Recruit training, or ''boot camp", usually takes eight weeks, but this year the army has added two extra weeks to accommodate its new training regimen.
Army conscripts, with their heads shaved and in training attire, listen to a drill instructor during an orientation session with the Infantry Battalion at the 11th Military Circle. Wassana Nanuam
The extra weeks were added on the orders of army commander Prayuth Chan-ocha, who wants to instill and reinforce the army's core values and loyalty to the monarchy.
He also expects to use the 10-week training programme to enhance the soldiers' knowledge about the Asean Economic Community, which starts next year.
However, the new recruits barely have any idea of what to expect.
"I feel homesick already. I really have no idea what I'll have to go through. But now I am here as a soldier, it's time to stick it out," said Pvt Kantapol Sopha, from Nakhon Ratchasima's Prathai district.
Pvt Kantapol is among Tor Bor Plad 1 (army's first batch) recruits who reported for duty in their home provinces from last Wednesday to Friday.
Shorty after reporting for duty, he was sent to the 11th Army Circle, his training ground. It was here that he learned which army unit he would be joining after completing his 10-week training.
"On my first day I felt lost. There were no friends, no familiar faces. I didn't know where I was going. But after a few days, I made friends. I did a lot of training. It was a unique experience," said Pvt Watchara Banlee, who has completed his conscription term of duty lasting one-and-a-half years, and was selected as a drill instructor assistant.
Once the recruits enter training they have their heads shaven and wear a training uniform known as a duckling's outfit, which comprises a T-shirt, shorts and a cap.
Their personal belongings including mobile phones are photographed and stored by the units. They are given necessities including uniforms, clothes, towels, boots, slippers, bed sheets and pillows.
During the first two days, the recruits learn about rules and routines. They are awoken at 5.30am and sent to bed at 9pm every day during training.
They are not allowed to contact the outside world. However, after four weeks in training, the barracks will hold a ''visitors' day" for the new recruits.
"Our job is to transform them into men with discipline. It starts from the basics such as row formations and how to stand on parade,'' said Capt Piyadon Nak-urai, a drill instructor with the 11th Army Circle.
After the basic training is over, recruits undergo advanced training specific to their assigned units. Cavalry units are trained in horse and tank handling, and communications units are given technical equipment training.
Those sent to the infantry battalion attached to the 11th Army Circle are trained for ceremonial duty.
They will also undergo riot control training designed to prepare them to maintain peace and order.
Besides the new training regimen, improvements have been made to the training environment, said Capt Piyadon.
The drill instructors are wary of heatstroke during training. The defence minister and the army chief stress that precautions must be taken to avoid exposing recruits to excessive heat.
Tents for shade and water sprinkling equipment are deployed during training. There are barrels filled with water and blankets soaked in icy water for recruits to use for cooling down.
Training is timed to prevent recruits from becoming exhausted because of the heat during the day. Medical teams are ready on stand-by to provide care.
"The recruits are trained in the shade and they have small towels and drinking bottles with them at all times. They can take a sip when they feel like it. It is different from previous years. They couldn't drink without permission," he said.
And there are no longer harsh punishments for recruits who break the rules.
"That is a thing of the past. The unit commanders will ensure the drill instructors also toe the line," said Capt Piyadon.