Singapore - Singapore President SR Nathan conferred the city-state's highest military award Thursday on General Boonsrang Niumpradit, supreme commander of the Royal Thai Armed Forces.

The Distinguished Service Order went to Boonsrang in recognition of his "outstanding contributions and commitment to strengthening the excellent ties between the (Royal Thai Armed Forces) and the Singapore Armed Forces," the defence ministry said.

Professional interaction between the two armed forces have increased under Boonsrang's leadership, the ministry's statement noted, citing bilateral and multilateral military exercises.

Present at the ceremony were Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean and senior government officials and military officers from both countries.

Boonsrang is on an official visit to Singapore through Friday. (dpa)