Only 25 out of 354 senior army officers passed their physical fitness tests with full marks, a source revealed yesterday.
The officers in charge of important combat units underwent physical tests yesterday which will be a crucial deciding factor for their promotions, the army source said.
The battalion commanders participated in the tests at the army's main sports stadium in Bangkok. They held the ranks of lieutenant-colonels and colonels.
The so-called "Smart Man" test was ordered by army commander Chalermchai Sitthisat and was aimed at keeping the senior-management forces physically fit.
The officers will also sit an exam that tests their knowledge on the wisdom and philosophies initiated by the late King, the Thailand 4.0 development model, international relations, the integration of Asean as well as military ethics and rights.
The army chief inspected the force's first mass physical test targeting lieutenant-colonels and colonels yesterday.
The test was organised in addition to the bi-annual, across-the-board physical check-up of the forces conducted in February and August.
The check-up is normally done by individual army units, with those in combat roles subjected to frequent, heavily vigorous examinations.
Other units answer to less physically demanding standard tests, such as sit-ups and a 2km run, depending on the soldier's age.
However, in yesterday's test the senior soldiers went through an additional exercise that calculates their body mass index, which measures the body fat based on height and weight which applies to adult males and females. The mean BMI should be 24 or a little above.
The source said soldiers should be physically firm, which helps contribute to a positive image of the force in general. If they are fit and firm, they will have the stamina and the will power to manage their units and efficiently look after their subordinates.
Yesterday's tests singled out battalion commanders who supervise combat units. Of the 354 officers, 25 scored a 100% mark. The source said the bi-annual checkups from now on will adopt a similarly vigorous standard.
The result of yesterday's tests will have a direct bearing on the annual reshuffle of the army, the source said. Combat personnel are expected to be stronger than those in other units.
Gen Chalermchai said he had to go through a tough physical test twice a year and managed to pass with full marks.