Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Navy (RTN), Admiral (ADM) Jirapol Wongwit, called on Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen earlier today. During the meeting, Dr Ng and ADM Jirapol reaffirmed the close and long-standing defence relations between Singapore and Thailand and encouraged the deepening of bilateral cooperation between the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and RTN.

ADM Jirapol, who is on his introductory visit to Singapore from 13 to 16 January 2025, also called on Chief of Defence Force Vice Admiral Aaron Beng and Chief of Navy Rear Admiral Sean Wat, after inspecting the Guard of Honour at MINDEF. In addition, the two navy chiefs co-signed a revised Memorandum of Understanding, which will enhance maritime information-sharing between both navies.

As part of his programme, ADM Jirapol visited the Information Fusion Centre (IFC) in RSS Singapura – Changi Naval Base, where he received a briefing on the IFC’s contributions to maritime security by cueing operational responses from regional navies through information sharing.

ADM Jirapol's visit underscores the strong defence ties between Singapore and Thailand. The RSN and RTN interact regularly through high-level visits, professional exchanges, courses, and bilateral exercises such as the biennial Exercise Singsiam. These regular interactions have deepened mutual understanding and strengthened cooperation between both navies.