Popular Post webfact Posted September 15, 2023 Popular Post Share Posted September 15, 2023 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 2 1 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eric Loh Posted September 15, 2023 Share Posted September 15, 2023 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post edwinchester Posted September 15, 2023 Popular Post Share Posted September 15, 2023 I think PT has burnt any bridge it may have had remaining to Thai youth with it duplicitous dealings since the last election. 3 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edwinchester Posted September 15, 2023 Share Posted September 15, 2023 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. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eric Loh Posted September 15, 2023 Share Posted September 15, 2023 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edwinchester Posted September 15, 2023 Share Posted September 15, 2023 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. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eric Loh Posted September 15, 2023 Share Posted September 15, 2023 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post spidermike007 Posted September 15, 2023 Popular Post Share Posted September 15, 2023 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. 3 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sidneybear Posted September 15, 2023 Share Posted September 15, 2023 Good - the status quo in Thailand is not that bad. 1 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hotchilli Posted September 15, 2023 Share Posted September 15, 2023 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hotchilli Posted September 15, 2023 Share Posted September 15, 2023 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] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RichardColeman Posted September 15, 2023 Share Posted September 15, 2023 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andycoops Posted September 15, 2023 Share Posted September 15, 2023 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... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NoshowJones Posted September 15, 2023 Share Posted September 15, 2023 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?? 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickenslegs Posted September 15, 2023 Share Posted September 15, 2023 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. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickenslegs Posted September 15, 2023 Share Posted September 15, 2023 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? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mark131v Posted September 15, 2023 Share Posted September 15, 2023 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.... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sidneybear Posted September 15, 2023 Share Posted September 15, 2023 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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