According to General Kongcheep Tantravanich, the ministry’s spokesman, the Ministry of Defence has delayed the deadline for new conscripts to report for military service until May 15 to allow them to participate in the general election on May 14.
Voting in advance will be available from March 25 through April 9 for conscripts who are scheduled to leave on April 30 after serving their two-year term. Yet, he said, there are not many of these conscripts.
Phra Netiwit Chotiphatphaisal, a former anti-establishment student activist, chose not to comment on whether he would attend this Sunday’s military service selection drawing.
He stated that his views on military enlistment have not altered while also making a hint that there would be a surprise on that day. He added that he does not currently have any plans to depart the monastic life.
Netiwit was an outspoken opponent of conscription throughout his time in college. He also advocated for changes in religion.
At the age of 20, every Thai male is in fact obligated to participate in the conscription lottery for military duty. If they receive a red card, they must serve two years in the military; if they receive a black card, they are excused.
Up to the age of 27, when they must participate in the draw, students can delay being drafted into the military while still in school.
