Top Military Award Conferred on Thai Defence Chief

President Tony Tan Keng Yam congratulating Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) of the Royal Thai Armed Forces (RTARF) General (GEN) Worapong Sanganetra after conferring the Distinguished Service Order (Military) on him at the Istana.

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

GEN Worapong was conferred the award for his significant contributions in strengthening the excellent defence ties between the RTARF and the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF). GEN Worapong's strong support for a wide range of bilateral and multilateral activities, such as the annual multilateral Exercise Cobra Gold, has promoted professional collaboration between the two armed forces. GEN Worapong 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.

As part of his visit, GEN Worapong called on Chief of Defence Force Major-General Perry Lim at the Ministry of Defence this morning. Both Chiefs of Defence Forces also renewed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the SAF's participation in Exercise Cobra Gold. GEN Worapong's visit from 31 August to 2 September underscores the close and long-standing defence relationship between Singapore and Thailand.

President Tony Tan (right) and the Chief of Defence Force Major-General (MG) Perry Lim (centre) with GEN Worapong.