joedee

People don't wear helmets because it is not enforced enough by the Police. If the Police enforce this rule more, people will wear a helmet. If enforcement is continued, then people will wear helmets as a habit. It takes time but continued enforcement works. I work in Goa in India. 20 years ago nearly nobody wore a helmet here. Now nearly nobody travels without one. Due to police enforcement.. The Police and Government should implement stronger enforcement and ongoing road safety messages in all media channels.

Yes, I paid about the same as you... Still working now 5 years later...

Firstly, Thank you all for taking the time to give your suggestions and ideas. They have been helpful in planning what to do next. I have translated a letter to Thai language and am sending it to the Email id given in a link provided in responses here. Hopefully I will get some helpful reply from them.. In addition, finally I got a reply from Thai Embassy London today.. Dear Sir, Under the Military Service Act of 1954, all Thai men are required to serve in the military. All Thai men must understand the duties of registering for military service, receiving a call-up notice, selecting people for military service, calling up, mobilizing, and discharging Thai men, which you can learn more about on the Ministry of Defense website. Or your mother will need to contact the officer at local registrar where you have your name in the address in Thailand. So, its pretty much as expected and advised by you guys here.. Thank you for your help. Lets see where this leads. Joe

To rescind Thai nationality is a 15 to 18 month process. It is the last option for him if it becomes really necessary. He wants to enroll in the Army as soon as possible of his own choice...

My son is only 17 years old. He has to wait until 20 years old for conscription. But the point is that The British Army want a letter not just saying to defer conscription but a letter stating that he will not be called up in the event of a war... Maybe some level of my misunderstanding in there somewhere. But I will keep pursuing this until conclusion or brick wall.

Thank you.

The British Army recruitment department have specifically asked for this during a telephone call. It's not possible to hide dual nationality because they want Mother and Father details. They actually said "If Thailand go to war at any time they need a letter on file that says Mr XYZ will not be called for conscription into the Thai armed services if he is enrolled in The British Armed forces ". That seems perfectly reasonable and practical to me. Yes, I understand that the Thai military probably won't come looking for him. But The British Army only do things by the book. (Their book). So, we have to comply..

This makes sense,, but other than an "auto reply" stating we will be in touch in 3 to 5 working days, I have not received any response from Thai Embassy London. I sent a follow up mail 10 days later. Just another "auto reply" so far

Yes. I understand.. I think we will test the water at local level then consider legal advice if it doesn't work out positively. Thank you for your suggestion Joe

Yes. I think local level will be the place to go. thanks for the info. Joe

Hi. This is very helpful and informative. Have got a contact Email id to send an initial enquiry. Many Thanks Joe

Yes. It seems like there is no option when I check online. But I think there will be ...somewhere.. Thank you for the info. Joe

Yes, I will get round to the local offices if no better solution is advised. thank you Joe

Yes, I agree. But I was hoping I may find someone who has actually overcome this problem personally or with their own son. I am seeking options to pursue . If I get no definite feedback I will tackle this locally in his Mothers town first. She is pretty good at dealing with local level authorities, is very polite and knows how to keep them happy. If I do not get a positive outcome I will seek legal opinion. Ultimately if nothing else works then he will have to enquire if renouncing Thai nationality will be acceptable to The British Army.. Hopefully there will be a better option somewhere... There are a lot of countries that still have military conscription. What happens to Dual Nationals with Thailand when that happens. ???. Thanks for your suggestions Joe

Yes, This is probably next step... I have not done this yet as we have not been in Thailand for some time.. I was hoping to understand all of the options (if any) before I make any requests to relevant departments. I think it may be better for his mother to make the application and show that he is not living in Thailand. He can give power of attorney to her to make the application. We will then provide necessary documentation if its possible... I wonder what happens with dual nationals where both countries insist on military conscription. ??? Thank you for your suggestions. Joe