My Month in Thailand for the World's Largest Military Exercise

Since 1982, Exercise Cobra Gold has brought thousands of U.S. Soldiers, Sailors and Marines to the Kingdom of Thailand for a two-week long military training exercise. Specializing in battlefield tactics and jungle survival, Cobra Gold is full of decades long traditions between the United States Military and the Royal Thai Armed Forces. When I heard I would have the chance to pack my bags and spend my summer in Thailand helping out with the exercise, I couldn't wait. This video gives you a good look into my adventures for the 40th iteration of Exercise Cobra Gold.
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Link to the full National Thai Language Day Video (if you were curious how it turned out):
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Video Chapters:
0:00 Intro
1:31 Quarantine
3:17 Room Tour
4:34 My Routine
6:49 Freedom
9:25 First Day
10:30 Chon Buri
13:33 Staying Busy
15:30 Private Jet
17:15 Sa Kaeo Province
18:52 Wrap Up
Views expressed in this video are my own and do not represent the official views of the U.S. Air Force or Department of Defense
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Email: ✉️
[e-mail]

[@SamEckholm]

Hope you guys enjoyed following along with my summer in Thailand! There really is no shortage of incredible opportunities available in the military, and if you guys are curious about joining/have any questions, you can drop them below! 👇🏼

[@firstlast9731]

Great video bro

[@vikramATtube1]

Hey I saw your drone controller on the beach 🏖 when you were walking 🚶‍♂️ by it … btw which editing software do you use to make these amazing videos…

[@MegaMijit]

this man is too pretty, best job in the military?

[@rosemaryrose5235]

Sam you are very smart I teach you Thai language in just 1 hour your brain is like a memory card I am very proud to meet you have a chance you must be good and speak fluent for sure❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@SamEckholm]

@@vikramATtube1 premiere pro and after effects!

[@Marukitsan]

ยินดีต้อนรับสู่ประเทศไทยครับ Welcome to Thailand🇹🇭🤝🇺🇲

[@poonyawatwuttikitjanon6996]

สวัสดีครับ

[@pornariyachirinang2957]

หวัดดี

[@user-er8fm7kj8q]

มีพิซซ่าหน้าปลาร้า ขายไหมครับผม5555

[@14121834]

Karee yunai

[@teemoonduty4920]

@@14121834 lol need to go pattaya

[@justinhogenauer317]

As a Thai-American and US Air Force pilot-select, this is the content I live for. Thank you for sharing this Sam!!

[@SamEckholm]

Thanks, Justin! Best of luck to you!

[@BPD1586]

I'm only 1/2 Thai and currently an AF Reservist...but proud to read a Thai-American is going AF! Congratulations!

[@jabbatheslutt3603]

As a thai american joining the thai army, I hope we don’t have to fight another american war for America to leave us for dead again.

[@chs6776]

@@SamEckholm my son is 13 years old half Thai -American. He mostly live in USA since 8 years old and have a huge dream to be Airforce Pilot. I read in several places that he will have to give up Thai nationality to be an airforce officer is that true? Thank you!

[@estrange9351]

@@chs6776 yes you have to be an american citizen to join the us military

[@jennifere.steffanni3270]

35 years ago my father was in Thai military, he was in a training with the American solder in Cobra Gold and training with them for over 10 years. It was great stories hearing him talked about it all the time. He been retired for quite a while and now 68 years old yet still talking about the old day. Nice seeing this actual vdo ❤️

[@Mheenahong]

I thank your father for what you have done for Thailand. 🙏😊

[@JohnElizondo]

I went to Thailand way back in 1983 aboard the USS Midway. The people there are awesome!

[@beniesocool2072]

Welcome to Thailand I hope you like our country and love Thai people. With a subconscious mind all of Thai people are kindness and always they like to help and be considerate to foreigners. Wherever when you are going to somewhere in Thailand, you will see their smiles and will enjoy their hospitality. Thank you for loving Thailand and hope you come back again again and again. Please notes to anyone that how is Thailand ❤️😊

[@blakemoody2893]

I’m stationed on the USS America and we went to cobra gold 2020 and Thailand was super dope. Everything is insane with pricing it’s super cheap. I stayed at the veranda resort when I was their.

