Thailand’s Minister of Defence Makes Introductory Visit to Singapore

Lieutenant General (LTG) Adul Boonthumjaroen (left) calling on Minister for Defence, Mr Chan Chun Sing (right).

LTG Adul inspecting the Guard of Honour at the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF).

Mr Chan receiving LTG Adul’s arrival at MINDEF today.

Thailand’s Minister of Defence, Lieutenant General (LTG) Adul Boonthumjaroen, is conducting his introductory visit to Singapore from 28 to 31 May 2026. He will also be attending the 23rd Shangri-La Dialogue. As part of his visit, LTG Adul inspected a Guard of Honour contingent and called on Minister for Defence Mr Chan Chun Sing.

During the meeting, Mr Chan and LTG Adul reaffirmed the close and longstanding bilateral defence relationship between Singapore and Thailand. Both Ministers discussed ways to further enhance defence cooperation, such as capitalising on regional frameworks like the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) and ADMM-Plus. They also exchanged views on international and regional security developments.

Mr Chan expressed appreciation for Thailand’s support for the conduct of bilateral and multilateral exercises between both armed forces, such as the recently concluded Exercise Singsiam, and Exercise Cobra Gold. Both Ministers looked forward to expanding defence cooperation in areas of mutual interest between both defence establishments.

In conjunction with these ongoing efforts to deepen defence cooperation, Chief of Defence Force Vice Admiral Aaron Beng and Chief of Defence Forces of the Royal Thai Armed Forces General (GEN) Ukris Boontanondha will renew the Memorandum of Understanding on the Participation of the Singapore Armed Forces in Exercise Cobra Gold in Thailand on 29 May 2026.

LTG Adul is in Singapore with a delegation of senior Thai officials, including Permanent Secretary for Defence GEN Tharapong Malakam, and Chief of Defence Forces GEN Ukris Boontanondha.