Joining The Thai Army, Would You Send Your Son?

[jamescollister]

Is it not the case still that if they participate in army schooling etc. they are then exempt? My wife's nephew in Udon did it. I asked him years ago why he didn't join up and was told he was exempt as his went to some sort of army school.

Lots of exceptions for conscription, BIL was exempt. While at Uni did time with the border army as a scout. Live on the land border with Lao. Other BIL works for the local Government, and is allegedly in charge of the local emergency services. Off for 5 days this week doing fire fighting course.

Krisb, the Thai army is petty big and except for some political border scraps and a few non combat overseas deployments, fairly safe.

Soldiers have a high degree off respect here, if the kid wants a career in the military let him go for it.

Thailand takes care of it's soldier a lot better than many western countries. Jim

[evadgib]

The terms and conditions of service in UK/Canada/Oz/Nz/US are surely more favourable to dual nationals than they are here.

The problem with dual nationality in regards to UK citizens, is that the UK will make no attempt or effort whatsoever to interfere with any statutory demands made upon you by your other country. So a Thai / UK national will not be able to turn to the UK for any protection in regards having to do mandatory National Service for Thailand.

Nor will anyone else. My point was that if you're going to do military service it would surely be better (trade, travel, learning to drive properly, pay, pensions) for dual nationals to join as per my earlier list, even if, like you, they end up wearing a skirt:)

[barefoot1988]

I am just another singaporean who served conscription and had experience with the thai military through the joint exercise. time might had changed but personally i would do everything to not to get my son enlisted in the thai military.

[NewlyMintedThai]

If you are against corruption and don't want to support it, you'll let him draw lots like everyone else.

You want to know how Thai kids get their blase attitude about corruption? From parents paying nonchalantly paying backhanders to get them out of their responsibility.

[mjj]

If you are against corruption and don't want to support it, you'll let him draw lots like everyone else.

You want to know how Thai kids get their blase attitude about corruption? From parents paying nonchalantly paying backhanders to get them out of their responsibility.

Responsibility? I guess it's not the responsibility of the politicians to sort out the mess in the south is it? No, it's the innocent sons and parents who lose their children to the problem.

Responsibility! Do me a favour! If only everything was as black and white as your post suggests.

[samran]

If you are against corruption and don't want to support it, you'll let him draw lots like everyone else.

You want to know how Thai kids get their blase attitude about corruption? From parents paying nonchalantly paying backhanders to get them out of their responsibility.

Responsibility? I guess it's not the responsibility of the politicians to sort out the mess in the south is it? No, it's the innocent sons and parents who lose their children to the problem.

Responsibility! Do me a favour! If only everything was as black and white as your post suggests.

On this topic, the one of conscription, it certainly can be black and white. People are just too lazy or stupid to got the offical route to get out of things. Plenty of legitimate ways to avoid conscription, none of which require a back hander.

[mjj]

If you are against corruption and don't want to support it, you'll let him draw lots like everyone else.

You want to know how Thai kids get their blase attitude about corruption? From parents paying nonchalantly paying backhanders to get them out of their responsibility.

Responsibility? I guess it's not the responsibility of the politicians to sort out the mess in the south is it? No, it's the innocent sons and parents who lose their children to the problem.

Responsibility! Do me a favour! If only everything was as black and white as your post suggests.

On this topic, the one of conscription, it certainly can be black and white. People are just too lazy or stupid to got the offical route to get out of things. Plenty of legitimate ways to avoid conscription, none of which require a back hander.

As I am both lazy and stupid, would you care to educate me on these ways? It's not becoming a ladyboy is it? Or putting pencils up your nose shouting 'wibble'?

[mjj]

If you are against corruption and don't want to support it, you'll let him draw lots like everyone else.

You want to know how Thai kids get their blase attitude about corruption? From parents paying nonchalantly paying backhanders to get them out of their responsibility.

Responsibility? I guess it's not the responsibility of the politicians to sort out the mess in the south is it? No, it's the innocent sons and parents who lose their children to the problem.

Responsibility! Do me a favour! If only everything was as black and white as your post suggests.

On this topic, the one of conscription, it certainly can be black and white. People are just too lazy or stupid to got the offical route to get out of things. Plenty of legitimate ways to avoid conscription, none of which require a back hander.

Well I am both lazy and stupid, so would you care to educate?

It's not by wearing pants on your head, pencils up your nose and shouting 'wibble' is it?

[samran]

If you are against corruption and don't want to support it, you'll let him draw lots like everyone else.

You want to know how Thai kids get their blase attitude about corruption? From parents paying nonchalantly paying backhanders to get them out of their responsibility.

