Top Military Award Conferred on Thai Chief of Defence Forces

The Thai Chief of Defence Forces General (GEN) Surapong Suwana-adth was conferred Singapore's highest military award, the Darjah Utama Bakti Cemerlang (Tentera) [Distinguished Service Order (Military)], by President Tony Tan Keng Yam at the Istana this afternoon.

GEN Surapong was conferred the award for his significant contributions in enhancing the close and long-standing defence relations between the Royal Thai Armed Forces (RTARF) and the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF). Under his leadership, military-to-military relations have strengthened through a range of activities, including bilateral exercises like Exercise Kocha Singa and multilateral exercises like Exercise Cobra Gold. GEN Surapong was instrumental in facilitating military-to-military interactions through professional exchanges, training visits and the cross attendance of courses. These interactions have forged closer rapport and trust between both armed forces. In addition, GEN Surapong's strong support for regional defence cooperation has led to close practical cooperation between RTARF and the SAF on the multilateral front, such as through the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting-Plus exercises and activities. 

The investiture was attended by Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen, Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General (LG) Perry Lim, as well as senior government officials and military officers from Singapore and Thailand. 

GEN Surapong, who is in Singapore from 31 July to 2 August 2017, also called on Dr Ng and LG Lim at the Ministry of Defence this morning and inspected a Guard of Honour at the Istana prior to the investiture.