:

King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok (KMUTNB)
International Space Technology Institute for Economic Development (ISTED)
NB-SPACE Co. Ltd. (a recognized spinoff company from KMUTNB)
Kyushu Institute of Technology (KYUTECH), Japan

KNACKSAT-2 was successfully deployed into orbit from the International Space Station. It was released via the JEM Small Satellite Orbital Deployer (J-SSOD) operated by JAXA.

NARIT detected the first signals from the KNACKSAT-2 satellite, reflecting the capability of Thailand’s ground infrastructure and demonstrating substantial collaboration among national space agencies.

Next phases of the space mission

Following satellite signal confirmation, the engineering team will initiate the following procedures to transition from launch to operational status:

Conducting a detailed inspection and analysis of satellite subsystem data
Testing system stability under orbital conditions to maintain operational integrity in space
Gradually activating payloads according to mission procedures

Significance for Thailand’s Space Technology Development

The success in communicating with and decoding signals from the satellite demonstrates Thailand’s growing capability for a comprehensive satellite development and operation, ranging from the phases of conceptual design, assembly and integration, comprehensive testing, in-orbit operation and mission control.

The KNACKSAT-2 project serves as a cornerstone for advancing Thailand’s space economy and fostering aerospace engineering expertise in the long run.

Telemetry data can be viewed at: https://dashboard.knacksat.com/telemetry/dashboards

For further information, please contact Dr. Pongsathorn Saisujarit

International Institute of Space Technology for Economic Development (INSTED)

King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok (KMUTNB)

30 nations join Cobra Gold 2026 to strengthen military ties in Thailand

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Khaosod English

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25 February 2026, 13:53

640160948_1349009017265141_2734136971609995973_n — U.S. service members, Royal Thai Armed Forces personnel, and service members from Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Republic of Korea, and Singapore conduct the opening ceremony for Exercise Cobra Gold 2026 on Camp Red Horse, Rayong, Thailand, Feb. 24, 2026. The U.S. and Thailand hosted the 45th annual Cobra Gold from Feb. 24 to Mar. 6, with 8,000 troops from 30 nations participating in military training and humanitarian projects. The exercise strengthened regional partnerships and demonstrated U.S. commitmen (Photo - U.S. Embassy Bangkok )

RAYONG — Thailand and the United States on 24 February 2026 officially opened the 45th edition of the annual Cobra Gold joint military exercise at U-Tapao Naval Airfield in Ban Chang district, Rayong, with more than 8,000 personnel from 30 countries taking part.

The opening ceremony at 09:00 was co-chaired by General Ukrit Boontanon, Thailand’s Chief of Defence Forces; US Ambassador to Thailand Sean K. O’Neill; and Lieutenant General Matthew McFarlane, Commanding General of America’s First Corps. Ambassadors and senior representatives from Singapore, Indonesia, South Korea, Japan and Malaysia also attended.

Cobra Gold, the largest multinational military exercise in mainland Asia, is co-hosted annually by the Royal Thai Armed Forces and US Indo-Pacific Command. This year marks a “heavy year” format, with seven full participants: Thailand, the United States, Singapore, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea and Malaysia. China, India and Australia joined as additional participants.

641644188 1349009643931745 706432566190101258 n — Key leaders with the U.S. Army and Royal Thai Armed Forces conduct the opening ceremony for Exercise Cobra Gold 2026 on Camp Red Horse, Rayong, Thailand, Feb. 24, 2026. The U.S. and Thailand hosted the 45th annual Cobra Gold from Feb. 24 to Mar. 6, with 8,000 troops from 30 nations participating in military training and humanitarian projects. The exercise strengthened regional partnerships and demonstrated U.S. commitment to Indo-Pacific security. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Isabella Mancini – U.S. Embassy Bangkok)

Ten countries are taking part under the Multinational Planning Augmentation Team (MPAT) framework — Bangladesh, Canada, Fiji, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Mongolia, Nepal, New Zealand and the Philippines — while another 10 countries joined the Combined Observer Liaison Team (COLT), including Brunei, Germany, Jordan, Laos, the Netherlands, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Sweden, Timor-Leste and Vietnam. The main exercise runs from 23 February to 6 March 2026.

This year’s concept focuses on Combined Joint All Domain Operations (CJADO), integrating command post exercises (CPX) and field training exercises (FTX) through a central Operations Center. The drills cover land, maritime and air operations, with expanded emphasis on space and cyber domains, including geospatial intelligence (GEOINT) and signals intelligence (SIGINT). Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations remain a key component.

One of the major activities is a Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Demonstration (HADR DEMO), aimed at enhancing multinational rapid disaster response capabilities. The demonstration includes participation by search and rescue dog units under the K9 USAR Thailand team.

641214717 1349009927265050 7834798102408397890 n — Photo – U.S. Embassy Bangkok

In a Facebook post, the US Embassy in Bangkok said Cobra Gold 2026 strengthens peace through shared strength with allies and partners, enhances interoperability, integrates advanced technologies and improves readiness to address future challenges across the Indo-Pacific region.

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