Thai army chief defends use of conscripts as domestic workers

[baboon]

Whether they call them servant soldiers or service soldiers doesn't matter. There is nothing "military" in what these kids are asked to do do. This is a carry-over from the corvee labor mentality of old and should be stopped. If these officers need servants, gardeners, etc, they should hire and pay them as employees like everyone else (should).

The soldiers volunteer for the positions, can't you read?

Does it matter? How is doing housework for ranking officers going to defend the nation? Why should men in uniform be used this way?

I bet there are a few former soldiers out there who would tell us the Army's use of the word 'Volunteer' is not to be found in the dictionary...

[bamnutsak]

All this talk about "shackled Privates", and young lads "volunteering for positions" under superiors is just too much.

[JAG]

Whether they call them servant soldiers or service soldiers doesn't matter. There is nothing "military" in what these kids are asked to do do. This is a carry-over from the corvee labor mentality of old and should be stopped. If these officers need servants, gardeners, etc, they should hire and pay them as employees like everyone else (should).

The soldiers volunteer for the positions, can't you read?

Does it matter? How is doing housework for ranking officers going to defend the nation? Why should men in uniform be used this way?

I bet there are a few former soldiers out there who would tell us the Army's use of the word 'Volunteer' is not to be found in the dictionary...

A volunteer is a soldier who did not understand the question!

[Denim]

Remember the old saying :

' They also serve who wash the generals smalls '

or something like that.

[heybruce]

Whether they call them servant soldiers or service soldiers doesn't matter. There is nothing "military" in what these kids are asked to do do. This is a carry-over from the corvee labor mentality of old and should be stopped. If these officers need servants, gardeners, etc, they should hire and pay them as employees like everyone else (should).

The soldiers volunteer for the positions, can't you read?

Does it matter? How is doing housework for ranking officers going to defend the nation? Why should men in uniform be used this way?

I bet there are a few former soldiers out there who would tell us the Army's use of the word 'Volunteer' is not to be found in the dictionary...

I remember those assignments--"Voluntary participation is mandatory!"

[casualbiker]

Right now, we dont call them servant soldiers anymore. This word doesnt exist. Right now, we call them service soldiers who have a duty to assist their commanders, he said.

Call them anything you like, but they are conscripts there against their will. Some would call that 'slavery'.

Conscription happens in half the countries of the world. I don't agree with it. But it isn't slavery!

[baboon]

Right now, we dont call them servant soldiers anymore. This word doesnt exist. Right now, we call them service soldiers who have a duty to assist their commanders, he said.

Call them anything you like, but they are conscripts there against their will. Some would call that 'slavery'.

Conscription happens in half the countries of the world. I don't agree with it. But it isn't slavery!

If just one country, the Russian Federation was coloured blue, the map would look very different.

Being forced into servitude by the state or its representatives under penalty of law in a private home/farm/business bloody well is slavery!

[elgordo38]

It's hard to get good help these days...

Anek allegedly exposed himself to the rear admiral’s wife. Benjaporn claims the conscript stood under a tree and masturbated while watching his wife through a window.

.

She must be a real looker and of course boys will be boys playing with toys.

[resimi]

Right now, we dont call them servant soldiers anymore. This word doesnt exist. Right now, we call them service soldiers who have a duty to assist their commanders, he said.

Call them anything you like, but they are conscripts there against their will. Some would call that 'slavery'.

The more rational wouldn't though.

The hyperbolic few would call it slavery.

[resimi]

Whether they call them servant soldiers or service soldiers doesn't matter. There is nothing "military" in what these kids are asked to do do.

The soldiers volunteer for the positions, can't you read?

Does it matter? How is doing housework for ranking officers going to defend the nation? Why should men in uniform be used this way?

Has no one else posting here been in the military themselves?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9QZNtas4l2w

[casualbiker]

Right now, we dont call them servant soldiers anymore. This word doesnt exist. Right now, we call them service soldiers who have a duty to assist their commanders, he said.

Call them anything you like, but they are conscripts there against their will. Some would call that 'slavery'.