[@lablabdog]

USS America is the most patriotic American name I’ve ever heard of

[@RackHasAttacked]

Didnt the USS America do drills with HMS queen elizebeth

[@blakemoody2893]

@@RackHasAttacked yes we did and we also did talisman saber 21 as well so we operated with Korea, Japan, Australians, New Zealand, Canada, and the UK

[@sorrayutjanyajirawong8374]

Veranda resort is fucking boss

[@aventuratamovil5233]

Yall came back from Aus with covid lol

[@charon2588]

Glad you liked it here in Thailand, almost all foreigners say that about us but hearing one from servicemens coming from overseas to work along with us hits different. Hope we can keep doing this all the way to next year and probably even more!

[@thunderdragon8363]

I am an Indian I also visited Thailand in 2016 it became my favourite south east Asian country and the people are very friendly

[@Brain4Brain]

I’m Thai people

[@msrirung]

I’m Thai & not so much into reaction videos of Thailand, but the topic excites me bc I always want to know what they do in the Cobra Gold. Thanks for making it exciting & can’t wait to see more of your videos soon ☺️👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@waritsaramaryrattanasupha1203]

Welcome to Thailand 🙏🏼, the video is so amazing, and represent another aspect of the area. It is such a good eye opening of our country! Hope you guys have a wonderful time in Thailand! ☺️✌🏻

[@geoffdb9638]

OMG I loved Thailand. I visited that country in 2004, 2006 & 2008. Great country and it is indeed the land of smiles. I had no problem as an African-American socializing with Thai ladies and they did not give me any negative attitude at all. It's great for shopping, too. Night life is fine so long as you know where to go and not get caught up in any schemes. I'm looking forward to a return trip. BTW is it just me or does this guy really have a knack for telling a story and keeping his audience engaged...definitely thumbs up!

[@Brain4Brain]

I’m Thai people

[@miniemouse5826]

2022 welcome

[@lucky-me7184]

See you next year!!!! 😋

[@justmyedits6596]

That's cuz Thais have a lot of diversity in terms of ethnicities and Black/White peeps are all 'farang' to us, lmao.

[@user-bo6xm3db1d]

Thank u 🇹🇭💓🙏

[@bonnejournie]

This video is amazing. I feel like I'm watching a movie. As a Thai, I'm so glad and happy to see my own country through your perspective. Thank you for this video and thank you for loving Thailand.

[@aransan8783]

Great video, Sam! I was at COBRA GOLD 2008, and working with the Royal Thai Air Force was an experience I will never forget.

[@APN222]

I'm glad you had a good time in Thailand and enjoyed the country. You can speak Thai really well. Welcome to Thailand. We hope to see you again 🙏

[@koalanotbear]

Hi Sam! Thank you so much for coming to Thailand and showing us the scenes that a civilian like myself would never be able to experience!! It's awesome!!! 😍

[@patrickyoung8088]

Aloha Sam! Excellent Video! My Thai wife (Sirinuch) and I enjoyed your presentation very much and we look forward to returning to Thailand again soon. Our condo has been empty for two years ( covid travel restrictions) and we cannot wait to return. Well done!

[@My.World.of_Cats]

My dad was a retired major for The Thai Phychological Operations Unit. He liked to talks about this special practice between Thai-USA military units. We enjoyed listening to the story.

[@gabrielgozun9676]

Great video, man!! My uncle was an Air Force veteran. He used to be stationed at Peterson Air Base so when I saw you here on yt I instantly became amazed. Keep up the good work, man!!

[@ggukiescave]

I just want to say this editing and filming is next level. I can tell it took a lot of hard work. Super inspiring.

[@msvaj]

great footage. i've been to Thailand many times and LOVED it.

[@Missai005]

Hello Sam, this vlog is so nice ... as my father is the ex-retired Thai army general. I remember in 1988 (and possibly some years around that time), he had been involved with the co-ordination of this Cobra Gold training. He previously had some training in Fort Bragg and Fort Benning before as well. I remember too that some years he had to join the training of CBG in Hawaii. So thanks for a cool summary of your trip. I'm glad you had a great time in Thailand as before Covid19, Pataya can be overcrowd, esp. on the beach. Cheers,

[@thisisbryce6358]

Awesome Editing! Love to see more of your content. Hope you enjoyed your stay here in Thailand and come back for more vacation! 🎉

[@Adventuregirl96]

I was in Thailand down in Phuket in January 2020 and had a wonderful time. Now I need to find a reason to go back, and Operation Cobra Gold looks like a possible solution.

