Thai army commanders face action over conscript abuse
Commanders of army units where trainers are found guilty of conscript abuse will face disciplinary measures for neglecting their responsibilities, Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai stated yesterday.
Phumtham yesterday, April 8, made these remarks during a visit to a conscript selection and recruitment unit at the Directorate of Joint Communications under the Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters in Don Mueang district, Bangkok. He highlighted discussions with military leaders regarding recurring incidents of physical and emotional abuse of conscripts by trainers and senior officers.
Some conscripts have reported being assigned to work as servants in senior officers’ homes, often facing mistreatment. Phumtham, also serving as a deputy prime minister responsible for security affairs, emphasised the need to halt such abuses and implement preventive measures.
He stressed that trainers should be informed about what constitutes abusive practices. Should abuse continue, the commanding officers responsible for training will face disciplinary action per regulations.
“Their superiors will not get away with it.”
Closed-circuit TV cameras are set to be installed at training sites to monitor both conscripts and trainers. Phumtham also spoke to conscripts’ parents yesterday, April 8, assuring them of the recruits’ welfare.
The ministry is adopting technology to replace manpower in certain units as part of ongoing military reforms, which include reducing the size of the forces and decreasing the number of conscripts. The defence minister noted the necessity to enhance the effectiveness of current military personnel to meet emerging defence and security challenges.
To encourage young men to volunteer for military service, vocational training will be provided to assist them in securing employment after enlistment. Businesses will be urged to reserve job vacancies for these trained soldiers once they complete their service, reported Bangkok Post.
This year’s annual conscription is taking place from April 1-12 across the country. Thai men who turn 21 in the conscription year are required to participate in the selection process, which involves drawing lots.
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