Military Service

[beano2274]

1. Get a job, then work here for 3 years with a work permit, then you can apply for PR.

2. After (which seems you are at present unlikely to get) PR you have to wait again then apply to get Thai citizenship.

3. When you are close to receiving citizenship then go to your Embassy and say bye bye.

To me it seems you want to get out of being an American for some reason, maybe a crime or something.

Thai military service is a joke, you can forget comradeship for a start, you are still a farang to them. The best units are down south, and most of the guys there can shoot a gun, the others are totally sh-t. Just cause your friends did something like this and it was okay, you want to try. Next they will be telling you they jumped off a cliff and you should try it. Grow up!!!!!!!!!!!

Also you do not have to take your wife's name.

I suggest you read up a lot about Thailand, and maybe after reading and understanding the culture, the rules and the immigration laws, you might just decide to go somewhere else

Edited May 30, 2009 by beano2274

[geriatrickid]

I have learned that once you the Thai Citizenship you have the same oppurtunities and rights as every other thai born citizen.

Without repeating all of the examples found thoughout the forum, you are mistaken. Let's deal with the most basic of rights: The right to vote.As a foreign born person you cannot vote in the national elections. it is a denial of the most basic of human rights. Citizenship does not give you the right to vote. Take that as a hint from the people of Thailand about how you would fit in.

There are foreigners that assimilate into the culture and flourish, but they have done so by becoming fluent in the language and attuned to the culture. It's hard work. Can you do that?

BTW, do you think they are just handing out citizenships to foreigners? (Correct me if I am wrong) There is a quota of 100 per country. My understanding is that in any given year most of those are given to people with Thai roots, i.e. a Thai parent or grandparent. Yes there are foreigners that seek and obtain Thai citizenship, but there are not too many westerners successful at obtaining it. There is a screening process as well that is heavily waited to financial means or important job skills. Unless you have those qualities you can forget about your dream.

As for military service, forget about that too. You would never be inducted. Thailand is not Taiwan, or Israel or any western country where foreigners are welcomed into the military. Thailand is not the USA where foreign recruits are fast tracked to citizenship.

[samran]

Oh yeah and one more thing can you see what kind of MOS ( military occupational specialties) are offered to privates. In any of there branches just post the link if you find it.

would you like fries with that?

[beano2274]

This guy seems to want everyone else to do the work for him, he should use google and find the info for himself, instead of asking others to do it for him.

[colinscarr]

OP, have you ever been to Thailand, or is this whole idea of yours just a romantic daydream that has no connection with the real world?

[samran]

OP, have you ever been to Thailand, or is this whole idea of yours just a romantic daydream that has no connection with the real world?

probably a weekend warrior with a day dream of living in Thailand.

[whitewolf329]

1. Get a job, then work here for 3 years with a work permit, then you can apply for PR.

2. After (which seems you are at present unlikely to get) PR you have to wait again then apply to get Thai citizenship.

3. When you are close to receiving citizenship then go to your Embassy and say bye bye.

To me it seems you want to get out of being an American for some reason, maybe a crime or something.

Thai military service is a joke, you can forget comradeship for a start, you are still a farang to them. The best units are down south, and most of the guys there can shoot a gun, the others are totally sh-t. Just cause your friends did something like this and it was okay, you want to try. Next they will be telling you they jumped off a cliff and you should try it. Grow up!!!!!!!!!!!

Also you do not have to take your wife's name.

I suggest you read up a lot about Thailand, and maybe after reading and understanding the culture, the rules and the immigration laws, you might just decide to go somewhere else

Crime no nothing like that. Although I can see how that could be a logical conclusion. No I was rejected from military service in the US because of my eye disease and law enforcement in the US seems to also be giving me trouble even though my Dr told that the problem isn't going to get worse. I still want to serve in a military but I have to immigrate legally in order to do it also I have to be sure that the military in question is not as stubborn with the regs then the US. The only thing that you have to understand on my reasoning to join the Thai military is that a life that does not involve selflessness, and honor. I can't explain why this is my belief only that I don't expect everyone to accept or even understand it. So all I ask instead is that it is respected.