[@AimuuToSM]

I’m Thai and also your TikTok fan. I just realized that you were here in Thailand this year! By the way, your Thai language sounds like you have been here for months. 😄👍🏻 Glad you love it here and hope you have chances to come back again in the future. There are so many more incredible places you can visit and I believe you will create a lot of wonderful videos from those trips. ❤️

[@wakeupbaron7504]

This is cool and Thank you to presented another part of the bright side of Thai Military!!! I sub🙆🏻‍♀️🇹🇭

[@andrewl.whitaker8039]

By far one of your best videos, Sam. I'm a huge fan, and always love watching your adventures. Really nice job on this one. Would have been nice to bring Swayne... too bad he couldn't come with you. Adventure of a lifetime!

[@SamEckholm]

Thanks, Andrew! Wish Swayne could have come!!

[@Pink-ml5oc]

@@SamEckholm hey sam what do you think about thailand?

[@startupset1527]

​@@SamEckholm 🌳💝

[@MCGMusiccastgaming]

WOW !! I love this video you make me feels good about promote Thailand Thanks lot. Form thailand🇹🇭🇺🇸

[@gothicmitama3070]

Me, one of the 70 billions people in Thailand. I am so happy and thankful to you for visit our country. And yes, I love your videos and channel!

[@viewagraham]

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful video. You’re very positive thinking and open minded and everyone here very sweet when you guys speaking Thai 👏👏👏👌.

[@charleslowery789]

I spent about 5yrs based at U-Tapao Royal Thai Naval Base from 1971-75 , just down the street from Pattaya (pronounced Pat-Tah-Yah). I was part of Det 12, 40th Air Rescue Unit. From U-Tapao we did missions all over Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam. Thailand is beautiful and HOT.

[@thomashelm6931]

I was at U-Tapao from August of '72 to August of '73, putting the bombs on the b-52's. Operation linebacker two was quite busy! Enjoyed my many times going to Pattaya. Thoroughly enjoyed the Thai people, the culture and the food! My Pen Ry! (Sp). I spent a lot of time at the USO Charles, probably bumped into you. At least somewhere there

[@chanaamazinglifechannel2483]

Really appreciate and salute you, thank you for your service, sir!

[@Rooskovich]

Spent 67 days TDY at UT in 1967. Was there when the first B-52 came in. Our job was to build the bomb dump, then build and deliver the bombs once the 52's got there. The first revetments were made of sand bags. We worked 12 hour shifts 7 days per week. Enjoyed the place, but was ready to get back to Japan.

[@StarLight-lt2tm]

It is hot but even the girly bars have air con now and everyone has ice available to put in your beers and stay cool. The whores are uglier and fatter now though.

[@wadchuey]

Wowww, I was born in 80’s , I actually the product of invasion of communism in Cambodia. My mother is Cambodian and my father is Thai. I have heard that the war back then is pretty bad.

[@TutorNapol]

It is such an impressive and interesting video.We are extremely delighted that you enjoyed visiting Thailand.

[@xissyissaya]

Hi, Sam! love watching your video. I'm glad you like Thailand. Hope you come back to explore and make more videos like this in our country soon. Thank you for sharing the great and positive energy. 👍👍👍

[@catherinesohn]

Good job! Your vdo is amazing. Thanks to present Thailand in a great image, we really need it :))

[@user-nb4os1jc1g]

Thank you very much for presenting from the Thai military.❤

[@awesomedude1864]

It’s honestly looks like a vacation 😂 Chair Force really has it easy .

[@maxjamieson8719]

ayy man every other branch has one thing in common... "I shoulda went Air Force" 😅

[@runithard806]

Nah he has it easy try being a maintainer

[@mikahong]

@@runithard806 yuh, its bc of his job in the af. But ye af is given the best facilities and living spaces.

[@airforceofficerpodcast]

you’re not wrong.

[@africanprincegaming7074]

Had a whole 5 star hotel I know dam well the army would have found the cheapest hotel they could.

