Top Military Award Conferred on Thai Chief of Defence Forces

The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) of the Royal Thai Armed Forces (RTARF) General (GEN) Songwit Noonpackdee (right) with President Tharman Shanmugaratnam (left) after receiving the Distinguished Service Order (Military) award.

GEN Songwit inspecting the Guard of Honour at the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) this morning.

GEN Songwit (left) calling on Minister for Defence Mr Chan Chun Sing (right).

The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) of the Royal Thai Armed Forces (RTARF) General (GEN) Songwit Noonpackdee was conferred Singapore’s highest military award, the Darjah Utama Bakti Cemerlang (Tentera) [Distinguished Service Order (Military)], by President Tharman Shanmugaratnam at the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) earlier this morning.

GEN Songwit was conferred the award for his significant contributions in strengthening bilateral defence ties between the RTARF and Singapore Armed Forces (SAF). Under GEN Songwit’s leadership, both armed forces forged closer ties and developed mutual understanding through military exercises such as Exercise Cobra Gold, high-level visits, professional exchanges, and cross attendance of military courses. Both sides also supported multilateral platforms such as the ASEAN Defence-Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) and ADMM-Plus.

GEN Songwit is in Singapore from 1 to 2 September 2025. Prior to the investiture, he called on Minister for Defence Mr Chan Chun Sing and Chief of Defence Force Vice Admiral (VADM) Aaron Beng, after inspecting the Guard of Honour at MINDEF. During GEN Songwit’s call on Mr Chan, both sides reaffirmed the close and longstanding bilateral defence relationship, and discussed ways to deepen defence cooperation.