The 30^th maneuvers named Golden Copperhead 2011 commenced in Rayong, Thailand from February 7. Vietnam sent three representatives to this annual military exercise.

The maneuvers attracts eight countries, with over 11,000 attendants each, including Thailand, South Korea, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, the USA and Japan. Australia, Italy, Canada, France, the UK, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Nepal, the Philippines and Vietnam. Vietnam sent three representatives each to the event.

There are also ten observing nations: China, India, Brunei, Laos, Russia, South Africa, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates.

The Thai Army’s Second in Command, General Piroon Paewpolsong, said that this year’s maneuvers focuses on peace-keeping activities and it will last until February 18.

Maneuvers will take place on land, in the air and underwater. Representatives of embassies in Thailand attended the opening ceremony of this great military exercise.

The Golden Copperhead has been hosted annually by Thailand since 1982. From a bilateral event between Thailand and the US, it became a multilateral exercise in 2000, with the participation of Singapore. Since then it has become the largest maneuvers in the world.

Some photos of the maneuvers:

PVA