The Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Navy (RTN), Admiral (ADM) Cherngchai Chomcherngpat, 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 Cherngchai at an investiture held at the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) this afternoon.

ADM Cherngchai was conferred the award in recognition of his significant contributions in enhancing the bilateral defence relationship between the RTN and the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN). Under ADM Cherngchai's leadership, both navies conducted frequent and meaningful interactions, including Navy-to-Navy Staff Talks, professional exchanges, as well as regular mutual port calls and cross-attendance of courses. These interactions have deepened mutual trust, strengthened people-to-people ties and enhanced both navies' professionalism.

ADM Cherngchai was also committed to enhancing the maritime security of the Straits of Malacca and Singapore, and strongly supported multilateral information-sharing and capacity-building initiatives that contributed to regional security. ADM Cherngchai also supported the deployment of RTN International Liaison Officers to the RSN's Information Fusion Centre (IFC), which has forged closer operational linkages and greater shared awareness of the regional maritime security situation.

ADM Cherngchai is in Singapore from 15 to 17 August 2023. As part of his visit, he called on Dr Ng and Chief of Navy Rear Admiral (RADM) Sean Wat earlier today after inspecting the Guard of Honour at MINDEF.