DIPLOMACY
THAI SUPREME COMMANDER CONFERRED TOP MILITARY HONOURS
19 Jul 2006
General (GEN) Ruengroj Mahasaranond, the Supreme Commander of the Royal Thai Armed Forces (RTARF), 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 on 19 Jul.
The Distinguished Service Order (Military) was awarded to GEN Ruengroj in recognition of his outstanding effort in, and contribution to, fostering excellent ties between the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and the RTARF.
Professional interactions between the two armed forces have increased in scope and depth under GEN Ruengroj's leadership and guidance.
The SAF and RTARF engage in a wide range of bilateral and multilateral activities, including military exercises and professional exchange programmes. These have enhanced the professionalism of the two armed forces and fostered mutual understanding and camaraderie among their officers and men.
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 Lieutenant-General Ng Yat Chung, as well as senior government and military officials from Singapore and Thailand.
GEN Ruengroj said: "It's my pride that the Republic of Singapore government has conferred on me the DSO (Military) today."
He said the relationship between the SAF and RTARF went as far back as 30 years or more, adding: "Although I'll be retiring soon, I'm certain that my successor as well as the RTARF shall continue on this relationship and will also try their utmost to maintain the excellent relationship between our two armed forces."
The Distinguished Service Order (Military) was awarded to GEN Ruengroj in recognition of his outstanding effort in, and contribution to, fostering excellent ties between the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and the RTARF.
Professional interactions between the two armed forces have increased in scope and depth under GEN Ruengroj's leadership and guidance.
The SAF and RTARF engage in a wide range of bilateral and multilateral activities, including military exercises and professional exchange programmes. These have enhanced the professionalism of the two armed forces and fostered mutual understanding and camaraderie among their officers and men.
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 Lieutenant-General Ng Yat Chung, as well as senior government and military officials from Singapore and Thailand.
GEN Ruengroj said: "It's my pride that the Republic of Singapore government has conferred on me the DSO (Military) today."
He said the relationship between the SAF and RTARF went as far back as 30 years or more, adding: "Although I'll be retiring soon, I'm certain that my successor as well as the RTARF shall continue on this relationship and will also try their utmost to maintain the excellent relationship between our two armed forces."
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