"Thai Army” reveals conscription requirements for 2026 , announces mental health checks for instructors, implementation of disciplinary measures, and removal of victims of ponzi schemes

Today (23 March) at 1:30 PM, at the Army Club (Ramintra Expressway), the Royal Thai Army Headquarters (RTA HQ) held a press conference regarding the selection of conscripts for compulsory military service in 2026, which will take place between 1- 12 April 2026 (excluding April 6, 2026).

Major General Sompol Palathai, Deputy Commander of the Territorial Defense Command, stated that Thai men who are 21 years old (born in 2005) and those 22-29 years old (born between 1997 and 2004) who have never undergone conscription, those who received deferments, or those whose conscription process from last year was incomplete are required to undergo selection for military service this year. The total number of conscripts needed is 477,435. A total of 84,380 men are needed for military service. 22,062 men have already applied online, leaving a remaining quota of 62,318 men. The Army (RBA) needs 42,926 men, the Navy 11,101, the Air Force 6,704, the Office of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defense 770, and the Royal Thai Armed Forces 817. This year, the selection process will prioritize suitable locations to ensure a smooth and convenient process. An expedited service will be provided for conscripts who are ill or disabled, those requesting enlistment, and those seeking deferments to streamline the selection process. It is confirmed that the selection process will be transparent and verifiable, in accordance with the policy of the Commander-in-Chief of the Army.

Lt. Gen. Kriengchai Prasongsukarn, director of the Army Medical Department, added that 37 hospitals under the Army will integrate a comprehensive healthcare system for new recruits, addressing both physical and mental health, with important information for families and the public to be aware of. Pre-selection medical examinations, such as those for gender identity discrepancies, can be conducted at military hospitals and government hospitals with psychiatrists. During the selection process, the Royal Thai Army has deployed medical committees from Army hospitals at the selection sites to ensure transparency and fairness. A war room and senior army medical officers are also established to provide consultation for decision-making. Furthermore, the mental health of instructors is assessed. Training on health for instructors is provided nationwide, and the readiness of facilities and equipment is inspected. The mental health of instructors is evaluated to ensure that those who will care for your children are mentally prepared and have appropriate attitudes.

Lt. Gen. Kriengchai further stated that this includes personalized care based on individual differences. The Royal Thai Army recognizes that each new recruit has different capabilities and physical conditions. Therefore, a thorough physical examination is conducted before the start of training, categorized into four groups: normal, low-risk, medium-risk, and high-risk, using color coding to differentiate them. This allows instructors to adjust training levels accordingly for each new recruit. In addition, new recruits will have a personal QR code containing information that the medical team can access promptly in case of emergencies. The army confirms its commitment to gender diversity, providing comfortable accommodations and restrooms that are in line with modern living conditions.

Major General Therdasak Wongchan, Director of the Army Finance Department, stated that new conscripts will receive a salary of 1,630 baht, a cost of living allowance of 6,490 baht, and a daily allowance of 96 baht/day, totaling 11,000 baht in monetary benefits. If a meal allowance of 70 baht/day (3 meals) is added, the total net amount will be 8,900 baht.

For soldiers involved in the fraudulent "horse money" scheme who may have been victims or involved in some way, the army will assist in ensuring they receive their rightful entitlements, including salary, temporary cost of living allowance, and daily allowances. This will be done by coordinating with relevant agencies such as the police and the Ministry of Defense bank to open new accounts for all soldiers, as these transactions cannot be processed through the regular banking system. However, all new conscripts entering the army will receive all their entitled benefits.

Major General Therdasak Furthermore, the Army confirms that protecting the financial benefits of recruits is a top priority. Orders have been issued to all units to strictly adhere to the following regulations: 1. Keeping bank passbooks and ATM cards is prohibited. 2. Cash payments must be made directly into bank accounts. 3. Deductions from other debts from soldiers' salaries are prohibited; only government debts may be deducted.

Meanwhile, Major General Kasem Pinkaew, Director of the Army Inspectorate, stated regarding punishment that violence exceeding the army's established limits is strictly prohibited. Punishment that endangers life or body is absolutely forbidden. In the event of an incident, a swift and transparent investigation must be conducted. Any violations will result in disciplinary and criminal action. He emphasized that punishment must strictly adhere to the laws and regulations set by the army, with clear and transparent methods of punishment. Punishment is prohibited after 6:00 PM.

Lieutenant General Thitiphan Thanacharo, Director of the Army Education Department, stated that new recruits will receive 22 high-quality, standardized items, including custom-made field uniforms (fitted uniforms, athletic pants, towels, shoes, and bedding).