President Tan Confers Top Military Award on Thai Chief of Defence Forces

President Tony Tan Keng Yam congratulating General (GEN) Tanasak Patimapragorn after conferring the Distinguished Service Order (Military) on him at the Istana.

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

The medal was awarded to GEN Tanasak for his significant role in strengthening the excellent defence ties between the RTARF and the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF). Under his leadership, the close and long-standing defence relationship between Singapore and Thailand has grown stronger. GEN Tanasak promoted professional collaboration between the two armed forces through his strong support for a wide range of bilateral and multilateral activities, such as the multilateral exercise Cobra Gold. GEN Tanasak also championed closer military to military interactions through the exchange of visits and cross attendance of courses.These professional interactions have enhanced interoperability and bolstered greater mutual understanding and personal friendships between the two armed forces.

Guests at the investiture included Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen, Minister of State for Defence Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman, and Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General Ng Chee Meng, along with other senior government officials and military officers from Singapore and Thailand. 

GEN Tanasak, who is on an official visit to Singapore from 27 to 29 November 2013, also called on Dr Ng at the Ministry of Defence this morning.

GEN Tanasak calling on Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen at the Ministry of Defence this morning.