Ratchada revealed that the Anutin government is seriously implementing the 'Volunteer Soldiers' policy as announced to Parliament, inviting young people to serve the country from 10 September 2026 to 24 January 2027, offering four key opportunities and a combined salary and allowance of 15,000 baht per month.
On 6 September 2026, Ms. Ratchada Thanadirek, spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, stated that the government is advancing the development of military service toward a voluntary system. This is a policy that Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul announced to Parliament and is now being implemented. In the 2027 fiscal year, the Royal Thai Army will launch the Volunteer Soldiers (TOS) project, allowing reserve personnel to serve voluntarily, alongside incentives and future career paths for applicants, making military service both a duty to the nation and a chance for personal development.
The spokesperson said participants will gain four important opportunities: 1. The chance to earn income and receive benefits, including a combined salary and allowance of 15,000 baht per month, medical care rights, disaster relief assistance, and life insurance.
2. The opportunity for self-development and skill-building through training and real work experience, fostering discipline, physical and mental fitness, as well as skills applicable to future employment.
3. Educational and professional advancement opportunities to enhance knowledge, increase qualifications, and develop professional skills, broadening career options after service.
4. Opportunities to advance into future careers, including special quotas for entrance exams to become non-commissioned officers in the army and additional academic points in exams for joining the Royal Thai Army. Skills and experience gained can also be leveraged for work in the private sector or private enterprise.
Interested individuals can apply from 10 September 2026 to 24 January 2027 through two channels: online at rcm.rta.mi.th or in person at recruitment military units nationwide, as well as district and provincial military recruitment offices.
The program accepts graduates of Military Student Training (Reserve Officer Training Corps, years 3–5) and reserve soldiers or discharged privates. Officer positions require a bachelor's degree, aged 18–35, while non-commissioned officer positions require a high school diploma or vocational certificate, aged 18–30. Applicants can choose units and positions based on qualifications, sign contracts for four years, renewable once, for a maximum of eight years.
"The government is expediting the implementation of all policies announced to Parliament. The volunteer soldier policy benefits both citizens and the country. Besides providing applicants with opportunities for income, skills, education, and careers, the country gains motivated personnel who volunteer willingly, can be selected according to army missions, and help adjust manpower size and composition appropriately. This reduces reliance on conscription gradually and improves the efficiency of manpower resource and budget use," Ms. Ratchada said.