He said all exercises were carried out under the close supervision of the Royal Thai Air Force.

Some National Legislative Assembly members had expressed concern that Singapore's fighters might pass through no-fly zones and intrude on the airspace of Burma, Laos or China on their training missions.

While Singapore was planning four exercises a year, each taking about three weeks, its officials had to submit their plans to Thai authorities at least 90 days in advance, Boonrawd told yesterday's NLA session. Exercises were monitored and every detail had to be approved by Thailand, he said.

In November 2004 during the administration of Thaksin Shinawatra, the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding on military cooperation. It led to a 15-year deal, under which Singapore could use the Wing 23 airbase to train its pilots while Thailand would benefit from advanced technology shared by Singapore's Air Force.

The NLA debate came up while bilateral diplomatic relations have soured since the junta attacked the city-state for undermining Thai sovereignty through its close relationship with Thaksin. NLA member Samran Rodphet urged the government to review the rental term, saying 15 years was too long.

Weerayut Chokchaimadon

The Nation