MINDEF NEWS RELEASE: PRESIDENT CONFERS TOP MILITARY AWARD ON SUPREME COMMANDER OF THE ROYAL THAI ARMED FORCES
The Supreme Commander of the Royal Thai Armed Forces (RTARF) GEN Ruengroj Mahasaranond was conferred Singapore’s highest military award, the Darjah Utama Bakti Cemerlang (Tentera), or the Distinguished Service Order (Military), by President S. R. Nathan at the Istana this afternoon.
2. The Distinguished Service Order (Military) was awarded to GEN Ruengroj in recognition of his outstanding efforts and contributions to fostering excellent ties between the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and the RTARF. Under GEN Ruengroj’s leadership and guidance, professional interactions between the two armed forces have increased in scope and depth. The SAF and RTARF engage in a broad spectrum of bilateral and multilateral activities, including military exercises and professional exchange programmes. Such interactions have enhanced the professionalism of the two armed forces and fostered mutual understanding and camaraderie among their officers and men.
3. The guests at the investiture included Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean, Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Zainul Abidin Rasheed, Chief of Defence Force LG Ng Yat Chung, as well as senior government and military officials from Singapore and Thailand.
4. GEN Ruengroj is on a two-day official visit to Singapore from 18 to 19 Jul 06. He had called on Minister Teo and LG Ng at MINDEF earlier today.
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