Voluntary enlistment in Thai army sees an increase over previous year

Captain Juthaphat Prembanyat, the assistant spokesperson for the Army, revealed that conscription for the regular forces was open from April 1-12, and 38,160 volunteers registered online and applied for the selection day — more than 2,500 higher than in 2023.

Of the total, 24,025 volunteers applied to join as regular soldiers on the selection day. The areas with full volunteer capacity were Koh Si Chang district in Chonburi province, Na Thawi district in Songkhla province, Bang Len district in Nakhon Pathom province, Pak Kret district in Nonthaburi province, and Bang Khae district in Bangkok.

When combined with the 14,135 applicants who applied through the online system, the total number of volunteers for the 2024 conscription year totalled 38,160.

Last year 35,617 citizens had registered, 2,543 less than in 2024. Juthaphat said this achievement reflected the military's success in garnering increased interest from individuals to join the army, aligning with the government and the Ministry of Defence policy to encourage more volunteer applicants for regular soldiers, aiming for a fully functional volunteer recruitment system in the future.

The army thanked the Thai men who had cooperated in the selection process and volunteered to become soldiers, and also officials and supporting agencies across all areas for following procedures and regulations accurately, ensuring a smooth and orderly selection process.

The Army commander has ordered the Engineering Corps to upgrade the sleeping quarters at 366 military training units nationwide. This includes improving heat dissipation systems and enhancing airflow by repairing and installing new wire mesh, 24-inch fans, and roof sprinklers to cool the ceilings. These upgrades aim to create comfortable, liveable, and safe sleeping spaces, ready to welcome new soldiers starting their duties on May 1, Juthaphat said.