Thai Military Service for my Dual National son.(Not living in Thailand)

[joedee]

I am a British National I have a son with a Thai national.

Our son was born in India.

He was registered with The British Consulate 

and also The Thai Consulate in India

We have Passports and Birth certificates for both Countries plus an Indian Birth certificate

We also applied for a Thai ID card and renewed his Thai passport in Thailand 

during short trips to Thailand.

We also registered him in the house registration book at his mother's local town in Thailand.

 

My son and Thai Mother have permanently lived in India since 2005 other than annual short trips to Thailand.

My son has been educated fully at private school in India. He is now past 16 years old.

(His Mother and I both work in India)

 

He has decided on a career in The British Army. He has started the application process which has all been fine.

Now The British Army require a Military Service Letter from the Thai government informing that they will release 

my son from Conscription into The Thai Army and will not call upon him in the event of war or other reason.

 

I have contacted the Thai consulate in India and London.

In India they told me there is no process for this and he has to 

contact the local Military registration center where conscription is handled.

London have not replied despite 2 Emails and using a UK address and telephone number.

 

I have googled this and the information is very unclear if indeed it can be done at all...

 

In a nutshell, My son has never LIVED in Thailand since birth, doesn't speak or read/write Thai.

Has no intention of living in Thailand other than for vacation in the foreseeable future.

Has limited career opportunity in Thailand. Plans to move to the UK in July this year.

Wants to enroll for a career in The British Army this year.

 

Has anyone got any experience in this matter or can offer any "sensible" suggestions regarding this process.

Or happens to know where/who to contact directly for this matter.

 

I look forward to helpful comments.

 

Many thanks

 

Joe 

[KhunLA]

If not plans to live in TH, why not just rescind his citizenship.  Actually might be the easiest way.

 

https://www.siam-legal.com/thailand-law/renunciation-of-thai-citizenship-application-process/#:~:text=Applicant applies with competent officials,of Bangkok (30 days).

[JBChiangRai]

I don’t have any experience with this, but I remember reading some time ago that you can pay ฿30,000 to skip the selection process, it might be worth doing that.

[joedee]

13 hours ago, KhunLA said:

If not plans to live in TH, why not just rescind his citizenship.  Actually might be the easiest way.

 

https://www.siam-legal.com/thailand-law/renunciation-of-thai-citizenship-application-process/#:~:text=Applicant applies with competent officials,of Bangkok (30 days).

Yes, I did think about this as he will always be able to stay in Thailand if he later chooses to, based on his Mother being Thai. 

But having seen the link you gave it seems like it would take 15 to 18 months to arrange.

 

At this point I would prefer to pursue trying to obtain a military exemption letter.

I hope to be able to find out where to start with this process..

 

Thank you for the suggestion.

 

Joe

 

[joedee]

4 hours ago, JBChiangRai said:

I don’t have any experience with this, but I remember reading some time ago that you can pay ฿30,000 to skip the selection process, it might be worth doing that.

Yes, I would happily pay to get what he needs. But I need to find out where I can do this. 

Also , it is not just about skipping the process. I need a Military Exemption Letter or similar from the Thai Military or Government to satisfy The British Army recruitment process.

A letter stating that my son will not be called into Thai Military service if he is enrolled in The British Army (or similar)..

 

Thank you for your suggestion.

 

Joe

[Gaccha]

I'm afraid I don't believe he will be able to obtain an exemption.

 

As a male citizen he has a duty that is not avoided by being a dual or triple citizen, or by living abroad: 

 

 

In fact he could even lose his Thai citizenship if he does not comply: 

 

 

There are only very few exemptions. 

 

 

The best possibility looks like walking into the consulate and getting a meeting. If they're not answering the phone I don't see any other option. It is there where the exemption is typically issued.

[Dante99]

16 hours ago, joedee said:

I have contacted the Thai consulate in India and London.

In India they told me there is no process for this and he has to 

contact the local Military registration center where conscription is handled.

Have you done that?  If not, why not?

 

Another person’s experience may not be relevant but the Military registration center probably has the last word since it is their paperwork.  30,000 Baht, possibly not that expensive to get somebody to write the letter.

 

 

[Jonathan Swift]

16 hours ago, joedee said:

I am a British National I have a son with a Thai national.

Our son was born in India.

He was registered with The British Consulate 

and also The Thai Consulate in India

We have Passports and Birth certificates for both Countries plus an Indian Birth certificate

We also applied for a Thai ID card and renewed his Thai passport in Thailand 

during short trips to Thailand.

We also registered him in the house registration book at his mother's local town in Thailand.

 

My son and Thai Mother have permanently lived in India since 2005 other than annual short trips to Thailand.

My son has been educated fully at private school in India. He is now past 16 years old.

(His Mother and I both work in India)

 

He has decided on a career in The British Army. He has started the application process which has all been fine.

Now The British Army require a Military Service Letter from the Thai government informing that they will release 

my son from Conscription into The Thai Army and will not call upon him in the event of war or other reason.

 

I have contacted the Thai consulate in India and London.

