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.