Responsibility? I guess it's not the responsibility of the politicians to sort out the mess in the south is it? No, it's the innocent sons and parents who lose their children to the problem.

Responsibility! Do me a favour! If only everything was as black and white as your post suggests.

On this topic, the one of conscription, it certainly can be black and white. People are just too lazy or stupid to got the offical route to get out of things. Plenty of legitimate ways to avoid conscription, none of which require a back hander.

As I am both lazy and stupid, would you care to educate me on these ways? It's not becoming a ladyboy is it? Or putting pencils up your nose shouting 'wibble'?

no, not really. Will be much more fun watching you son turn up to conscription day dressed as a ladyboy with a pencil stuck up his nose.

[theblether]

The terms and conditions of service in UK/Canada/Oz/Nz/US are surely more favourable to dual nationals than they are here.

The problem with dual nationality in regards to UK citizens, is that the UK will make no attempt or effort whatsoever to interfere with any statutory demands made upon you by your other country. So a Thai / UK national will not be able to turn to the UK for any protection in regards having to do mandatory National Service for Thailand.

Nor will anyone else. My point was that if you're going to do military service it would surely be better (trade, travel, learning to drive properly, pay, pensions) for dual nationals to join as per my earlier list, even if, like you, they end up wearing a skirt:)

The UK doesn't have national service, and I don't believe the other countries mentioned do either, so it's a red herring.

[astral]

I have seen two members of my extended family go into the army via conscription

Neither came to any harm and are probably more confident people because of it

Getting into the full time forces is another matter

and requires good education and grades.

There is stiff competition in the entrance exams

and I suspect some influence is needed as well.

[Soutpeel]

I am just another singaporean who served conscription and had experience with the thai military through the joint exercise. time might had changed but personally i would do everything to not to get my son enlisted in the thai military.

Easy solution, give up his Thai nationality then, the fact is the possiblity of conscription is part of someones life being a Thai citizen and male, and if someone objects to doing their national service that much and they havent found a loop hole to get out of it then they should give up their citizenship of that country, its that simple.

[Soutpeel]

The terms and conditions of service in UK/Canada/Oz/Nz/US are surely more favourable to dual nationals than they are here.

The problem with dual nationality in regards to UK citizens, is that the UK will make no attempt or effort whatsoever to interfere with any statutory demands made upon you by your other country. So a Thai / UK national will not be able to turn to the UK for any protection in regards having to do mandatory National Service for Thailand.

And it says so in your British passport on the notes pages

[jamescollister]

Think the OP was asking about a professional career, commissioned Officer, not a conscript.

Thai professional army is a long way from boys called up. Officers have a lot of status, overseas travel and few real conflicts. Not a bad career choice in my opinion. Jim

[scorecard]

If you are against corruption and don't want to support it, you'll let him draw lots like everyone else.

You want to know how Thai kids get their blase attitude about corruption? From parents paying nonchalantly paying backhanders to get them out of their responsibility.

Responsibility? I guess it's not the responsibility of the politicians to sort out the mess in the south is it? No, it's the innocent sons and parents who lose their children to the problem.

Responsibility! Do me a favour! If only everything was as black and white as your post suggests.

On this topic, the one of conscription, it certainly can be black and white. People are just too lazy or stupid to got the offical route to get out of things. Plenty of legitimate ways to avoid conscription, none of which require a back hander.

Agree, and the black and white analogy can also mean that some do get some trade education, and some get sent to clean officers / sergeants houses.

One navy officer was living in my condo, he was quite pleasant, but his wife is a tyrant and a dragon, she demanded and got a team of young soldiers ( 5 or 6 ) to the condo every day to do the washing, ironing, clean, cook, polish shoes, clean 2 cars etc. If anything wasn't perfect she would kick them and more.

[evadgib]

The terms and conditions of service in UK/Canada/Oz/Nz/US are surely more favourable to dual nationals than they are here.

The problem with dual nationality in regards to UK citizens, is that the UK will make no attempt or effort whatsoever to interfere with any statutory demands made upon you by your other country. So a Thai / UK national will not be able to turn to the UK for any protection in regards having to do mandatory National Service for Thailand.

Nor will anyone else. My point was that if you're going to do military service it would surely be better (trade, travel, learning to drive properly, pay, pensions) for dual nationals to join as per my earlier list, even if, like you, they end up wearing a skirt:)

The UK doesn't have national service, and I don't believe the other countries mentioned do either, so it's a red herring.

Post #44 explains; although i'd inc service in the rank & file abroad too.

