The Constitutional Court has scheduled a ruling on 12 May 2026 to decide the case filed by Netiwit challenging whether the Military Service Act's compulsory conscription violates the constitution.
On 30 April 2026, the Constitutional Court concluded the hearing of a significant case referred from the Samut Prakan Provincial Court involving Netiwit Chotiphatphaisal, the defendant in a case for failing to enlist for military service. The petition requested the court to determine whether Sections 27 and 45 of the Military Service Act B.E. 2497 (1954) conflict with Sections 26 and 31 of the constitution. After deliberation, the court found this to be a legal issue with sufficient evidence to proceed. Therefore, it resolved to end the investigation under Section 58, paragraph one, of the Constitutional Court Procedure Act B.E. 2561 (2018). The court scheduled an oral announcement, consultation, and voting for Tuesday, 12 May 2026 at 1:00 p.m.
According to Sections 27 to 45 of the Military Service Act B.E. 2497 (1954), these cover the selection process of conscripts to become active-duty soldiers, emphasizing procedures for calling individuals for examination and handling various categories of people. Section 45 prescribes penalties of imprisonment up to three years for those who avoid or resist appearing upon summons.