Singapore and Thailand to Step Up Maritime Cooperation and Counter-terrorism Efforts

Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen is on a three-day working visit to Thailand from 5 to 7 November 2017. Dr Ng called on Thai Prime Minister General (GEN) Prayut Chan-o-cha this afternoon. During the call, both sides reiterated the close bilateral relationship, and how both countries could work together in areas of mutual interest, such as maritime security, counter-terrorism and cybersecurity. GEN Prayut also affirmed Thailand's support for Singapore's upcoming ASEAN Chairmanship in 2018.

Dr Ng attended the opening ceremony of Thailand's Asian Defense and Security Exhibition 2017 (D&S17) this morning, and visited the booths of Thai and Singaporean defence companies. He also met Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence GEN Prawit Wongsuwon on the sidelines of the exhibition. Dr Ng congratulated GEN Prawit on the successful organisation of D&S17, and complimented the growing capability of the Thai defence industry. Dr Ng and GEN Prawit reaffirmed the excellent bilateral defence ties between both countries, and agreed to strengthen defence cooperation, such as through more navy-to-navy interactions, as well as at multilateral forums like the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) and ADMM-Plus. 

As part of the visit, Dr Ng will also be interacting with Republic of Singapore Air Force personnel training in Thailand tomorrow. 

Dr Ng's visit to Thailand underscores the close and long-standing bilateral defence relationship between Singapore and Thailand. The two armed forces interact regularly and extensively through interactions across all three Services and the Joint Service, such as bilateral and multilateral exercises, high-level visits, professional exchanges, and the cross-attendance of courses and seminars. These mutually beneficial interactions have enhanced the professionalism and camaraderie between the officers and men of the two militaries.