[TerryLH]

"He can't obtain an ID or passport without being on a tabien baan, and the tabien baan (as you correctly point out) is the way selection is done."

I believe that information is not correct. Personal experience.

Not the first time a Thai Embassy/Consulate has bad info on their website.

There have been many topics on this forum about dual citizenship and how to get Thai passports for children.

Terry

[transam]

You will , our lad (17) is two years into his schools military course, at this stage he talks to his mum as if she is on the parade ground and he will insist on marching the goose step at all times in the house, to the detriment of my furniture.

[orpheus454]

Ask if he understands that "War Is Merely the Continuation of Policy by Other Means". I am sure he would put his life on the line if Thailand were ever to be invaded or threatened by internal forces. In the meantime would he comply to the directives of an ethically corrupt political, law and security agency system?

I'm sure the OP is talking about the lad joining the Thai military, not the US...

In any case, if he's doing Ror Dor at school, he'll probably be exempt from conscription.

[billd766]

I would be quite happy fo my son to join the Air Force as a regular with te possibility of a commission rather than as a conscript grunt.

[bigbamboo]

I would be quite happy fo my son to join the Air Force as a regular with te possibility of a commission rather than as a conscript grunt.

Me too, preferably in the Airship corps.

That should keep him busy about two days a year which will leave plenty of time for playing snooker in the officer's mess.

[phutoie2]

The terms and conditions of service in UK/Canada/Oz/Nz/US are surely more favourable to dual nationals than they are here.

The problem with dual nationality in regards to UK citizens, is that the UK will make no attempt or effort whatsoever to interfere with any statutory demands made upon you by your other country. So a Thai / UK national will not be able to turn to the UK for any protection in regards having to do mandatory National Service for Thailand.

Interesting point there. We have just had a chap holidaying here, his now adopted Thai son, from his wife's previous marriage is just about to enter the British Army. the REME in fact. Good choice, fine Corp.

[Potosi]

The military is the only career that I ban my son from entering.

I would love him to be a Doctor, but would accept him working in 7-11 if he wanted, but under no circumstances is he going to be shot at because so dippy politician thinks its a good idea.

It's safer to be a trooper than a civilian nowadays.

[transam]

The military is the only career that I ban my son from entering.

I would love him to be a Doctor, but would accept him working in 7-11 if he wanted, but under no circumstances is he going to be shot at because so dippy politician thinks its a good idea.

Don't you think it's the lads decision ?. His life.

Farangland would be in deep doo doo if we all there thought like yourself.

[theblether]

The terms and conditions of service in UK/Canada/Oz/Nz/US are surely more favourable to dual nationals than they are here.

The problem with dual nationality in regards to UK citizens, is that the UK will make no attempt or effort whatsoever to interfere with any statutory demands made upon you by your other country. So a Thai / UK national will not be able to turn to the UK for any protection in regards having to do mandatory National Service for Thailand.

Interesting point there. We have just had a chap holidaying here, his now adopted Thai son, from his wife's previous marriage is just about to enter the British Army. the REME in fact. Good choice, fine Corp.

I agree, a very fine Corp and one that he will be proud and happy to serve in.

[rene123]

The Thai army is probably the BEST army in the world to have your son join. Thailand is not at war with anyone but the Islamic insurgents in the south. Consequently, Thailand has probably the safest army to join.

[NewlyMintedThai]

Just don't ride any of this military helicopters.

[Chittychangchang]

I will discourage my three children from the idea of military service if the question arose.

In fact i would go one step futher and let hell freeze over before they fought another mans war. Let the politicians and god botherer's risk putting their children on the front line.

[beautifulthailand99]

He will be well trained to help the Red Revolution when the time comes for the North and Isaan to say enough is enough but just make sure he has bullet dodging takrut amulets to protect. Just come back from a 3 month holiday and shocked to say the least what some folk in Isaan are saying methinks since the last Bangkok occupation the genie is out of the bottle and I wouldn't bet on the army shooting their own.

[Chittychangchang]

He will be well trained to help the Red Revolution when the time comes for the North and Isaan to say enough is enough but just make sure he has bullet dodging takrut amulets to protect. Just come back from a 3 month holiday and shocked to say the least what some folk in Isaan are saying methinks since the last Bangkok occupation the genie is out of the bottle and I wouldn't bet on the army shooting their own.

In 2010 the soldiers were ordered to shoot their own people in Bangkok, utter madness. Who could let their child be a part of that lunacy. It,s great if some old retiree wants to get rid of a sponging son in law. But in all seriousness if you've spent 18 years bringing up your own blood with love and education....me thinks not, whatever the armchair generals spout.