7,898 apply for Thai military volunteer programme in 8 days
Thailand’s Defence Ministry said 7,898 people had applied to join the “Volunteer Soldier” programme for the 2027 intake during its first eight days, reaching 31.59% of the 25,000 positions available. The ministry released the figures on 18 September, covering applications submitted between 10 and 17 September. A total of 492 people applied on 17 September […] The post 7,898 apply for Thai…
In just eight days, Thailand's Defence Ministry reported receiving 7,898 applications for the "Volunteer Soldier" programme, representing 31.59% of the 25,000 available spots for 2027. The surge in interest continued into the final day, with 492 people submitting applications on September 17 alone. Among those, 427 pursued a career in the Royal Thai Army, 37 in the Royal Thai Navy, 24 in the Royal Thai Air Force, and four aimed for the Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters.
Of the total applicants, 5,391 were conscripts, 1,309 belonged to Category 1 reserve soldiers, and 1,198 were serving soldiers with extended discharge dates.
The Defence Ministry explained that the application numbers not only highlighted the public's curiosity about military service but also underscored the programme's mission to provide young Thais with more choices for their futures. The Volunteer Soldier initiative aims to transform military service into a rewarding opportunity, offering benefits, welfare, personal development, education, career guidance, and future preparation. "We must give them opportunities in return when volunteer soldiers join," the ministry emphasized.
Applications for the 2027 programme opened on September 10 and will remain open until January 24, 2027, through an online application system. The first selection round is set for November 28, 2026.
Written by urgent.news from Khaosod English's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
