Singapore and Thailand Navies Conduct Bilateral Exercise Singsiam

Ships from the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) manoeuvring in formation during the sea phase of Exercise Singsiam 2024.

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) concluded Exercise Singsiam today. Held in Sattahip, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand from 7 to 15 July 2024, the exercise saw the participation of the RSN's Victory-class missile corvette RSS Valiant, and Independence-class littoral mission vessel RSS Indomitable. The RTN participated with a Naresuan-class frigate HTMS Taksin, a Adulyadej-class frigate HTMS Bhumibol Adulyadej, one Dornier-228 Maritime Patrol Aircraft and one S-70B naval helicopter.

During the exercise, both navies conducted a series of maritime security and conventional warfare drills, including gunnery firings, vertical replenishment, as well as communication and manoeuvring serials. This year’s edition also included a humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) shore planning exercise.

Commander 3rd Flotilla, Colonel (COL) Siswi Herlini and Royal Thai Navy Commanding Officer, Frigate Squadron 2, Rear Admiral Natthapong Pansopon, co-officiated the opening ceremony at Leamtien Port, Sattahip, on 9 July 2024. Highlighting the importance of Exercise Singsiam, COL Herlini said, "This exercise is an important component of our strong bilateral relations. Both our navies have benefited from exercising together and the exercise is a good platform for our officers and sailors to foster camaraderie, mutual understanding and cooperation."

Exercise Singsiam is in its 21^st edition since its inauguration in 1981, and has expanded in scope and complexity over the years to include more advanced naval serials. Besides Exercise Singsiam, both navies also interact regularly across a range of activities including professional exchanges and courses. These interactions continue to underscore the close and long-standing defence ties between Singapore and Thailand and strengthen the mutual understanding and cooperation between the two navies.

RSN Commander 3rd Flotilla COL Siswi Herlini (foreground left) and Royal Thai Navy Commanding Officer Frigate Squadron 2 Rear Admiral Natthapong Pansopon (foreground right) with exercise commanders from both navies at the opening ceremony.

Thai S-70B naval helicopter conducting a simulated vertical replenishment serial with RSS Valiant.

RSN and RTN personnel conducting a humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) shore planning exercise.

Participants from 3rd Flotilla, RTN and RTMC after a fruitful discussion with CAPT Yothin Thanamool, Deputy Division Commander, RTMC (middle left) and COL Siswi Herlini, Commander 3rd Flotilla, RSN (middle right) commemorating the end of the exercise.