Thailand and Australia conduct Chapel Gold 2026 exercise to enhance military cooperation.

The Royal Thai Army and the Australian Army held Chapel Gold 2026 in Prachin Buri province under the responsibility of Thailand's 1st Army Area. This joint activity was an annual military exercise designed to enhance operational readiness and military cooperation between the two nations. More than 400 personnel from the Royal Thai Army's 2nd Infantry Regiment, King's Guard, are participating alongside more than 150 personnel from the Australian Army's Rifle Company Butterworth 148.

The exercise was officially commenced by Major General Benjapol Dejatiwongse Na Ayudhya, commander of the 2nd Infantry Division, King's Guard, along with Captain Paul Welch, Australian defense attaché to Thailand. Training activities included tactical operations, maneuver warfare, jungle survival, live-fire marksmanship, armored unit operations, and professional military exchanges. Personnel from both armies also shared operational experience and field skills to improve coordination and interoperability.

Officials expected that this exercise will empower the capabilities and readiness of participating troops with the goal of strengthening long-standing military relations between Thailand and Australia. The training will also continue to support bilateral coordination in regional security and preparedness for military operations as well as a wide range of assigned missions in the future.