Royal Thai Marine Corps, U.S. Marines begin road rehabilitation project in Nakhon Ratchasima province

U.S. Marines assigned to the 9th Engineer Support Battalion arrived in Nakhon Ratchasima province on Feb. 8, 2025, to conduct a road rehabilitation project alongside the Royal Thai Marine Corps as part of Joint Exercise Cobra Gold 2025.

The two forces worked side-by-side to build and repair roads in the Nakhon Ratchasima Province of Thailand. The project, which is a rehabilitation project that includes clearing debris and resurfacing roads to improve accessibility, aims to enhance local infrastructure and improve the region’s preparedness for potential natural disasters.

This particular road the engineers were working on was part of a training ground for the Royal Thai Navy: a road they would use to move tactical vehicles and equipment.

Building roads is just one small aspect of Cobra Gold, an annual event that includes significant events such as a command-and-control exercise, humanitarian civic assistance projects, and several field training events.

“The purpose of Joint Exercises like Cobra Gold is to build trust between nations while assisting local communities in need,” said Royal Thai Marine Corps Lt. Cmdr. Suriyon Ngarmsanit, assigned to the Construction Company of Combat Engineers. “We’re working together toward a shared goal – helping the local community, and that's a rewarding experience.”

The road rehabilitation project is part of the Engineering Civic Action Program, a military and government initiative that supports local communities during crises. ENCAP reflects the United States' commitment to supporting the security and humanitarian interests of partner nations.

“We work together, we learn together, we experience together – which builds our relationship,” Ngarmsanit said. “Working together, we also learn from one another. Americans might have one way of doing things, and Thai people might have another way of doing things. When we bring those two ideas together, we can be effective.”

ENCAP activities aim to improve the quality of life, health, and overall welfare of local communities, deepening the bonds between the U.S. and its allies.