I don't have to take my wifes name, huh, thats interesting. Yes I have read the regs on immagration, and personnally I love a challenge. Its vary interesting to read. I think the reason why think this way is because you are intimadated by the process. Perhaps this is just my Native heritage speaking as it often does but I think that the less intimidated you are to a problem the more you can attack the problem.

[whitewolf329]

This guy seems to want everyone else to do the work for him, he should use google and find the info for himself, instead of asking others to do it for him.

Yeah I did. In fact google only got me info only to a point. Immagration for example only gave me general information, and summarized versions of the Immagration Reg. Fortunately the Past 48 hours produced some interesting results. One which should answer At least 75% of my questions on the subject. One of my friends has a relative who was in the thai military. I am not sure about his rank or how many years he was in, but if he is a noncom or officer then he should be able to answer a great deal of those questions, but if not then I am back to square one, and with help from ( and forgive me if I mispell this) sumsung I was able to get the Immagration reg itself. So I have had a lot of success so far. See chat forums are vary useful when it comes to getting info.

[whitewolf329]

OP, have you ever been to Thailand, or is this whole idea of yours just a romantic daydream that has no connection with the real world?

probably a weekend warrior with a day dream of living in Thailand.

Oh Samsan sorry I mispelled your screenname. I think I wrote sumsung I thought that sounded weird. Anyway, No I did try to enter the National Guard But they follow the same physical standards as everyone else in the US military. Hard to believe ain't it. Not a bad guess though.

[whitewolf329]

OP, have you ever been to Thailand, or is this whole idea of yours just a romantic daydream that has no connection with the real world?

Yes I have been there. I liked it there. There are some good and bad things about the place, but as a private rule I never judge based upon generalizations. Governments and militaries are included in that rule. Besides if I listened to general statements I would become just ignorant and arrogant as some of my relatives who still believe that all Asians hate americans. When experiance has taught me differently.

[EndofDays]

Can you read, write and speak fluent Thai? Can you sing the national anthem and the Kings song? If not you better not denounce your citizenship to quickly. If you denounce your American citizenship to the American embassy or consulate they will take your passport and you will be illegal in this country making you ineligible for work. If and when you become a Thai citizen it is not necessary to denounce your American citizenship. Not for nothing but I could understand your intention during the Bush administration but now?

Yes, because the world is so much safer now without Bush, yeah, that is it...all the evil bad men willl come to obama and shake his hand in a new era of friendhsip...toad.

[EndofDays]

1. For the officer career

1.1 After the 10 grade, enter the Pre-Cadet School. You select to take exam into your choices be it Army, Navy, Air Forces and Police. They all get training together in boarding school, go home during weekend if there is nothing wrong wih your performance during the week. It offers high school certificate.

Then, to your academy, be it Army, Navy etc. 4 more years and get enlisted as Lt.

1.2 After University degree, pass the exam to be Lt. candicate, get some month of training and get enlisted. The position is very limited and this kind of officer will not command the force nor get to top brass position, unwritten rule.

2. For the NCO career

2.2 Same as 1.1 but to NCO school to be corporal after 2-3 years I am not sure

2.2 Volunteer to be private.

Starting as NCO the highest rank when you retire is around Maj. or Lt.Col.

It's only the citizenship that counts, no need for pure blood Thai.

BUT at 31 you are too old for any school.

You only choice is to volunteer as private and will most likely be sent to the 3 Southern Province trauble zone. Similar chance of being bomb or head chop off like GI in Iraq.

I have been to Iraq three times and I still have my head...idiot.

[EndofDays]

I'm wary of your premise, but that aside, you'd be better off fixing your eyes and reapplying to the US Military. I know you didn't mention which branch you applied to, but maybe go for one of the branches with lax entrance requirements: like the Army, Marines, or the Navy.

Hey buddy, this Soldier scored 93 on the ASVAB, GT score of 117, how did you do? dam_n propeller-heads.