[@bynamo4208]

I like your VDO a lot. It sound like a good planning overall. good job! well done. Thanks for coming and hope you will come again.

[@naimspice6489]

I used to be a translator for Cobra Gold 10 years ago. Loved it!

[@harryclarke3217]

Enjoyed your vlog......I have been to Thailand and the general SE Asia area a few times and have to agree with you Thailand & its people are something special.

[@acewongsawad6910]

Great video production blending the exercise and your experience on location. Definitely different and more professional than some of the other military PAO vids I’ve seen 👍

[@PalmOLivreChannel]

Hi Sam! This is my first time watching your video. And you’re totally got me because your vlog is so awesome! I watched the whole things without any skips. Everything is so great; footages, musics, editing and also your story. I really hope you enjoyed this trip and please come back to Thailand again if you can. Can’t wait to see your next journey here. And Thai people always happy to welcome you guys too🇹🇭

[@Jimmerca]

Sam Eckholm thank you for your service! New viewer here ran across your channel and this Vlog sure takes me back in time. I served one year at Utapao Air Force Base as an aircraft electrical repairman working on B-52 bombers and KC 135 tankers during the Vietnam war. And yes it does get really hot in Thailand🥵 looking forward to your next adventure✌🏻

[@kathy0698]

Thailand was an awesome duty station, even back in the early 70's!

[@SamEckholm]

I bet that was awesome!

[@nilanjangupta763]

That means you were posted during the Vietnam War (well just before the closing years) .

[@startupset1527]

​@@SamEckholm 🌳💝

[@jpizz8591]

Had fun participating in this exercise in 2018 as part of the ROK Marine Corps contingent.

[@thitinankaplan6158]

This video makes me miss Thailand so much. Thank you for sharing your experience that most of Thai people don’t know about. Very impressed.

[@leonicjune]

I just have seen your video, and this is the most beautiful moment in Thailand never ever. Because it has a few travelers to visit, paradise of Thailand right there right now. Fantastic one!

[@lablabdog]

I love your editing!!! Appreciate that you even made the closed captions

[@SamEckholm]

😊 thanks

[@aboutrp9004]

I like watching this my dad used to be in military and it brings back his memory when he also did this mission with you guys thanks!

[@pololittle2583]

What branch

[@andrewchhan372]

Thank you for your service and journey, Sam. What an awesome video.🇺🇸👍

[@artoputtipong1796]

I'm glad to see you enjoyed in Thailand even in the time of COVID-19 pandemic. Now the situation is getting better day by day, Thanks for your military cooperation with our country and a great content!

[@MikeHunnisett]

Looked like an amazing time, as a fellow PAO, super jealous of this one!

[@LydellTV]

Awesome video! I’m in the process of enlisting Active Duty Air Force as a Public Affairs Specialist and hope to someday participate in many missions such as this. Great perspective and photo shots from your channel. Thanks for your service and for sharing

[@tutiepitbull]

Good VDO!! Hello Sam Eckholm. Thanks for the good VDO. In the past, I was a soldier in the 4th Special Forces Unit of the Royal Thai Army. Nice to meet you.

[@vilawalhampton6836]

As a Thai-American, I'm glad that you enjoyed your time in Thailand.Thank you for your service.

[@saruchdoltv]

I feel so happy that a foreigner came to thailand and had such a good experience hope others see this video and get a glimpse of what thailand is like and come visit us more🥺

[@krucrab2407]

As Thai, thank you so much for your video presenting of Thailand. It is so good and very kind of you. There are many attractive places for sightseeing in my country. And There is also COBRA base station in Nakhon Ratchasima, North eastern of Thailand. I wish you come back to Thailand again. And the last I would like to tell , you have very sparkle and pretty eyes and the inner of you make me feel joyful and happy.

[@palmysmilemania]

I love your style VDO. Hope you enjoy and have fun stay in Thailand and execises.. Since i was young always excited with the Cobra Gold exercise news. ❤❤

[@ExperimentProject5]

As a Thai national, I am glad to hear the clear message you put on the video. "ยินดีต้อนรับครับคุณแซม" That's my take back to you!

[@alipedlow2708]

Another great video Sam, been to Thailand a few times and its a great country.

