A compiled list of diseases exempting individuals from military conscription according to the latest ministerial regulation. Check 12 groups of conditions that prohibit military service, along with how to obtain a medical certificate from military hospitals to prepare before the draft examination.
The 2026 military conscription examination season is approaching, scheduled nationwide from 1-12 April 2026 (excluding 6 April). One common question among Thai men is, "What health conditions exempt someone from military service?" Today, Thairath Online reviews the ministerial regulation, clearly summarizing 12 disease groups that disqualify military service, along with preparation advice to help you verify and secure your rights correctly before reporting for duty.
According to the ministerial regulation issued under the Military Service Act B.E. 2497 (1954), diseases or physical abnormalities that disqualify military service are categorized into 12 main groups as follows:
Examples include blindness, certain types of color blindness that affect duties, myopia or hyperopia beyond set limits (myopia exceeding 8 diopters or approximately 800), or glaucoma.
Examples include deafness in both ears, large perforated eardrum, or chronic discharging ear infections that are incurable.
Examples include congenital heart defects, valvular heart disease, severe hypertension symptoms, or aneurysms.
Examples include severe asthma, emphysema, or active pulmonary tuberculosis.
Examples include chronic nephritis, kidney failure, or reproductive organ abnormalities that impair function.
Examples include psychosis, mood disorders, severe intellectual disabilities, and "gender identity disorder" (gender incongruence).
Examples include treatment-resistant epilepsy, paralysis, or dementia.
Examples include limb amputations, missing or deformed fingers or toes, pronounced scoliosis, or chronic arthritis.
Examples include diabetes with severe complications or hyperthyroidism.
Examples include AIDS (with clear symptoms), leprosy, or elephantiasis.
Examples include severe thalassemia anemia or leukemia.
Examples include cancer requiring ongoing treatment or autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
Confirmation of these diseases cannot rely solely on personal claims; documented evidence from designated healthcare facilities is required, including:
Military conscription is not just about "luck" in drawing black or red cards but also concerns physical and mental readiness according to military standards, to select personnel with the highest potential for national defense duties.