[oldsparrow]

1. For the officer career 1.1 After the 10 grade, enter the Pre-Cadet School. You select to take exam into your choices be it Army, Navy, Air Forces and Police. They all get training together in boarding school, go home during weekend if there is nothing wrong wih your performance during the week. It offers high school certificate. Then, to your academy, be it Army, Navy etc. 4 more years and get enlisted as Lt. 1.2 After University degree, pass the exam to be Lt. candicate, get some month of training and get enlisted. The position is very limited and this kind of officer will not command the force nor get to top brass position, unwritten rule. 2. For the NCO career 2.2 Same as 1.1 but to NCO school to be corporal after 2-3 years I am not sure 2.2 Volunteer to be private. Starting as NCO the highest rank when you retire is around Maj. or Lt.Col. It's only the citizenship that counts, no need for pure blood Thai. BUT at 31 you are too old for any school. You only choice is to volunteer as private and will most likely be sent to the 3 Southern Province trauble zone. Similar chance of being bomb or head chop off like GI in Iraq.

I have been to Iraq three times and I still have my head...idiot.

Oup, sorry for that. Should not make no research comment on foreign matter. I'd better amuse myself reading other foreigners' information and opinion on Thailand.

[p_brownstone]

This guy seems to want everyone else to do the work for him, he should use google and find the info for himself, instead of asking others to do it for him.

Quite the reverse in my view.

The chap seems convinced that everything he has "researched" proves beyond doubt that he can become a Thai citizen and enlist in the Thai Armed Forces, and he is equally determined to ignore all evidence presented to the contrary.

Even if he eventually does achieve Permanent Residence status (and that's a huge "if") the next step - becoming a Thai citizen - is by no means automatic and, amongst other things, requires that the applicant demonstrate that he will be a benefit to Thailand, i.e. contribute something of value socially or intellectually.

I rather doubt that aspiring to be a Thai Army Private - at the age of around 40 would meet that test!

Patrick

Edited June 1, 2009 by p_brownstone

[whitewolf329]

This guy seems to want everyone else to do the work for him, he should use google and find the info for himself, instead of asking others to do it for him.

Quite the reverse in my view.

The chap seems convinced that everything he has "researched" proves beyond doubt that he can become a Thai citizen and enlist in the Thai Armed Forces, and he is equally determined to ignore all evidence presented to the contrary.

Even if he eventually does achieve Permanent Residence status (and that's a huge "if") the next step - becoming a Thai citizen - is by no means automatic and, amongst other things, requires that the applicant demonstrate that he will be a benefit to Thailand, i.e. contribute something of value socially or intellectually.

I rather doubt that aspiring to be a Thai Army Private - at the age of around 40 would meet that test!

Patrick

Actually Pattyboy I am a bit of an optimist. I really don't know how many total hoops I have to jump through. Since we are talking gov't then I would expect alot. In fact I would be vary dissappointed if there wasn't because then half the worlds population would occupy thailand. I am in fact expecting that my enlistment process wouldn't begin untill I am between 31 and 35. Oh yeah and those contributions. I currently have qualifications with FEMA through Civil Air Patrol in Search and Rescue and disaster relief, and currently getting qualified in NBCR( Nuclear, Biological, Chemical, and Radiological) you would be surprised what volunteer groups will do if they have the right kind of mission. The really neat thing about the FEMA courses is that they all have a military equivalent MOS. Is that contributing enough for the military. They also have alot of other qualification programs that involve field training, classrooms. Its a royal pain in the ass. Uh no pun intended.

[whitewolf329]

Can you read, write and speak fluent Thai? Can you sing the national anthem and the Kings song? If not you better not denounce your citizenship to quickly. If you denounce your American citizenship to the American embassy or consulate they will take your passport and you will be illegal in this country making you ineligible for work. If and when you become a Thai citizen it is not necessary to denounce your American citizenship. Not for nothing but I could understand your intention during the Bush administration but now?

Yes, because the world is so much safer now without Bush, yeah, that is it...all the evil bad men willl come to obama and shake his hand in a new era of friendhsip...toad.

Uh sir I like the sarcasm but toad. He is entitled to his opinion its not his fault he assumed I didn't know anything. Besides I got nothing against Obama. THe military decision is a different matter though.

[oldsparrow]

Actually your US academic qualification will mean nothing in the rank and file you want to enlist.

Foreign education matters ONLY when it is University degree of "Recognised University List" of the Gov Public Service Cimmittee. (กพร.)

Your quality may help you personally only if they send you to the unit of relevant matter.

Military represent strong stereotype if the country culture. What matters is that you are LOYAL to the King and country, you know about the lost territories by western colonial power, history of border conflict with the regional countries etc.