In India they told me there is no process for this and he has to 

contact the local Military registration center where conscription is handled.

London have not replied despite 2 Emails and using a UK address and telephone number.

 

I have googled this and the information is very unclear if indeed it can be done at all...

 

In a nutshell, My son has never LIVED in Thailand since birth, doesn't speak or read/write Thai.

Has no intention of living in Thailand other than for vacation in the foreseeable future.

Has limited career opportunity in Thailand. Plans to move to the UK in July this year.

Wants to enroll for a career in The British Army this year.

 

Has anyone got any experience in this matter or can offer any "sensible" suggestions regarding this process.

Or happens to know where/who to contact directly for this matter.

 

I look forward to helpful comments.

 

Many thanks

 

Joe 

I wouldn't rely on a forum like this for legal advice of any sort, let alone something as complicated as this. I would try to contact a military lawyer. Also a good Thai law firm. It sounds like some low level bureaucratic clerk doesn't know what they're talking about. I've had Thai immigration officers tell me things that weren't true, and I just asked for a supervisor and got things sorted. Regardless of where you go for answers, you must confirm everything using a lawyer who knows these things up and down. 

[joedee]

21 minutes ago, Dante99 said:

Have you done that?  If not, why not?

 

Another person’s experience may not be relevant but the Military registration center probably has the last word since it is their paperwork.  30,000 Baht, possibly not that expensive to get somebody to write the letter.

 

 

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

 

[joedee]

9 minutes ago, Jonathan Swift said:

I wouldn't rely on a forum like this for legal advice of any sort, let alone something as complicated as this. I would try to contact a military lawyer. Also a good Thai law firm. It sounds like some low level bureaucratic clerk doesn't know what they're talking about. I've had Thai immigration officers tell me things that weren't true, and I just asked for a supervisor and got things sorted. Regardless of where you go for answers, you must confirm everything using a lawyer who knows these things up and down. 

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  

 

[joedee]

51 minutes ago, Dante99 said:

Have you done that?  If not, why not?

 

Another person’s experience may not be relevant but the Military registration center probably has the last word since it is their paperwork.  30,000 Baht, possibly not that expensive to get somebody to write the letter.

 

 

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

 

thank you

 

Joe

[joedee]

1 hour ago, Gaccha said:

I'm afraid I don't believe he will be able to obtain an exemption.

 

As a male citizen he has a duty that is not avoided by being a dual or triple citizen, or by living abroad: 

 

 

In fact he could even lose his Thai citizenship if he does not comply: 

 

 

There are only very few exemptions. 

 

 

The best possibility looks like walking into the consulate and getting a meeting. If they're not answering the phone I don't see any other option. It is there where the exemption is typically issued.

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

 

[davb]

5 hours ago, joedee said:

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

 

This happened to my wife's son. He was in boot camp for the US Marines when the Thai military said he needed to report. He gave the letter to a superior, they handled it and he was permanently excused from Thai service.

 

[cowellandrew]

Great opportunities for him two tier Kier has today launched the expeditionary force to go to Ukraine great timing!

😓😓😓😓

[PETERTHEEATER]

My son. now 48, also is dual Thai/British. He does not read or speak Thai, has never lived in Thailand since he was 13 months old. Married with family lives and works in the UK. His Thai current PP has expired and, I think, his Thai ID card. and he has no plans to renew them. He is not registered in any Thai Tabien Bahn (House registration book)

With no reliable way to track his location he has never been called for Thai National Service and is now too old anyway.

With your son being registered on a Tabien Bahn his details must be on a database with that house shown as his residence and I should expect any summons to be delivered there.

 

 

 

[howerde]

This is a few years old but might be of use

 

 

 

This link was provided by the UK consular official, their reply is on the posted thread

 

https://www.tdc.mi.th/contact.html

 

Can not link the above just copy and paste in browser

[sandyf]

On 3/15/2025 at 2:22 PM, joedee said:

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

 

I believe any deferral or exemption needs to be done in the country where such exemption or deferral would take place and your son will be, not where he is, which would mean the London Embassy.

Normally military service would only be required once so the request based on UK military service has every chance of being granted. Just a question of the right channels.

I would suggest a letter to the UK embassy with a copy to the Thai conscription office and see what transpires. every chance if you chase the Indian embassy they will refer you to London.

[kingstonkid]

On 3/15/2025 at 2:40 PM, joedee said:

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  

 

Personally, if you are not living in Thailand no matter how nice your wife is, I would hire a lawyer.   SIAM LEGAL is a good place to start, but they are not cheap.  I have used them a few times, and they know what they are doing.  They will be able to navigate everything for you.  The bottom line to all your worries is not conscription but getting documentation that the Thai government waives conscription and does not want your son.  Your wife might be challenged with that, but a good lawyer will know who to talk to and what sections of the military and government to deal with. More importantly, they will have the FAMOUS PAPERTRAIL in case there are any issues. 

