Conscription should be for all, in fairness

Published: 6 Feb 2013 at 14.01
Online news: Opinion

The harsh life inflicted on military conscripts has led many students to enrol in the territorial defence course, or ror dor, because it exempts them from the annual military draft for 21-year-old men.

Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha (Photo by Thiti Wannamontha)

This system is unfair to less advantaged families, whose children have little chance of avoiding registration for conscription and the drawing of the black and white balls.

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OldThaiHand
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Discussion 10 : 07 Feb 2013 at 16.3010
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The big question is, Why does Thailand need such a large army?
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Sally23
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Discussion 9 : 07 Feb 2013 at 00.299
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I do think that educated people should not have to do it. Just leave the service for the poor so they learn the new skill for life.
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jacksprat
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Discussion 8 : 06 Feb 2013 at 21.118
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University students continue "ror dor" and get commissioned a 2d Lieutenant. Then they immediately go into the inactive reserve. The officer cadets do attend a summer camp at Tak, but I hardly think it is as rigorous as ordinary boot camp. Students tell me "ror dor" is their way of avoiding military service, plus they get to wear an officer's uniform to show off in front of their friends.
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Eric
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Discussion 7 : 06 Feb 2013 at 19.317
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The real question for Ror Dor is not only about fairness but just how effective they are to our overall defense structure. The part time 3 years course and the type of training will never be adequate to be an effective aspect of the military. There are no program of reservist training, updating of amours and doctrine, no military exercises and no attachment to any units or company. How can they be amalgated to a fighting military force. If there is no military value, why have Ror Dor as part of the conscription. They are really no difference from Boys Brigade or Scouts.
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peterd
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Discussion 6 : 06 Feb 2013 at 19.106
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#1, Dao, thanks for the laugh... A Conscription is the compulsory enlistment of people so good idea to put it voluntary.
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waters
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Discussion 5 : 06 Feb 2013 at 18.225
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The RTA needs these conscripts! Who else is going to iron the General's trousers, or cut the grass on the fairways, or water the greens, or bartend at the officers club, or drive the 1600 army general wives to the shopping mall? Who do you think does all that military scut work?
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felixqui
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Discussion 4 : 06 Feb 2013 at 18.114
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You mean Thai citizens are not queuing up to join the Royal Thai Military?

So, what of all those rumours we hear about it being considered respectable and decent? Are the feet truly voting otherwise? Or is it, like so many wonderful things in Thailand, wonderful for them but not me?
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bkposter
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Discussion 3 : 06 Feb 2013 at 17.363
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The entire course is nothing but a farce, there is no actual course, but a way for the rich to buy their way out of military service. They pay money to some general and "Abra-kababora" you have magically won the lottery and passed the course in the 20 minutes time it took to pay the money and get your papers signed.
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pete
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Discussion 2 : 06 Feb 2013 at 17.342
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dao: Voluntary conscription is an oxymoron. Conscription means compulsory. Anyway most people should understand what you mean.
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dao
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Discussion 1 : 06 Feb 2013 at 17.081
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Conscription should be voluntary .
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Conscription should be for all, in fairness | Bangkok Post: opinion