The Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) Admiral (ADM) Somprasong Nilsamai was conferred Singapore's prestigious military award, the Pingat Jasa Gemilang (Tentera) or Meritorious Service Medal (Military) [MSM(M)], by President Halimah Yacob. Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen presented the award to ADM Somprasong at an investiture held at the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) this morning.

ADM Somprasong was conferred the award for his significant contributions in enhancing the close and long-standing bilateral defence relationship between the RTN and the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN). During ADM Somprasong's tenure, both navies commemorated the 20th edition of Exercise Singsiam, the flagship exercise between the two navies, marking a resumption of physical interactions since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. ADM Somprasong ensured the continuation of the RTN International Liaison Officers' deployment to the RSN's Information Fusion Centre during travel restrictions arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a reflection of the strong ties that had been built and an affirmation of the RTN's commitment to multilateral information-sharing and capacity-building initiatives to enhance the maritime security in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore.

ADM Somprasong who is in Singapore from 23 to 25 August 2022, also inspected the Guard of Honour at MINDEF and called on Dr Ng, Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General Melvyn Ong and Chief of Navy Rear-Admiral Aaron Beng.