Local leader says live-fire exercises happen annually and islanders are unfazed by this year’s announcement. TRAT, Thailand – The Mayor of Koh Kood Subdistrict Administrative Organization has expressed confidence and calm amid reports that Cambodian and Chinese naval forces will conduct live-fire military drills in waters south of Koh Kood Island between June 11 and 13. Dechatorn Janob, who was born and raised on the island, told reporters that Cambodian military exercises in the area are nothing new and have occurred annually without incident. “This year is only different because the news was released in advance. Normally, no loud explosions are heard, and the drills happen far enough offshore that villagers are not alarmed,” he said. Reports of the planned joint naval drill by Cambodia and China prompted the Royal Thai Navy’s Fleet Command to mobilize maritime defense units, including assault craft and amphibious forces, to monitor the situation and safeguard Thai sovereignty in the border region. Dechatorn acknowledged that while the live-fire announcement might raise eyebrows, the drills themselves have never posed a direct threat. However, he noted that Thai naval security units, including the Koh Kood Operational Unit, will closely monitor the exercises to ensure no stray munitions fall within Thai territorial waters. Any such incident, he warned, could spark tension. The Koh Kood mayor also pointed out that the Royal Thai Navy routinely conducts its own training in the area twice a year. Earlier this year, Koh Kood -based units held target practice at Ao Yai base. A second round of drills, involving larger naval ships from Sattahip, will take place later this year and include live artillery exercises on the island. Local officials and community leaders are typically invited to observe the exercises to build public confidence in national defense preparedness. Despite his overall confidence in the military’s capability, Dechatorn urged the Navy and Defense Ministry to allocate a budget to upgrade weapons and equipment used by troops stationed on Koh Kood. “Some of the current gear is outdated. New, high-tech arms would boost the morale of soldiers on the frontline and reassure the public,” he said. Despite joint Cambodia-China drills nearby, islanders remain confident in Thai naval defense. Fleet Command readies amphibious and assault forces to monitor joint exercises near maritime border.