Royal Thai Army Chief Reaffirms Close Defence Ties

GEN Udomdej Sitabutr calling on Second Minister for Defence Mr Chan Chun Sing at the Ministry of Social and Family Development this afternoon.

Deputy Minister of Defence and Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army (RTA) General (GEN) Udomdej Sitabutr called on Second Minister for Defence Mr Chan Chun Sing this afternoon at the Ministry of Social and Family Development as part of his introductory visit to Singapore from 9 to 10 February 2015. Earlier today, GEN Udomdej co-officiated at the closing ceremony of Ex Kocha Singa with Chief of Army Major-General Perry Lim at the Murai Urban Training Facility (MUTF). GEN Udomdej also called on MG Lim at the Ministry of Defence yesterday after inspecting a Guard of Honour.

The bilateral exercise, Ex Kocha Singa, was held in Singapore from 1 to 10 February and involved some 750 soldiers from the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF)'s 4th Battalion Singapore Infantry Regiment and the 1^st Infantry Battalion from the RTA's 15^th Infantry Regiment. Into its 17th edition, this year's exercise saw soldiers from both armies participating in a series of activities such as professional sharing on weapon systems and a live-firing session at the Multi-Mission Range Complex. The exercise culminated in a combined battalion-level urban operations exercise at the MUTF. Speaking at the closing ceremony, MG Lim said, "It is heartening to see our soldiers working alongside one another to achieve the exercise objectives and complete the mission. I am happy to see the high level of professional interaction throughout the exercise, and I am sure the personal experience and friendships gained from this exercise have been invaluable."

GEN Udomdej's visit and Ex Kocha Singa underscore the close and long-standing bilateral defence ties between Singapore and Thailand. The exercise, which was first conducted in 1997, enhances the interoperability between the two armies. In addition to bilateral exercises, both armies also interact regularly through professional exchanges, visits and courses. Such interaction strengthens the professionalism, friendship and mutual understanding between personnel from both armies.

GEN Udomdej inspecting a Guard of Honour at MINDEF yesterday, upon his arrival in Singapore for a two-day introductory visit.

GEN Udomdej Sitabutr and MG Perry Lim at the closing ceremony of Ex Kocha Singa this morning.

Soldiers from the Singapore Army and the Royal Thai Army conducting a joint urban operations attack during the exercise.