His comments came after reports that 900 21-year-olds have avoided registering for military conscription in the Northeast province of Buri Ram this year.
Dech-udom warned that young men who try to avoid conscription would face punishment of up to three years in jail and that the statute of limitations on this offence lasts for 10 years. He also said that men who try to avoid being conscripted would be unable to work in the civil service or with some companies