Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Air Force Makes Introductory Visit to Singapore

The Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) Air Chief Marshal (ACM) Sakesan Kantha called on Minister for Defence, Mr Chan Chun Sing, at the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) this morning. During their meeting, Mr Chan and ACM Sakesan reaffirmed the close and long-standing defence relations between Singapore and Thailand. Mr Chan and ACM Sakesan also exchanged views on geopolitical developments in the region, and discussed ways to deepen defence cooperation between the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) and RTAF.

ACM Sakesan is in Singapore for an introductory visit from 23 to 25 June 2026. He also called on Chief of Defence Force Vice Admiral Aaron Beng and Chief of Air Force Major-General Kelvin Fan after inspecting the Guard of Honour at MINDEF. As part of his programme, ACM Sakesan also visited Sembawang Air Base and the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Command, where he was briefed on the RSAF's latest developments, including unmanned capabilities.

ACM Sakesan's visit underscores the strong defence ties between Singapore and Thailand. The RSAF and the RTAF interact regularly through high-level visits, professional exchanges, and cross-attendance of courses. The two air forces also interact through exercises such as the bilateral Exercise Air Thai Sing and trilateral Exercise Cope Tiger. These regular interactions have deepened mutual understanding and strengthened people-to-people ties between personnel from both air forces.