[Coota]

My son is in a similar situation. He is in the final stages of joining the Australian Army. He has passed all interviews and assessments and is just waiting for his enlistment date. He was born in Thailand and has lived here for 16 of his 19 years. Fortunately he did 3 years through his High School of the Territorial Defence Program which is run by the Thai Army with his school. It is basicaly being an Army scout, he went on training camps and various other tasks. Completing this service exempts him from the conscription process and the Aus Army has not asked for any proof of this. 

 

This information probably does not help you but, I have learned that the conscription process is handled at a local level and I suggest your wife should start making inquiries about this at her Amphur. We are in a rural village in Surin Province and my wife has been dealing at the local level with the Army.

[joedee]

2 hours ago, howerde said:

This is a few years old but might be of use

 

 

 

This link was provided by the UK consular official, their reply is on the posted thread

 

https://www.tdc.mi.th/contact.html

 

Can not link the above just copy and paste in browser

Hi.

This is very helpful and informative.

Have got a contact Email id to send an initial enquiry.

 

Many Thanks

 

Joe

[joedee]

22 minutes ago, Coota said:

My son is in a similar situation. He is in the final stages of joining the Australian Army. He has passed all interviews and assessments and is just waiting for his enlistment date. He was born in Thailand and has lived here for 16 of his 19 years. Fortunately he did 3 years through his High School of the Territorial Defence Program which is run by the Thai Army with his school. It is basicaly being an Army scout, he went on training camps and various other tasks. Completing this service exempts him from the conscription process and the Aus Army has not asked for any proof of this. 

 

This information probably does not help you but, I have learned that the conscription process is handled at a local level and I suggest your wife should start making inquiries about this at her Amphur. We are in a rural village in Surin Province and my wife has been dealing at the local level with the Army.

Yes. I think local level will be the place to go.

 

thanks for the info.

 

Joe

[joedee]

1 hour ago, kingstonkid said:

Personally, if you are not living in Thailand no matter how nice your wife is, I would hire a lawyer.   SIAM LEGAL is a good place to start, but they are not cheap.  I have used them a few times, and they know what they are doing.  They will be able to navigate everything for you.  The bottom line to all your worries is not conscription but getting documentation that the Thai government waives conscription and does not want your son.  Your wife might be challenged with that, but a good lawyer will know who to talk to and what sections of the military and government to deal with. More importantly, they will have the FAMOUS PAPERTRAIL in case there are any issues. 

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 

[joedee]

2 hours ago, sandyf said:

I believe any deferral or exemption needs to be done in the country where such exemption or deferral would take place and your son will be, not where he is, which would mean the London Embassy.

Normally military service would only be required once so the request based on UK military service has every chance of being granted. Just a question of the right channels.

I would suggest a letter to the UK embassy with a copy to the Thai conscription office and see what transpires. every chance if you chase the Indian embassy they will refer you to London.

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

[scorecard]

On 3/15/2025 at 8:22 AM, JBChiangRai said:

I don’t have any experience with this, but I remember reading some time ago that you can pay ฿30,000 to skip the selection process, it might be worth doing that.

 

But is that an official fee or the current 'under  table payment' to get documents which say that his colour (stone colour, pulled from an above eye level hat) gave him exemption from Thai national service (all fake).

 

(all fake

[Coota]

18 minutes ago, joedee said:

Yes. I think local level will be the place to go.

 

thanks for the info.

 

Joe

I really don't understand why the English Army is making this request and, as a consequence, slowing up your son's application. Have you called them out on this? My knowledge of the Thai conscription method is that your son would need to be living in Thailand at the time of his conscription and have an address where the papers can be sent. Your son has neither so just forget about it provided the UK Army can.

 

[Ben Zioner]

On 3/14/2025 at 9:30 PM, joedee said:

In a nutshell, My son has never LIVED in Thailand since birth, doesn't speak or read/write Thai.

Has no intention of living in Thailand other than for vacation in the foreseeable future.

Has limited career opportunity in Thailand. Plans to move to the UK in July this year.

Smart, be proud of him.

[kingstonkid]

41 minutes ago, joedee said:

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

That's because the Thai Embassy has little to do with the military and can not get the answer for you.

 

A concern that may or may not rear it's head is that you will be dealing with a local Authority when consription is a national thing  Again you might get the info you want but remember TIT.  Get it in writing.  I still think talking to a lawyer, especially if the first hour is free, is not a bad thing and could make life simpler.

 

[pete43]

There are only four ways to avoid conscription. Medically unfit, Education at university or college, attending a draw and not getting picked, or an illegal bribe to an official. 

 

Sounds like you only have two options:-go through the draw process and hope for the best (up to 50% chance of being picked), or the bribe.

 

A friend of mine's father stumped up for the bribe and he left Thailand to live in the UK, joining the RAF.

[joedee]

10 hours ago, Coota said:

I really don't understand why the English Army is making this request and, as a consequence, slowing up your son's application. Have you called them out on this? My knowledge of the Thai conscription method is that your son would need to be living in Thailand at the time of his conscription and have an address where the papers can be sent. Your son has neither so just forget about it provided the UK Army can.

 

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..

[joedee]

10 hours ago, Ben Zioner said:

Smart, be proud of him.

Thank you.