Singapore and Thailand Navies Successfully Conclude 22nd Edition of Exercise Singsiam, Marked 45th Anniversary of Exercise

Ships from the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) manoeuvring in formation during the sea phase of Exercise Singsiam 2026.

Deputy Fleet Commander Colonel Ng Yen Meng from the RSN (second from right) and Chief of Staff, Royal Thai Fleet, Vice Admiral Eakasit Woodypao (third from right) from the RTN, with exercise commanders from both navies at the opening ceremony of the exercise.

RTN personnel onboard RSN’s RSS Stalwart during a deck familiarisation as part of Exercise Singsiam 2026.

The RSN and RTN personnel took part in Subject Matter Expert Exchanges during the exercise.

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) concluded the 22nd edition of Exercise Singsiam earlier today. Held from 18 to 26 May 2026 in both Singapore and Phuket, Thailand, the exercise saw the participation of the RSN’s Formidable-class Frigate RSS Stalwart, Independence-class Littoral Mission Vessel RSS Unity, and a Republic of Singapore Air Force Fokker-50 Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA). The RTN participated with a Naresuan-class Frigate, HTMS Taksin, a Chao Phraya-class Frigate, HTMS Kraburi, and a Dornier-228 MPA.

During the exercise, both navies conducted a series of maritime security and conventional warfare drills, including gunnery firings, communication exercises, and manoeuvring serials. Ashore, the navies conducted subject matter exchanges on unmanned systems, and anti-drone operations.

Deputy Fleet Commander Colonel Ng Yen Meng, and Royal Thai Fleet Chief-of-Staff, Vice Admiral Eakasit Woodypao, co-officiated the opening ceremony at RSS Singapura – Changi Naval Base on 18 May 2026. Deputy Commander First Flotilla and Commander Task Group for the exercise, Senior Lieutenant Colonel Koh Guan How, highlighted the importance of Exercise Singsiam in his opening address. He said, "This edition marks the 45th anniversary of Exercise Singsiam, a testament to our close relationship and shared commitment to strengthening our bilateral ties." The closing ceremony was conducted at the RTN’s Third Naval Area Command in Phuket.

Since its inauguration in 1981, Exercise Singsiam has expanded in scope and complexity over the years to include more advanced naval serials. Besides Exercise Singsiam, both navies also interact regularly through 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.