Conscription happens in half the countries of the world. I don't agree with it. But it isn't slavery!

If just one country, the Russian Federation was coloured blue, the map would look very different.

Being forced into servitude by the state or its representatives under penalty of law in a private home/farm/business bloody well is slavery!

Are you American, if so then you yourself had to register for the draft..

" In the United States, conscription, also called "the draft", ended in 1973, but males between 18 and 25 are required to register with theSelective Service System to enable a reintroduction of conscription if necessary. "

You didn't get drafted but the system is there. Just in case!

Surely if it's slavery then that's against the Constitution.

[Ricardo]

If the RTA have too many spare soldiers, perhaps they might train them in construction-work, and use them to build/rebuild schools or homes for old people, roads and bridges, or other useful infrastructure ?

Then they would leave the army with useful skills for the working-life to follow.

Or perhaps just reduce the number of youngsters conscripted into the military ?

[geriatrickid]

Whether they call them servant soldiers or service soldiers doesn't matter. There is nothing "military" in what these kids are asked to do do. This is a carry-over from the corvee labor mentality of old and should be stopped. If these officers need servants, gardeners, etc, they should hire and pay them as employees like everyone else (should).

The soldiers volunteer for the positions, can't you read?

Yes, I can read. I can also sort out the reality from the cute description. Do you know what coercion is? How about misappropriation?

The reality is that if a young man does not "volunteer" do be the slave labour of a military senior, that young man does not have a pleasant time. Repeated dangerous assignments or heavy duties are the fates of those who do not volunteer.

These young people are conscripted for national service. Their "care and pay" is provided by the people of Thailand. Where do these military "officers" get off taking these conscripts for their own personal use? Taking resources and assets that do not belong to you is termed misappropriation. Do you not understand that this practice is wrong? These kids have no say in the matter. They are forced into slavery and have zero rights.

Another sterling example of what the military is in Thailand. The great self appointed leader of the nation says that he is against corruption. Well then, General Prime Minister, please start with your own organization. Stop the misuse of labour and the misuse of Thai taxpayers money.

[lildragon]

Ahh the military. The saviors of Thailand! Bringing back and cementing the old status quo of masters and serfs, slavery and elitism. Thank god these stand up gentlemen are running the country.... using the tax payers money on their own frivolous lifestyle I see.

[geriatrickid]

Are you American, if so then you yourself had to register for the draft..

" In the United States, conscription, also called "the draft", ended in 1973, but males between 18 and 25 are required to register with theSelective Service System to enable a reintroduction of conscription if necessary. "

You didn't get drafted but the system is there. Just in case!

Surely if it's slavery then that's against the Constitution.

The Selective Service registration does not violate basic human rights. Even if one is conscripted, there are regulations and laws in place that address the potential for abuse. If a US navy officer tried to force a conscript into acting as an indentured servant, that officer would be facing serious charges. Know what else is different? The US military is accountable to the people through an elected government and is pretty good on enforcing basic concepts such as honesty and integrity.

[arfurcrown]

As a naval officer in the 1960's in the U.K military I had a personal assistant who attended to my needs.My counterparts in the army had their ''batmen'' to assist them.

I see nothing wrong inthe matter.

As a taxpayer here I am not concerned, I wonder though just how many of the critics actually pay income and business taxes tax here thus of course they would be justified in voicing their opinions concerning the way their tax contributions are used.

Yes we know you pay V.A.T. like all of us here so that argument is not really valid.

Edited August 26, 2015 by arfurcrown

[mca]

" RIGHT LADS. PRESENT BUCKETS AND CHAMMY LEATHERS! You'll be undertaking a mission vital to the safety and security of our nation. It will be dangerous. Some of you may not return. But I expect every man to do his duty. LET OPERATION " CLEAN MY 7 SERIES" commence!

