Since 1965, Thailand and Singapore have cultivated a remarkable partnership, marked by a decade of steadfast military collaboration. Recently, this enduring alliance was underscored with four prestigious military awards bestowed upon distinguished Thai military leaders, highlighting the significance of their bilateral defense ties

ON July 6, 2023, General Chalermphon Srisawasdi, Chief of Defence Forces of the Royal Thai Armed Forces, received Singapore’s highest military honour, the Darjah Utama Bakti Cemerlang (Tentera) (Distinguished Service Order – Military), in recognition of his exceptional contributions. General Chalermphon’s leadership has solidified ties between the armed forces, evident in joint exercises like Exercise Kocha Singa, Cope Tiger, and Singsiam, showcasing their commitment to mutual growth.

Navy: Charting New Waters
On August 16, 2023, Admiral Cherngchai Chomcherngpat, Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Navy (RTN), was awarded the Pingat Jasa Gemilang (Tentera) (Meritorious Service Medal – Military) for significant contributions. Under ADM Cherngchai’s guidance, interactions such as Navy-to-Navy Staff Talks, professional exchanges, port calls, and course attendance have deepened mutual trust and professionalism between the navies.

Army: Bridging Armies, Building Friendships
On February 9, 2023, General Narongpan Jittkaewtae, Chief of Army, Royal Thai Army (RTA), received Singapore’s prestigious military award, the Pingat Jasa Gemilang (Tentera) (Meritorious Service Medal – Military), for outstanding contributions.

Exercises like Kocha Singa and Flash Thunder, high-level visits, course attendance, and professional exchanges have fostered understanding and friendships among personnel from both Armies.

Air Force: A Legacy of Trust
On July 20, 2023, Air Chief Marshal (Ret) Airbull Suttiwan, former Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF), was honored with Singapore’s prestigious military award, the Pingat Jasa Gemilang (Tentera) (Meritorious Service Medal – Military). The RTAF’s strong support for the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) through course attendance and exchanges deepened trust and rapport. ACM (Ret) Airbull’s commitment to information-sharing and capacity-building initiatives further solidified the partnership.

Source – The Article appeared in Sun Media Magazine
” InDiplomacy – Issue 89 “
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