Thai and U.S. army exercises

Thai and U.S. army exercises

BANGKOK (AFP): Thailand and the United States have begun military exercises near the border with Myanmar, close to where incursions by Myanmar troops took place, senior Thai army sources said on Tuesday.

The month-long Balance Torch 00-1 exercises were focusing on training infantry for combat in mountainous areas, the officer said.

The exercises began on Monday in the northern province of Mae Hong Son, close to the infamous golden triangle drug producing region, which covers parts of Thailand, Laos, Myanmar and China.

U.S. and Thai military officials would not reveal when they began planning the joint exercises or how many personnel were involved.

Thai intelligence sources said the exercise may be in response to border incursions by Myanmar troops and the junta's decision to close its border with Thailand.