Picture courtesy of AMARIN TV

 

An air force scandal has erupted as a senior officer faces charges for reportedly exploiting conscripts as GrabBike riders and pocketing their earnings.

 

The accused, a deputy battalion commander from Wing 23 in Udon Thani, was promptly transferred to ensure an unbiased investigation, as per Amarin TV's report earlier this evening (May 14).

 

Air Chief Marshal Prapass Sonjai, a spokesperson for the air force, confirmed the temporary reassignment of the officer involved.

 

This move is aimed at preventing any influence over the ongoing investigation, which is being conducted following a direct order from Wing 23's commander. If the inquiry concludes that the allegations hold merit, strict legal and disciplinary actions are expected.

 

Air Force Commander Air Chief Marshal Punpakdee Pattanakul reaffirmed his commitment to uphold the welfare and dignity of conscripts.

 

He stressed that all commanding officers must act ethically and responsibly towards their subordinates, ensuring no undue advantages are taken. The incident underscores ongoing efforts to maintain stringent standards and ethical conduct within the military ranks.

 

As the investigation proceeds, the air force remains vigilant in enforcing accountability within its ranks, setting a precedent for maintaining order and dedication to moral obligations.

 

The case continues to unfold, with all eyes on the outcome of the thorough probe into the misuse allegations. With transparency as a guiding principle, the air force leadership is determined to root out any misconduct.

 

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai Newsroom 2025-05-15

 

 

 

Surprised, not.

What better way to ready recruits for a dogfight in the skies over Thailand than to employ them in the cut and thrust that is the life of a motorcycle courier on Thai roads.

Other ranks treated as servants by the officers. Quite common here, and no doubt in many other armed forces all around the world.

 

 

10 hours ago, webfact said:

An air force scandal .................exploiting conscripts as GrabBike riders

 

 

Surely this would have been more convenient.

 

5 hours ago, edwinchester said:

What better way to ready recruits for a dogfight in the skies over Thailand than to employ them in the cut and thrust that is the life of a motorcycle courier on Thai roads.

They gotta earn those wings some how

2 of my wider family members have been conscripts, and while they weren’t Grab riders they were used in more senior personnel’s private businesses