Thai Navy Disciplines 17 Over Conscript Abuse

The Royal Thai Navy has disciplined 17 personnel following findings of violence against conscripts within a naval unit in Thailand, confirming a range of punishments including confinement and loss of benefits. The announcement was made by Navy spokesman Rear Admiral Parach Rattanaichaphan on 24 June 2026, stating the force rejects all forms of violence, bullying, and human rights violations.

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The case has drawn public attention and concern over the treatment of conscript soldiers and standards of discipline within the armed forces. The investigation was launched after allegations of violence against naval conscripts emerged, prompting an urgent internal inquiry.

Officials identified 17 individuals involved in total, comprising 15 conscripted senior soldiers and two commissioned officers. Among the 15 conscripts, 12 were found to have directly participated in physical violence and were sentenced to 30 days confinement, while three others present during the incident received seven days confinement.

The two officers on duty were found to have failed to intervene or report the misconduct at the time it occurred. The Navy stated it would not tolerate misconduct regardless of rank and imposed further disciplinary action on the officers, including 10 days confinement and the withholding of half-year annual bonuses.

It also clarified that claims circulating publicly involving another officer were found to be inaccurate and based on unverified information, and issued a warning regarding the need for careful verification before sharing or publishing such reports. The Navy reiterated that the behaviour represented individual misconduct, which is contrary to military discipline, institutional values, and established regulations.

The Royal Thai Navy said all units will now review supervision and preventive measures to avoid similar incidents, strengthening oversight of personnel and reinforcing human rights standards within training environments. Commanders have been instructed to closely monitor conduct and ensure a safe and respectful working environment for conscripts across all units.

Thaitabloid reported that the Navy also expressed regret over the incident and its impact on affected personnel and their families, pledging to improve organisational accountability and reinforce discipline alongside respect for human dignity.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Thaitabloid 25 June 2026

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