The Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army (RTA), General (GEN) Prayut Chan-O-Cha was conferred Singapore's prestigious military award, the Pingat Jasa Gemilang (Tentera) or the Meritorious Service Medal (Military), by Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen at the Ministry of Defence this morning.

GEN Prayut was conferred the award in recognition of his significant contributions in enhancing the long-standing friendship and close cooperation between the RTA and the Singapore Army. Under his leadership, bilateral defence ties between the two armies have grown from strength to strength. GEN Prayut has also initiated new areas of practical cooperation between the two armies, such as the introduction of motorised infantry training under the bilateral exercise Kocha Singa. His support for bilateral defence cooperation through cross-attendance of courses and visit exchanges has enhanced the friendship and mutual understanding between the personnel of both armies.

GEN Prayut, who is in Singapore from 27 to 28 August 2012, called on Dr Ng, Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General Neo Kian Hong and Chief of Army Major-General Ravinder Singh prior to the investiture. He also inspected a Guard-of-Honour contingent at the Ministry of Defence this morning.