[@soda_YEET]

I was wondering how he got such nice hotel rooms and then I realized that he’s in the air force.

[@songklodsuku7193]

5555

[@ericdeniz5413]

its because of the mandatory hotel 15 days qurantine, they reduced pricing of hotels for the qurantine so beasically you can get cheap hotels. Pricing reduce to everyone

[@rattanachaipakcharawong5865]

This is ordinary hotel for quarantine in Thailand , dont be surprised

[@chuntisaketsdaphans3897]

คิดเหมือนกัน

[@junevoorhees1994]

The pricing of hotel in Thailand is quite cheap compare to it’s quality. This is normal hotel though not the expensive one.

[@sapunna1]

Really nice to see Chonburi where my was born, Thanks for being your patient during quarantine. Most of it so glad to here that you like Thailand a lot . I am Thai but live in North Pole Alaska Now. :)

[@ddnote]

Wow! I dropped by this channel by chance and admitted that your video is easy on the eyes. I love every footage there and ultimately amazing production. I'm feeling like I'm watching the documentary and stuck here. BTW, it deserves a thumbs-up. Keep going :)

[@jenzondo2611]

How fun! Love they let you workout! My son is 20 and is shipping out soon and hope he has great adventures as well.🙂

[@DEEZ_N4T]

When he said “Utapao” I was like “hold up, the planet in Star Wars came from a Thai town?!?!?”

[@SamEckholm]

Haha I thought the same thing

[@lwysparagon8109]

Exactly where Spielberg was inspired. It's a renowned name of the American airbase for B-52 in the Vietnam war.

[@Jrp_Frame]

It used to be an old US military Air force base during Vietnam War. Then it turns out to be an international Airport of Chonburi Edit: Thank you for your discussion about my reply story down below :)

[@lwysparagon8109]

@@Jrp_Frame American Forces has never stationed in Siam or Thailand during WWII .It's occupied by the Japanese Army in the name of "Axis Power".

[@astray032]

Yes, it was an old U.S. air base so it is most likely that the planet's name was inspired from a location in Thailand.

[@p.n.6492]

Thank you! Nice video! Welcome to Thailand again in the future!!

[@sasisomim]

Thank you to make this video. I am proud to be Thai and live in Thailand. Welcome to our home ❤

[@praewww1144]

I'm glad and happy that you like Thailand.💗🇹🇭

[@c1ph3rpunk]

Popped up in my feed today and must say, you had me watching to the end. Great content and superb editing. Definite sub!

[@SamEckholm]

Thanks, Darren!!

[@goodworld7328]

I ‘m from Thailand . Welcome to Thailand and thank you so much to present . It very good and amazing.

[@honeylemon2251]

You've filmed Thailand beautifully. Thank you and hope you will visit again :)

[@coffeeinprose]

Charming. Thank you for such an enjoyable video. I enjoy almost every second of it, apart from the school ceremony section when I couldn't figure it out the province, and thought it was a newly added one. :) Happy to see Pattaya back to its glorious beauty from the lockdown and now ready for our guests when the time comes.

[@mficorilli5151]

Thank you for showing Thailand to the world in a very unique, unseen and most importantly positive way. We love U.S. military. ❤

[@wagillon1117]

Thank you for good supporting video of quarantined in my country and enjoy ..amazing Thailand 🇹🇭🎶👍🏼

[@thaitea1989]

Loved this vid! Makes me miss the military and Thailand so much.

[@joeroscillo4015]

Great way to isolate, while waiting!! Really nice suite!! Shower big enough for 5-6 folks!! I'm guessing, they don't come in and make up your room, at all! I enjoyed a one week tour of Thailand, about 10 years ago! Absolutely loved Pattaya, beach life and high speed boat tours to the islands!! I think you might have packed some 1505's rather than those hot fatigues! Great/interesting exercise coverage with all those Army troops, BUT where was the USAF?? Other than you doing a great job!!

[@jedifrog3531]

wow, what a great experience, great video!

[@yuree4]

Great Video and Interesting contents.Thank you for loving Thailand 😊.

