Thai military chief gets Indonesian medal

JAKARTA (JP): Armed Forces Commander Gen. Feisal Tanjung bestowed the Yudha Dharma Utama medal to his Thai counterpart Gen. Viroj Sang Snit on Saturday for his hard work and cooperation in promoting relations between the two countries.

The medal was presented by Feisal during Viroj's farewell visit. He is scheduled to end his tenure as Thailand's armed forces commander soon.

Viroj arrived for a two-day visit here on Friday. He was accompanied by Army Chief Gen. Pramon Phalasin who received the Kartika Eka Paksi medal.

It is customary among armed forces commanders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states to conduct introductory and farewell visits to.

ASEAN comprises Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

During a farewell dinner on Saturday evening, Feisal praised his counterpart, saying that despite only holding his position for a limited time, Viroj had initiated many activities to foster closer ties between the two countries, particularly between the two armed forces.

According to Feisal, such a good understanding was evident when a high level Thai delegation attended the Indonesian Air Show in June.

The presence of Air Chief Marshall Phnom Theerasvatee and other air officers was very meaningful to the success of the Air Show, he said.

Feisal then expressed his confidence that Viroj's successor will continue the tradition of close cooperation between the two sides, if not elevate it even more. (mds)