Former Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Air Force, Air Chief Marshal (ACM) (Ret) Maanat Wongwat, 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 ACM (Ret) Maanat at an investiture held at the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) this afternoon.

ACM (Ret) Maanat was conferred the award in recognition of his contributions in strengthening bilateral defence ties between the Royal Thai Air Force and the Republic of Singapore Air Force. During ACM (Ret) Maanat's tenure, both Air Forces expanded their professional interactions and people-to-people ties through regular high-level visits, cross-attendance of courses and professional exchanges. These efforts have generated mutual benefits for both Air Forces, as well as strengthened cooperation, trust and rapport between the airmen and women of both countries.

ACM (Ret) Maanat is in Singapore from 30 May to 1 June 2023. As part of his visit, he called on Dr Ng, Chief of Defence Force Rear-Admiral Aaron Beng and Chief of Air Force Major-General Kelvin Khong, earlier today.