BANGKOK - Malaysia and the Philippines will join next year's annual Cobra Gold military exercises involving troops from the United States, Thailand and Singapore, the Thai military said today.

"The joint committee of Thailand and the US considered and approved the inclusion of Malaysia and Philippines," said Major General Niphat Thonglek, director of the military's joint exercises planning office.

Niphat said the two newest members will send 10 middle-ranking military officers who would be involved in command-post activities but not field exercises.

Singapore, an observer to the exercise since 1993, became a full participant in 2000. Last year 18 nations joined as observers, but Niphat said the number involved this year was not finalised.

The annual drills due to begin in May will take place in the eastern and central regions of Thailand and again focus on peace-keeping operations.

Cobra Gold is the United States' largest troop exercise in the Asia-Pacific region.