Thai Deputy Minister of Defence and Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army (RTA), General (GEN) Udomdej Sitabutr, was conferred Singapore's prestigious military award, the Pingat Jasa Gemilang (Tentera) [or Meritorious Service Medal (Military)], by President Tony Tan Keng Yam. Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen presented the award to GEN Udomdej at the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) this morning.

GEN Udomdej was conferred the award for his significant contributions in strengthening the close and long-standing defence ties between the RTA and the Singapore Army. Under GEN Udomdej's leadership, both armies expanded their bilateral defence initiatives and interactions, and strengthened their interoperability through the annual Army exercises, Ex Kocha Singa and Ex Flash Thunder. GEN Udomdej also supported the cross-attendance of courses and professional exchanges which deepened the friendship and mutual understanding between both armies.

On receiving the award, GEN Udomdej said, "I am honoured to receive this prestigious award. I am confident that the Royal Thai Army and the Singapore Army will continue to share a close friendship forged over decades of mutual cooperation, and work closely to further strengthen our bilateral defence relations."

GEN Udomdej, who is in Singapore from 23 to 24 July 2015, had called on Dr Ng and Chief of Army Major-General Perry Lim prior to the investiture. GEN Udomdej also inspected a Guard of Honour contingent at MINDEF this morning.