Cases of conscripts dying under unusual circumstances during military training must not happen, the Royal Thai Army (RTA) has ordered.
The directive was part of a military training order signed by Weerachai Inthusophon, assistant to the army chief, which was issued by the RTA recently shortly before new conscripts reported for military service earlier this month.
In recent years, conscript deaths have come under public scrutiny amid rumours of physical assault and corporal punishment at military bases.
According to the order, army instructors must closely monitor the health of those they are in charge of and will face severe disciplinary action in the event of any deaths, Gen Weerachai said.
Medical staff from Phramongkutklao Hospital and other military hospitals were also deployed to military bases nationwide to provide healthcare and first-aid training for soldiers.
According to the order, all punishments must be conducted strictly in compliance with Ministry of Defence regulations to avoid accusations of physical abuse against conscripts.