COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF OF THE ROYAL THAI ARMY RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS MILITARY AWARD
The Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army, General Sonthi Boonyaratglin, was conferred Singapore’s prestigious military award, Pingat Jasa Gemilang (Tentera), or the Meritorious Service Medal (Military), by Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean at an investiture ceremony held at the Ministry of Defence this morning.
The Meritorious Service Medal (Military) was awarded to General Sonthi in recognition of his contributions to enhancing the strong ties between the Singapore Army and the Royal Thai Army. The two armies engage in a wide spectrum of activities, ranging from the bilateral Exercise Kocha Singa to regular professional exchanges and attendance of each other’s courses. These interactions have enhanced the professionalism and strengthened the friendship and camaraderie between the officers and men of the two armies. Previous Royal Thai Army Chiefs who have received the Meritorious Service Medal (Military) in recent years include General Prawit Wongsuwon, General Chaisit Shinawatra and General Somdhat Attanand.
General Sonthi, who is in Singapore from 16 to 17 August 2007, also called on Minister Teo, Acting Chief of Defence Force Major-General Ng Chee Khern and Chief of Army Major-General Neo Kian Hong, prior to the investiture. As part of his visit, General Sonthi will also be calling on Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the Istana later today.
###
