Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Navy has been conferred the Meritorious Service Medal (Military) by Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen for enhancing bilateral defence ties between the two countries' navies.

The Pingat Jasa Gemilang (Tentera) was presented to Admiral (ADM) Surasak Rounroengrom at the Ministry of Defence on Friday morning.

The Royal Thai Navy and the Republic of Singapore Navy cooperate regularly on exercises, port calls, and counter-piracy operations, the Ministry of Defence said in a statement.

ADM Surasak, who is in Singapore from Thursday to Saturday, called on Dr Ng, Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General Ng Chee Meng, and Chief of Navy Rear-Admiral Ng Chee Peng prior to the investiture. He also inspected a Guard-of-Honour contingent at the Ministry of Defence.