Skip to main content
A Singapore Government Agency Website How to identify
Official website links end with .gov.sg
Secure websites use HTTPS
Look for a lock () or https:// as an added precaution. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.
MINDEFsg is now on WhatsApp!

Get all the latest news and updates on MINDEF and SAF by joining the official MINDEFsg WhatsApp channel (opens in new tab)!

Ministry of Defence
News Releases

Commander-in-Chief of Royal Thai Navy Receives Prestigious Military Award

8 September 2026

The Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) Admiral (ADM) Pairote Fuangchan was conferred Singapore's prestigious military award, the Pingat Jasa Gemilang (Tentera) also known as the Meritorious Service Medal (Military) [MSM(M)], by President Tharman Shanmugaratnam.

Commander-in-Chief of Royal Thai Navy Admiral (ADM) Pairote Fuangchan (centre) was presented the Meritorious Service Medal (Military) by Minister for Defence Chan Chun Sing (left) at the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) earlier today.
Commander-in-Chief of Royal Thai Navy Admiral (ADM) Pairote Fuangchan (centre) was presented the Meritorious Service Medal (Military) by Minister for Defence Chan Chun Sing (left) at the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) earlier today.

The Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) Admiral (ADM) Pairote Fuangchan was conferred Singapore's prestigious military award, the Pingat Jasa Gemilang (Tentera) also known as the Meritorious Service Medal (Military) [MSM(M)], by President Tharman Shanmugaratnam. Minister for Defence Chan Chun Sing presented the award to ADM Pairote on behalf of the President, at an investiture held at the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) this morning.

ADM Pairote was conferred the award in recognition of his significant contributions in strengthening the close and long-standing bilateral defence ties between the RTN and the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN). Under ADM Pairote’s leadership, both navies expanded collaboration in areas of mutual interest and strengthened interoperability. Notably, the 45th edition of Exercise Cobra Gold in March 2026 involved the RSN’s expanded participation in ship-to-shore exercises with the RTN. Under ADM Pairote’s guidance, both navies successfully conducted the 22nd edition of Exercise SINGSIAM in May 2026. ADM Pairote also placed strong emphasis on deepening people-to-people ties to build mutual understand and trust. During his tenure, both navies held the inaugural Strategic Interactions Programme to strengthen ties between RSN and RTN senior leadership.

ADM Pairote is in Singapore from 6 to 8 September 2026. Prior to the MSM(M) investiture, ADM Pairote inspected a Guard of Honour at MINDEF and called on Minister Chan. ADM Pairote also called on Chief of Defence Force Vice Admiral Aaron Beng and Chief of Navy Rear Admiral Sean Wat, and visited RSS Singapura – Changi Naval Base.