[awayego]

My wife's nephew has recently completed his 'National Service' - after basic training he spent the remainder of his two years serving at tables in his boss's wife's restaurant. From what he has told us it is common practice, if not standard practice, for soldiers, once they have completed basic training, to be given three choices:

1. Work for theirCO in whatever capacity he deems fit

2. Go home but remain enlisted so his CO can claim the soldier's salary OR

3. Remain in barracks and have to do whatever is required of them

My wife's Thai son is now about to go to army camp and he is resigned to the same fate as his cousin. I try to persuade him to request some sort of army trade training so he comes out with marketable skills, eg motor mechanic, but like most others he doesn't want to 'make waves'.

[casualbiker]

If the RTA have too many spare soldiers, perhaps they might train them in construction-work, and use them to build/rebuild schools or homes for old people, roads and bridges, or other useful infrastructure ?

Then they would leave the army with useful skills for the working-life to follow.

Or perhaps just reduce the number of youngsters conscripted into the military ?

Things that they already do...good idea!

[casualbiker]

My wife's nephew has recently completed his 'National Service' - after basic training he spent the remainder of his two years serving at tables in his boss's wife's restaurant. From what he has told us it is common practice, if not standard practice, for soldiers, once they have completed basic training, to be given three choices:

1. Work for theirCO in whatever capacity he deems fit

2. Go home but remain enlisted so his CO can claim the soldier's salary OR

3. Remain in barracks and have to do whatever is required of them

My wife's Thai son is now about to go to army camp and he is resigned to the same fate as his cousin. I try to persuade him to request some sort of army trade training so he comes out with marketable skills, eg motor mechanic, but like most others he doesn't want to 'make waves'.

Why is your wife's son resigned to the same fate.. Did he not finish high school M4-6. If yes then he would have done army cadets and therefore be exempt from conscription.

[bamnutsak]

My wife's nephew has recently completed his 'National Service' - after basic training he spent the remainder of his two years serving at tables in his boss's wife's restaurant. From what he has told us it is common practice, if not standard practice, for soldiers, once they have completed basic training, to be given three choices:

1. Work for theirCO in whatever capacity he deems fit

2. Go home but remain enlisted so his CO can claim the soldier's salary OR

3. Remain in barracks and have to do whatever is required of them

My wife's Thai son is now about to go to army camp and he is resigned to the same fate as his cousin. I try to persuade him to request some sort of army trade training so he comes out with marketable skills, eg motor mechanic, but like most others he doesn't want to 'make waves'.

Why is your wife's son resigned to the same fate.. Did he not finish high school M4-6. If yes then he would have done army cadets and therefore be exempt from conscription.

This program is both optional, and not available in every school in Thailand.

[casualbiker]

My wife's nephew has recently completed his 'National Service' - after basic training he spent the remainder of his two years serving at tables in his boss's wife's restaurant. From what he has told us it is common practice, if not standard practice, for soldiers, once they have completed basic training, to be given three choices:

1. Work for theirCO in whatever capacity he deems fit

2. Go home but remain enlisted so his CO can claim the soldier's salary OR

3. Remain in barracks and have to do whatever is required of them

My wife's Thai son is now about to go to army camp and he is resigned to the same fate as his cousin. I try to persuade him to request some sort of army trade training so he comes out with marketable skills, eg motor mechanic, but like most others he doesn't want to 'make waves'.

Why is your wife's son resigned to the same fate.. Did he not finish high school M4-6. If yes then he would have done army cadets and therefore be exempt from conscription.

This program is both optional, and not available in every school in Thailand.

Really! OK fair enough.. I've only worked in three so not a guru on the subject. But honestly if I had a son and I didn't want conscription then I would find the school that had it. No?

PS.. As far as I'm aware, if the kid joins a technical college then they can get waivers because that are learning. I think!

Edited August 26, 2015 by casualbiker

[bamnutsak]

But honestly if I had a son and I didn't want conscription then I would find the school that had it. No?

Simpler to just pay the "fee" to opt out. Cheap before the drawing, more expensive after. Or move to a place where they already have enough "volunteers" (very popular with some), and do not conscript anyone.

[casualbiker]

But honestly if I had a son and I didn't want conscription then I would find the school that had it. No?

