Manila  - Thailand's armed forces chief on Tuesday invited the Philippine military to join annual multinational war exercises in Thailand with four other countries, including the United States.

General Songgitti Jaggabatara, chief of the Royal Thai Armed Forces, made the invitation during a meeting with his Philippine courterpat, General Alexader Yano.

Jaggabatara, who was in Manila for an introductory visit, said he was looking forward to the active participation of the Philippine armed forces in the annual Cobra Gold training.

The Philippines is currently a mere observer in the exercises, which are participated in by troops from Thailand, the US, Indonesia, Singapore and Japan.

"The Philippine armed forces is still an observer," Jaggabatara said after the meeting. "After this, maybe the Philippine armed forces will take part (in) the exercises."

During their meeting, Jaggabatara said they agreed to "enhance the cooperation between the Philippine armed forces and the Royal Thai Armed Forces." (dpa)