And all command MUST be obeyed. Will you be happy if you found yourself:

1. On the way to capture the elected PM.

2. On the line to shoot some "rebel" on the street.

3. Have to serve as domestic helper for a General in his house. (Common practice according to the military regulation)

4. Lost some limb for this country

etc.

Just in case, who say it will not happen?

[oldsparrow]

I am the 5th gen Thai. Family members were in all services of the military Arymy, Navy and AF include Police, went to some war, some were Generals, one KIA.

For us we are happy with the system provided that we join the officer rank and know some people and have family property to supplement the low salary. In fact the system is not so bad if you join the pre cadet school, you will do OK in simple lifestyle without extra income.

If not for my poor eye sight I would have been in the Army too. I like it as teenager. So, my personal advice for anyone who want to volunteer as private.

1. If you are a real idealist, OK

2. If you are unemployed, OK

3. If you want adventure, think again

[whitewolf329]

Actually your US academic qualification will mean nothing in the rank and file you want to enlist.

Foreign education matters ONLY when it is University degree of "Recognised University List" of the Gov Public Service Cimmittee. (กพร.)

Your quality may help you personally only if they send you to the unit of relevant matter.

Military represent strong stereotype if the country culture. What matters is that you are LOYAL to the King and country, you know about the lost territories by western colonial power, history of border conflict with the regional countries etc.

And all command MUST be obeyed. Will you be happy if you found yourself:

1. On the way to capture the elected PM.

2. On the line to shoot some "rebel" on the street.

3. Have to serve as domestic helper for a General in his house. (Common practice according to the military regulation)

4. Lost some limb for this country

etc.

Just in case, who say it will not happen?

You've just described every military in recorded history, and any soldier who signs up for any military service and is not expecting that to happen is either cocky or dumb. That is a risk every soldier has to accept when he signs up. Death being the big one. Oh yeah and the forign degree. The school I am transferring to is called Mahidol which is north of Bangkok. The FEMA courses, in case thats what you are reffering to, don't belong to a university of any kind they are federal courses for government granted qualifications. After you pass each course you get a certificate signed by the Secretary of Homeland Security. Which basically says that you have this qualification and it is recorded in your perminent record, and that record follows me everywhere because you can access it through interpol.

[whitewolf329]

I am the 5th gen Thai. Family members were in all services of the military Arymy, Navy and AF include Police, went to some war, some were Generals, one KIA.

For us we are happy with the system provided that we join the officer rank and know some people and have family property to supplement the low salary. In fact the system is not so bad if you join the pre cadet school, you will do OK in simple lifestyle without extra income.

If not for my poor eye sight I would have been in the Army too. I like it as teenager. So, my personal advice for anyone who want to volunteer as private.

1. If you are a real idealist, OK

2. If you are unemployed, OK

3. If you want adventure, think again

I thank you for your support, and I honor your families courage. Sence the US and only a few other armed forces travel the globe then I don't think I would be seeing much adventure in the Thai Military anyway unless I was in the Navy. Even though I am not quite sure what ports they go to. Anyway, Thanks for your support.

[oldsparrow]

OK if it's Mahidol University, relatd establishment or other Thai school even the private one, the certificate will be creditted.

The Royal Thai Navy sails to all Southeast Asian countries, sometimes to Korea, Japan, Vladivostok, Spain or Germany.

The airofrces flies to Nevada also maybe once or few times a year.

PS:

The Navy Special Force is very well trained. You can check these for ideas

http://www.thaidphoto.com/forums/showthread.php?t=53378

http://www.rtn-seal.com/gallery.htm

You can see one photo of interrogating torture training in the course. They were blindfold hands tied, lie down in the close room withuout food and water for at least 2 days, no way to clean the body waste also.

[beano2274]

You seem to have found a lot of information, but the basic fact is that you will be too old to enter the Armed forces, check the rules around the world.

Why not try for a job with Greenpeace or the many Humanitarian Groups here in Bangkok, that way the work is guaranteed and also, you can show a benefit to Thailand, with some of them.

About the Military here, just read another story on here about their budget being cut, am sure they are not a happy bunch at the moment.

Edited June 3, 2009 by beano2274

[whitewolf329]

OK if it's Mahidol University, relatd establishment or other Thai school even the private one, the certificate will be creditted.

