TOP MILITARY AWARD FOR FORMER THAI PERMANENT SECRETARY FOR DEFENCE

President S R Nathan conferred Singapore's highest military award, the Darjah Utama Bakti Cemerlang (Tentera) [Distinguished Service Order (Military)] on Thailand's former Permanent Secretary for Defence, General (GEN) Winai Phattiyakul, at the Istana on 23 Jun.

GEN Winai was awarded the medal for his role in enhancing the excellent defence ties between Singapore and Thailand. His numerous interactions with the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) has also helped to strengthen the warm friendship between servicemen from the two armed forces.

During GEN Winai's tour of duty as Force Commander of the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor from 2001 to 2002, SAF troops benefited from serving under his command. He also played a significant role in guiding the development of the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting.

Guests at the investiture included Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean, Minister of State for Defence Koo Tsai Kee, Permanent Secretary (Defence) Chiang Chie Foo, Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General Desmond Kuek, as well as senior government officials and military officers from Singapore and Thailand.

As part of his three-day visit to Singapore from 21 to 23 Jun, GEN Winai also called on Mr Teo and Mr Chiang at the Ministry of Defence.