Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) Air Chief Marshal (ACM) Johm Rungswang 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 Johm at an investiture held at the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) this morning.

The MSM(M) was awarded to ACM Johm for his significant contributions in enhancing the defence ties between the RTAF and the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF). Under ACM Johm's leadership, the RTAF and the RSAF have expanded their professional and personal interactions through a range of activities, including regular cross-attendance of courses, professional exchanges, and multilateral exercises such as Exercise Cope Tiger. Of note, ACM Johm supported the RSAF's Heron-1 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle's inaugural participation in Exercise Cope Tiger in 2016. These interactions have enhanced the interoperability between both air forces, and strengthened the rapport and trust between the airmen of both countries. 

On receiving the award, ACM Johm said, "It is a great pride and honour for me to be conferred the MSM(M) by the Government of Singapore. The award truly symbolises the strong friendship between the Royal Thai Armed Forces and the Singapore Armed Forces. The relationship between our air forces is also based on mutual trust and understanding. We have enjoyed close cooperation through bilateral and multilateral exercises as well as various joint operations throughout the years. I am certain that this long-term relationship will continue to grow in the future and we will always cooperate to promote peace and stability in this region."

ACM Johm, who is in Singapore from 27 to 28 February 2018, called on Dr Ng, Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General Perry Lim and Chief of Air Force Major-General Mervyn Tan, and reviewed a Guard of Honour at MINDEF this morning prior to the investiture.