The visit strengthened defence cooperation between Thailand and Singapore while advancing regional security discussions through bilateral and multilateral engagements
SINGAPORE, 27–31 May 2026 — Lieutenant General Adul Boonthumjaroen, Minister of Defence of Thailand, paid an official visit to the Republic of Singapore from 27 to 31 May 2026. During the visit, he held bilateral discussions with Singapore’s Minister for Defence, Mr Chan Chun Sing, and participated in the 23rd International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) Shangri-La Dialogue, where he engaged with defence leaders and senior representatives from across the region and beyond.
The visit formed part of Thailand’s ongoing defence and diplomatic engagements with regional and international partners. Mrs Chonlatee Chanrachakul, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of Thailand to Singapore, welcomed the Defence Minister upon his arrival and joined the bilateral meeting held at Singapore’s Ministry of Defence (MINDEF). In addition to official discussions with Singapore, the visit provided opportunities for broader engagement through the Shangri-La Dialogue, one of the region’s leading security forums.
During the bilateral meeting, the Thai and Singaporean Defence Ministers discussed a range of issues relating to defence cooperation and regional security. The discussions covered cooperation among the armed services, joint military exercises, and exchanges of knowledge on emerging and modern security challenges.
Source: Royal Thai Embassy, Singapore
Both sides also reviewed opportunities to strengthen collaboration in defence technology and the defence industry. Discussions included the renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding concerning Singapore’s participation in the Cobra Gold military exercise hosted by Thailand, as well as cooperation within ASEAN defence mechanisms.
The Thai Defence Minister conveyed Thailand’s readiness to support Singapore’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2027 and reaffirmed Thailand’s commitment to working closely with Singapore to promote peace, stability, and security across the region through ASEAN-led initiatives.
From 29 to 31 May 2026, Lieutenant General Adul participated in the 23rd IISS Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore. The forum brought together representatives from more than 40 countries, including Defence Ministers from 18 nations, to discuss regional and global security issues.
On the sidelines of the Dialogue, the Minister held bilateral meetings with Defence Ministers and senior representatives from several countries, including the United States, France, Italy, Viet Nam, Malaysia, Australia, and the Republic of Korea. The discussions focused on expanding cooperation in defence, education, and the defence industry, while also providing an opportunity to exchange views on regional security developments.
Source: Royal Thai Embassy, Singapore
