General Songwit Noonpackdee receives the Distinguished Service Order (Military) from President Tharman in recognition of strengthening bilateral defence ties.
SINGAPORE, 2 September 2025 – The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) of the Royal Thai Armed Forces (RTARF), General (GEN) Songwit Noonpackdee, was conferred the Darjah Utama Bakti Cemerlang (Tentera), or Distinguished Service Order (Military), by Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam at the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF).
GEN Songwit was recognised for his significant role in deepening defence cooperation between the RTARF and the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF). Under his leadership, both militaries expanded collaboration through joint exercises such as Exercise Cobra Gold, as well as through high-level visits, professional exchanges, and cross-attendance of military courses. The partnership also extended to supporting multilateral platforms, including the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) and the ADMM-Plus.
As part of his official visit to Singapore from 1 to 2 September 2025, GEN Songwit called on Minister for Defence Chan Chun Sing and Chief of Defence Force Vice Admiral (VADM) Aaron Beng, following an inspection of the Guard of Honour at MINDEF. During the meeting, both sides reaffirmed the strength of bilateral defence relations and discussed opportunities to enhance cooperation further.
The award underscores the importance of long-standing ties between Singapore and Thailand in maintaining regional stability and promoting closer security partnerships.
Source: MINDEF
