“PPLE”calls to end Military Draft, Pushes for improved soldiers’ welfare

Today (April 2, 2026), Mr. Ekkarach Udomamnuay, a People's Party Member of Parliament (MP), held a press conference to discuss the Military Service Act. He stated that if the government wants to ensure the effectiveness of national security missions and improve the quality of life for service members in terms of income, welfare, and career advancement, it must enact a new act abolishing compulsory military service and transitioning to voluntary enlistment.

Mr. Ekkarach also suggested that voluntary recruitment would result in a more efficient military force. As a member of the People's Party, he wishes to lobby for the realization of the Bhumjaithai Party's campaign promise regarding the volunteer military policy.

However, the public expects that this year will be the last time their children are subjected to obligatory military duty. He wants the government to clarify how it will implement the volunteer military service policy in order to alleviate public concerns about not only sending their children to military service, but also the welfare of conscripted soldiers, the violation of their rights by serving as personal servants, and physical abuse by drill instructors. As a result, the government must take this issue seriously and address it with a clear plan of action.

The People's Party will work to advocate for legal reforms to ensure that conscription is abolished permanently, as well as to monitor the government's actions and policies.