The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) is participating in Exercise Cobra Gold held in Phitsanulok, Thailand, from Tuesday until next Friday, said a statement from the Ministry of Defence.

The exercise also involves four other countries as well as co-hosts the Royal Thai Armed Forces (RTARF) and the United States Pacific Command (US PACOM). This year's multilateral exercise, the 33rd in the series, will focus on peace support and stability operations and promotes mutual understanding, friendship and professionalism among the personnel of the participating armed forces.

Representatives from 11 other countries are also involved this year as observers. The SAF has been a full participant of the exercise since 2000.

The 61-member SAF contingent participating in this year's exercise is led by Chief Guards Officer Brigadier-General Desmond Tan Kok Ming. On the exercise sidelines, an SAF team, together with the RTARF and the US PACOM, will construct a multipurpose hall for the Phitsanulok locals. Meanwhile, another SAF medical team will educate local healthcare personnel on disease prevention and proper sanitation practices under a humanitarian civic action programme.