The Red Waivers

The Red Waivers

The Red Waivers

The Red Waivers

The red card they drew is a waiver
A submission to follow a master
An okay that they may not get out alive
As they sign away their own lives

It rids men in their prime of opportunities
Put themselves at risk mandatorily
The lucky ones get to play maids
for rich generals without getting paid

Wash their clothes, raise their chickens
Swallow their pride, try to be content
As these menial tasks are tiny
compared to what could happen to their bodies

Four recent conscript deaths are more than enough
To say that the army hasn't done enough
Why have these young men died in your care?
Can we have the truth laid bare?
Or you're too scared

Seri, Pitchawat, Rachata and Sathaporn were their names
There are many more in this list of shame
Why blood on your hands when there are no wars?
Why innocent families have to get torn?

Why any conscripts have to die at all?
We're not the middle of armed conflict after all

Isn't it time to abolish the conscription?
A lottery that comes with trepidation
And give those willingly join pay and protection
Restore dignity to soldiers as a profession

Pornchai Sereemongkonpol

Guru section Editor

Guru section Editor

Email : pornchais@bangkokpost.co.th

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