The Royal Thai Navy sails to all Southeast Asian countries, sometimes to Korea, Japan, Vladivostok, Spain or Germany.

The airofrces flies to Nevada also maybe once or few times a year.

PS:

The Navy Special Force is very well trained. You can check these for ideas

http://www.thaidphoto.com/forums/showthread.php?t=53378

http://www.rtn-seal.com/gallery.htm

You can see one photo of interrogating torture training in the course. They were blindfold hands tied, lie down in the close room withuout food and water for at least 2 days, no way to clean the body waste also.

I have read about the Royal Thai Seals. Their training curriculum is based on the US Navy Seals. Well thats kinda cool. I also bumped into some Thai Apache AH-64 Pilots while I was at Mariana Az Army National Guard Helocopter Base. US Army pilots were training them. I think some pilots from Singapore were there also. Thanks for this. This is great stuff.

[whitewolf329]

You seem to have found a lot of information, but the basic fact is that you will be too old to enter the Armed forces, check the rules around the world.

Why not try for a job with Greenpeace or the many Humanitarian Groups here in Bangkok, that way the work is guaranteed and also, you can show a benefit to Thailand, with some of them.

About the Military here, just read another story on here about their budget being cut, am sure they are not a happy bunch at the moment.

Not every military has the same entry requirements. The cutoff age for thai military is 40, and if you think thats bad check out the Budget cut for the US Military.

[EndofDays]

1. For the officer career 1.1 After the 10 grade, enter the Pre-Cadet School. You select to take exam into your choices be it Army, Navy, Air Forces and Police. They all get training together in boarding school, go home during weekend if there is nothing wrong wih your performance during the week. It offers high school certificate. Then, to your academy, be it Army, Navy etc. 4 more years and get enlisted as Lt. 1.2 After University degree, pass the exam to be Lt. candicate, get some month of training and get enlisted. The position is very limited and this kind of officer will not command the force nor get to top brass position, unwritten rule. 2. For the NCO career 2.2 Same as 1.1 but to NCO school to be corporal after 2-3 years I am not sure 2.2 Volunteer to be private. Starting as NCO the highest rank when you retire is around Maj. or Lt.Col. It's only the citizenship that counts, no need for pure blood Thai. BUT at 31 you are too old for any school. You only choice is to volunteer as private and will most likely be sent to the 3 Southern Province trauble zone. Similar chance of being bomb or head chop off like GI in Iraq.

I have been to Iraq three times and I still have my head...idiot.

Oup, sorry for that. Should not make no research comment on foreign matter. I'd better amuse myself reading other foreigners' information and opinion on Thailand.

And the southern provinces of Iraq have always been comparativley calm. The worst part was the Anbar province, my second tour, and near tikrit, home of the bathists. So, again, you are moot.

[oldsparrow]

If you want to tell something please do Mr. brave GI.

or you can simply say:

"I just do what I like, need no suggestion, moron."

[whitewolf329]

OK if it's Mahidol University, relatd establishment or other Thai school even the private one, the certificate will be creditted.

The Royal Thai Navy sails to all Southeast Asian countries, sometimes to Korea, Japan, Vladivostok, Spain or Germany.

The airofrces flies to Nevada also maybe once or few times a year.

PS:

The Navy Special Force is very well trained. You can check these for ideas

http://www.thaidphoto.com/forums/showthread.php?t=53378

http://www.rtn-seal.com/gallery.htm

You can see one photo of interrogating torture training in the course. They were blindfold hands tied, lie down in the close room withuout food and water for at least 2 days, no way to clean the body waste also.

I have read about the Royal Thai Seals. Their training curriculum is based on the US Navy Seals. Well thats kinda cool. I also bumped into some Thai Apache AH-64 Pilots while I was at Mariana Az Army National Guard Helocopter Base. US Army pilots were training them. I think some pilots from Singapore were there also. Thanks for this. This is great stuff.

What MOS's are offered to privates? Sence I would probubly be accepted their. Keep in mind that I have background in Search and Rescue through FEMA. I am also going to get my NBCR Qualification soon.

[Boo]

did you miss the part of samrans post stating your medical problem will prevent you from joining the thai military?

[oldsparrow]

You can ask them for physical requirement etc.

http://www.rta.mi.th/DB/eak/Webboard/default.asp