Singapore and Thailand Reaffirm Close and Long-standing Bilateral Defence Relations

Minister for Defence Mr Chan Chun Sing (left) calling on Thai Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Mr Anutin Charnvirakul (right) at the Government House earlier today.

Mr Chan also met with the Thai Minister of Defence Lieutenant General (LTG) Adul Boonthumjaroen (right)

Mr Chan exchanging gifts with LTG Adul.

Mr Chan also visited the Royal Thai Armed Forces (RTARF) Headquarters and received a brief on efforts to establish the RTARF Joint Capabilities Command.

Earlier today, Minister for Defence Mr Chan Chun Sing called on Thai Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Mr Anutin Charnvirakul at the Government House. At the Government House, Mr Chan offered his condolences on the passing of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother of the Kingdom of Thailand.

They reaffirmed the excellent and multifaceted partnership between Singapore and Thailand, anchored by deep mutual trust and close people-to-people ties. Mr Chan and Prime Minister Anutin also exchanged views on ongoing geopolitical developments, and discussed ways for both countries to strengthen collaboration by pursuing opportunities in areas of mutual interest such as supply chain resilience and defence industry collaboration.

Mr Chan also met with Thai Minister of Defence Lieutenant General (LTG) Adul Boonthumjaroen today at the Thai Ministry of Defence, where he reviewed a Guard of Honour contingent.

Mr Chan expressed appreciation for Thailand’s support for the SAF’s key bilateral military exercises such as Exercise Kocha Singa, Exercise Singsiam, and Exercise Cobra Gold. Reaffirming the close and long-standing bilateral defence relations between Singapore and Thailand, both Ministers discussed ways to further enhance defence cooperation in areas of mutual interest, and emphasised the importance of strengthening our regional security architecture through the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) and ADMM-Plus. They also discussed international and regional security developments.

As part of his visit, Mr Chan was hosted by Chief of Defence (CDF) Forces of the Royal Thai Armed Forces (RTARF) General (GEN) Ukris Boontanondha at the RTARF Headquarters, where he was briefed on efforts to establish the RTARF Joint Capabilities Command.

Mr Chan is in Thailand from 26 to 28 April. As part of his visit, he will also call on Thai Privy Councillor GEN Prayut Chan-o-cha, and meet the Secretary-General of the Thai National Security Council Mr Chatchai Bangchuad.