Opinion: Thailand’s new government falling short on military reform

[webfact]

In Thailand’s political history, the word “change” has often been accompanied by ambivalence, coups, and sadly, bloodshed. Against this tumultuous backdrop, when newly elected Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin took office, the nation’s youth and reformists looked to his government cautiously for signs of change. Srettha, after all, was vocal about ending mandatory military conscription in favor of a voluntary system, a cause that resonated deeply with a generation that had taken to the streets to demand just that.

 

However, the turn of events post-election suggests that the winds of change may just be empty rhetoric—a devastating betrayal for a nation that has long sought substantial reform in its military apparatus.

 

For years, students and young activists have been protesting against the mandatory conscription that robs them of their youth and freedom, only to perpetuate a militaristic status quo. Their hopes were buoyed when Srettha indicated a policy shift. Yet, the vagueness of his recent announcements—where he highlighted a mere “reduction” in the number of conscripts without a definite timeline for its abolishment—does little but stir skepticism.

 

by Arun Saronchai

 

Full story: THAI ENQUIRER 2023-09-15

 

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[Eric Loh]

The deadline for transition to a voluntary military service system by April 2024 was indicated by the Defence Minister. My advise to K Arun is to ask the right man. 

[edwinchester]

I think PT has burnt any bridge it may have had remaining to Thai youth with it duplicitous dealings since the last election. 

[edwinchester]

5 minutes ago, Eric Loh said:

The deadline for transition to a voluntary military service system by April 2024 was indicated by the Defence Minister. My advise to K Arun is to ask the right man. 

https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230904125047634

 

Only a reduction in conscripted numbers, not an end to conscription itself.

[Eric Loh]

7 minutes ago, edwinchester said:

https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230904125047634

 

Only a reduction in conscripted numbers, not an end to conscription itself.

A voluntary military service will not have conscription. He will gradually phased out conscription to voluntary military service. Challenging reform for abolishing conscription which was introduced since 1905. 

[edwinchester]

11 minutes ago, Eric Loh said:

A voluntary military service will not have conscription. He will gradually phased out conscription to voluntary military service. Challenging reform for abolishing conscription which was introduced since 1905. 

All that's been outlined so far is a reduction of conscription quotas, no figures at all that I can find. Saying they'll be moving to a voluntary system next April, as in the article linked, is fanciful at best.

[Eric Loh]

20 minutes ago, edwinchester said:

All that's been outlined so far is a reduction of conscription quotas, no figures at all that I can find. Saying they'll be moving to a voluntary system next April, as in the article linked, is fanciful at best.

It is a target and is achievable. Number of conscripts has been declining while the number of volunteers is increasing. From about 80,000- 100,000 conscripts each year down to 58,330 last year, a drop of almost 30+% while volunteers is increasing from 22% in 2010 and jumped to 75%  in 2022. The Defense Minister will need to improve the incentives like welfare benefits and career development to encourage more people to join miltary services voluntarily. 

[spidermike007]

Of course this was to be expected, the moment the heinous military here stepped in, to twist arms, and have the election results, and the will of the people, flushed down the toilet. When PT sold their soul, to join the army coalition, it signaled the end of the possibility of any kind of meaningful reform. After all, the army is the second most powerful institution here. They might allow a modest change to the draft laws, just for appearances sake.

[sidneybear]

Good - the status quo in Thailand is not that bad.

 

[hotchilli]

3 hours ago, webfact said:

However, the turn of events post-election suggests that the winds of change may just be empty rhetoric—a devastating betrayal for a nation that has long sought substantial reform in its military apparatus.

As it has been with many promises.

Changes have diminished into tweaks and some start at a later date than previously stated.

[hotchilli]

2 hours ago, Eric Loh said:

The deadline for transition to a voluntary military service system by April 2024 was Indicated... like moving goal posts. by the Defence Minister. My advise to K Arun is to ask the right man. 

Indicated is akin to moving goalposts.

[Advice]

[RichardColeman]

3 hours ago, Eric Loh said:

he Defense Minister will need to improve the incentives like welfare benefits and career development to encourage more people to join miltary services voluntarily. 

Or the minister could just forcibly conscript all the thai youth fighting each other and convicted of lesser crimes  

[Andycoops]

It's all mumbo jumbo, when they get into power the ears are tugged, the elbows clasped and the reality of how the corruption wheel spins is revealed.

Hence change means, no change at all and the status quo rumbles on...

[NoshowJones]

10 hours ago, webfact said:

In Thailand’s political history, the word “change” has often been accompanied by ambivalence, coups, and sadly, bloodshed. Against this tumultuous backdrop, when newly elected Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin took office, the nation’s youth and reformists looked to his government cautiously for signs of change. Srettha, after all, was vocal about ending mandatory military conscription in favor of a voluntary system, a cause that resonated deeply with a generation that had taken to the streets to demand just that.

 

However, the turn of events post-election suggests that the winds of change may just be empty rhetoric—a devastating betrayal for a nation that has long sought substantial reform in its military apparatus.

 

For years, students and young activists have been protesting against the mandatory conscription that robs them of their youth and freedom, only to perpetuate a militaristic status quo. Their hopes were buoyed when Srettha indicated a policy shift. Yet, the vagueness of his recent announcements—where he highlighted a mere “reduction” in the number of conscripts without a definite timeline for its abolishment—does little but stir skepticism.

 

by Arun Saronchai

 

Full story: THAI ENQUIRER 2023-09-15

 

- Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here.

 

Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

"when newly elected Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin took office,"  Elected?? By the Thai electorate?? 

[chickenslegs]

2 hours ago, NoshowJones said:

"when newly elected Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin took office,"  Elected?? By the Thai electorate?? 

Not even a single vote from the general population. Just like the PM before him.

[chickenslegs]

9 hours ago, sidneybear said:

Good - the status quo in Thailand is not that bad.

 

Not that bad for whom?

I agree it's OK for the likes of me - foreign retiree with a decent pension - how about Thais who would like a decent public education system, no compulsory military conscription, freedom to discuss the Lèse-majesté laws, etcetera?

[mark131v]

Wouldn't falling short imply they had actually done something?

 

As far as I can see the Generals have pretty much told them what they are going to do and not so much the other way round

 

I think PTT has sold their soul to the devil in order to get Thaksin home and a turn at the trough, I really hope the people remember all these lies and betrayal....

[sidneybear]

7 hours ago, chickenslegs said:

Not that bad for whom?

I agree it's OK for the likes of me - foreign retiree with a decent pension - how about Thais who would like a decent public education system, no compulsory military conscription, freedom to discuss the Lèse-majesté laws, etcetera?

You mean turn Thailand into a mirror image of the West, by erasing Thailand's charming culture and traditions? Thankfully, the powers that be are too smart to let that happen.