Defense Minister Big Dul inspected the military conscription process, stressing educational benefits and career advancement opportunities. He vowed that the youth must be safe and ordered strict punishment following an assault case on a soldier, while committing to enhance the quality of life for border soldiers.
On 4 Apr 2026 GMT+7, Lieutenant General Adul Boonthamcharoen, Defense Minister, visited the conscription selection at Central Westgate shopping center. He said he came to check the process as the center had full selection days over the past two days. He also observed the recruitment officers' efforts to fill daily volunteer quotas, noting the government's policy encouraging voluntary enlistment. If quotas are met, there will be no conscription. An online registration system is now used for greater convenience.
Lieutenant General Adul said several factors contributed to full volunteer enrollment, including local agencies' publicity, especially the administrative sector promoting government policies and benefits that motivate volunteers. Key incentives include educational opportunities, such as non-formal education to upgrade qualifications, career advancement prospects, and appropriate compensation. Additionally, the program fosters patriotism, devotion to religion and monarchy, volunteer spirit to protect sovereignty, and pride for oneself and family.
Regarding preventing assaults on conscripts, Lieutenant General Adul trusts commanders at all levels have provided strict supervision and punished offenders. He acknowledged such incidents occur occasionally. For example, following the incident at Suratham Phithak Camp in Nakhon Ratchasima Province, authorities decisively dismissed all involved and supported the injured soldier's family. He emphasized the army has mostly good personnel, but a few bad actors can damage its reputation. He assured that youth will be safe while deployed at the border, highlighting efforts to improve border soldiers' quality of life: ensuring water flow, electricity, good roads, phone charging, and signal availability so they can communicate with family and cook without excessive fire. These are essential for those protecting the nation's sovereignty.
In response to opposition concerns about conscripts being exploited and ATM card collections for illegal deductions, Lieutenant General Adul stated there is a clear policy addressing this. Such issues are rare and akin to small stains on a white shirt. Commanders in each unit enforce strict discipline. He urged everyone to help monitor these matters and to report any grievances or unfair treatment through complaint centers.
Regarding the Thai Ruam Jai Party's volunteer soldier policy framework and timeline, Lieutenant General Adul said he awaits the policy announcement to parliament and will then implement it. He confirmed the policy will proceed, with details to be discussed, such as whether it spans several years or four years, allowing volunteers to complete a bachelor's degree and then enlist. Former Defense Minister General Natthaphon Nakpanich, who recently left office, entrusted him to continue supporting lower-rank soldiers by increasing funds from companies, battalions, and regiments. He assured full care for lower-rank personnel's rights without discrimination. He stressed that while military regulations require rank and command structure distinctions for discipline, all soldiers at the border work as a team and face equal risks, including stepping on landmines.