Singapore Army and Royal Thai Army concluded successful Exercise Kocha Singa 2024 in Kanchanaburi, Thailand, showcasing military cooperation and professional exchanges.
The Singapore Army and the Royal Thai Army (RTA) successfully conducted the 24th edition of Exercise Kocha Singa in Kanchanaburi, Thailand, from 7 to 15 November 2024. Chief of Army Major-General (MG) David Neo and Commander-in-Chief RTA General (GEN) Pana Klaewblaudtuk co-officiated the closing ceremony earlier today at the Khao Kamphaeng Training Area.
Held annually, Exercise Kocha Singa highlights the enduring bilateral defence ties between Singapore and Thailand. This year’s iteration involved approximately 325 personnel from the Singapore Army’s 40th Battalion Singapore Armoured Regiment and the RTA’s 3rd Infantry Battalion from the 29th Infantry Brigade. The exercise featured diverse components, including a field training exercise focusing on jungle survival, live-firing drills, urban operations, and drone deployments. It also encompassed professional and cultural exchanges and culminated in a joint battalion-level assault exercise.
In his closing address, MG David Neo emphasised the significance of such exercises in fostering professional growth and camaraderie. He stated, “The RTA and our Singapore Army share a strong and long-standing bilateral defence relationship, founded on many years of military cooperation, professional exchanges, and strong people-to-people ties. Exercises like this allow our soldiers and units to strengthen professional linkages, exchange best practices, and build bonds that last a lifetime.”
First held in 1997, Exercise Kocha Singa has become a cornerstone of bilateral defence cooperation between Singapore and Thailand. Beyond joint exercises, both armies engage in regular interactions through high-level visits, professional exchanges, and cross-attendance of military courses, further reinforcing their strategic partnership.
Source: MINDEF