Simpler to just pay the "fee" to opt out. Cheap before the drawing, more expensive after. Or move to a place where they already have enough "volunteers" (very popular with some), and do not conscript anyone.

So your all for "corruption" then.. Oh lordy!

[bamnutsak]

Last year a regional Army commander (General) lamented that 50% of the conscripts were illiterate, and 50% drug users (some overlap presumably).

Obviously these lads cannot be useful for much other than domestic work.

So your all for "corruption" then.. Oh lordy!

Not applicable to me, I wouldn't raise a son here. Just advising on what reasonably educated, moderately affluent Thais do.

[awayego]

My wife's nephew has recently completed his 'National Service' - after basic training he spent the remainder of his two years serving at tables in his boss's wife's restaurant. From what he has told us it is common practice, if not standard practice, for soldiers, once they have completed basic training, to be given three choices:

1. Work for theirCO in whatever capacity he deems fit

2. Go home but remain enlisted so his CO can claim the soldier's salary OR

3. Remain in barracks and have to do whatever is required of them

My wife's Thai son is now about to go to army camp and he is resigned to the same fate as his cousin. I try to persuade him to request some sort of army trade training so he comes out with marketable skills, eg motor mechanic, but like most others he doesn't want to 'make waves'.

Why is your wife's son resigned to the same fate.. Did he not finish high school M4-6. If yes then he would have done army cadets and therefore be exempt from conscription.

I sent my step son to private school and he completed M6 but didn't opt for the school cadets. He has university entrance quals but is undecided as to what he wants to do, deciding instead to work for the family business I set up. He sees a two year stint in the army as just a way to save some money for when he comes out so he is 'resigned' to do whatever is required with minimum fuss. He may go to university after he comes out.

It's his decision but my wife and I are still trying to persuade him to make better use of his time in the army than his cousin.

Edited August 26, 2015 by awayego

[Eric Loh]

What do you expect from this untouchable institution. Conscription by pure definition is an enlistment of Soldiers not domestic helpers. This institution can bend the rules and wallow in corruption with immunity.

[joebrown]

As a naval officer in the 1960's in the U.K military I had a personal assistant who attended to my needs.My counterparts in the army had their ''batmen'' to assist them.

I see nothing wrong inthe matter.

As a taxpayer here I am not concerned, I wonder though just how many of the critics actually pay income and business taxes tax here thus of course they would be justified in voicing their opinions concerning the way their tax contributions are used.

Yes we know you pay V.A.T. like all of us here so that argument is not really valid.

Did your 'batman' paint and decorate your privately owned house whilst you were living 'on base' in your free military accommodation? I may be wrong, but probably not! I live in Sattahip, where there are several military bases and the Trainee base near Bang Saray. All conscripts are identifiable by their common dress of pink T shirt and black shorts, and they are often seen working on the military controlled beach and golf course (where farangs pay 3 x Thai price to play). When not confined to the military bases the conscripts can be seen doing all manner of works to officers' private homes, eg painting, tree felling, welding and fitting gates, building walls etc, ALL AT TAXPAYERS' EXPENSE. I live in a soi where every other home is owned by military personnel who take advantage of this 'perk' on a reguar basis.

It's easy to see why the Thai military is so over-staffed, particularly at the top-end, when there are tax free benefits readily available.

[klauskunkel]

...and tomorrow's topic: "the correct use of a feather duster while facing the enemy"

[Pimay1]

It's hard to get good help these days...

Anek allegedly exposed himself to the rear admirals wife. Benjaporn claims the conscript stood under a tree and masturbated while watching his wife through a window.

.

If these guy is a retired admiral or whatever, what age is his wife??

Maybe wishful thinking on her part lol..

Perhaps the masturbating conscript was into "old girls".

Maybe she is a hot much younger <deleted>... In Thailand the money gets the honey lol

Two sides to every story.... Maybe the wife led him on etc and the admiral flipped out

Strange that he still kept him after stealing and masterbating for his wife lol

Maybe he masturbated for the wrong person.