Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF), Air Chief Marshal (ACM) Treetod Sonjance, was conferred Singapore's prestigious military award, the Pingat Jasa Gemilang (Tentera) or Meritorious Service Medal (Military)], by President Tony Tan Keng Yam. Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen presented the award to ACM Treetod at an investiture held at the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) this afternoon.

ACM Treetod was conferred the award for his significant contributions in strengthening the defence ties between the RTAF and the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF). ACM Treetod played an important role in starting the intelligence exchange between the RTAF and RSAF. Under his leadership, both air forces also continued to enhance their interoperability and people-to-people linkages through the trilateral Exercise Cope Tiger, as well as the cross-attendance of courses and professional exchanges. These interactions have contributed significantly to the operational readiness of the RSAF and yielded significant mutual benefits for both air forces.

ACM Treetod, who is in Singapore from 17 to 18 December 2015, called on Dr Ng and Chief of Air Force Major-General (MG) Hoo Cher Mou prior to the investiture. ACM Treetod also inspected a Guard of Honour contingent at MINDEF earlier today. As part of his visit, ACM Treetod also co-officiated at the opening ceremony of Exercise Cope Tiger with MG Hoo, and visited the Air Force Training Command earlier today.