[@airrujira6905]

Thank you so much for the very interesting clip. I enjoyed watching a lot and also thank for your nice compliment on Thai people😄. Khob Khun Kha🙏🏼

[@natthapong3046]

I used to be an interpreter for the exercise, twice (2017 and 2019). I enjoy being around soldiers a lot.

[@jaivology2098]

Yo you could literally be a regular youtuber this already feels like I'm watching a youtuber with 1 million subscribers keep it up bro, you got some serious talent.

[@SamEckholm]

Appreciate that.

[@littlebear8924]

I hope you will come back again Thank you for loving Thailand from Thailand.

[@BillF49]

Spent a year at U-Tapao; 1970-71. Bunch of time in Pattaya, too, but I never heard it pronounced the way that you did. I continue to enjoy your PA contributions.

[@oattanakrit5342]

Welcome to Thailand. We are delighted to have you come to train with the Royal Thai Army.And we really like your videos.

[@Zeen1999]

What do you want from this comment?

[@oattanakrit5342]

@@Zeen1999 Excited to see the army

[@oattanakrit5342]

@@Zeen1999 So what do you want from me?

[@Zeen1999]

@@oattanakrit5342 I just think you are scary Thai. I'm afraid of you.

[@oattanakrit5342]

@@Zeen1999 Nothing to be afraid of, I just like the Thai Army and the American Army.

[@WargamingEdward]

Super cool video the vibe throughout this video is dope

[@thefuture4011]

As a Thai I thank you for your sharing the video of my country and I am glad you are happy with a things on here

[@varyam8395]

Thanks for making a amazing VDO and seeing u like Thailand. WELCOMS TO THAILAND.

[@doccholo905]

Went to Cobra Gold in 2015, Lopburi. Trained with the 1st Airborne Royal King's Guard. Awesome dudes. Great experience.

[@kimchiwarriorprincess]

V cool video, great information, and amazing editing/storytelling-wow! Heading over there myself soon. Keep it up LT! 🇺🇸

[@SamEckholm]

Thanks! ☺️

[@Skycop51]

I am a expat retired E-7 USAF person who has lived here full time since 2008, I was here first time during Vietnam War 71-73. Enjoyed your take on Thailand thanks.

[@anan-jj5yr]

ยินดีต้อนรับสู่ประเทศไทย.Thank you for do this video.you and your friend speak Thai very well.Welcome to Thailand.❤

[@thinkingai6017]

16:19 Those UC-35's are such cool aircraft, along with the Learjet C-21A's! Saw one zooming out of KTPA a while ago, those small planes have absurd climb rates!

[@IA-jo4ve]

Love ur video’s, keep up the good work sam!

[@SamEckholm]

I appreciate it!

[@garrettgonzales3556]

Was a part of Cobra Gold 4x while at amphibious construction battalion 1. It was always a lot of fun. Long days, humidity and amazing team work.

[@Harachannoyoko]

That's awesome 👍🏻 You're the one of perspective in Cobra Gold that I like to watch also Leftenant. Hope you enjoy in Thailand, sir. 😎

[@wandereroftruesouls]

Waited for so long....finally. Everytime you make a video, it's like wooh.. sam is back. Great 👍 one

[@SamEckholm]

Thank you Nitika!

[@wandereroftruesouls]

@@SamEckholm always welcome sir, you are really doing great work, inspiring, exploring, turning tough things into fun things...I wish one day you come to India.

[@feuersterngaming6002]

Interesting video and good editing, keep it up! 💪

[@bruceottenberg373]

I did Cobra Gold twice. Loved it! Thailand is a wonderful place to visit.

[@TUENONG]

I'm glad you love Thailand.❤ Thank you for amazing video.

[@rebekahthomas5685]

I really enjoyed this video! First time watching, I subscribed!

[@SamEckholm]

Thanks Rebekah!

[@chanaamazinglifechannel2483]

There is no quarantine anymore in this November. Hope you will travel back and enjoy traveling in Thailand. Thank you for sharing. Your video is so useful for Thailand. Love the way you organized your stuffs on the shelf, air force taught you to do that, huh!. Utapoa is US made for Thailand, thank you USA.

[@Nikimanami1331]

❤ This is the good video. I seen your clip and enjoy it. So I’m happy to hearing it from you enjoyed in Thailand.

[@rfekorat5292]

thankyou so much for reviewing Thailand