The 1st Army Region has publicly apologised after a private in Kanchanaburi fired at several people on Friday in a fit of rage.
The remarks, conveyed by the 1st Army Region's public relations team, expressed both apologies and regret over the incident, saying the army will fully cooperate with the Royal Thai Police in its investigation.
Pvt Amornthep Limcharoen, attached to the 2nd Infantry Battalion of the 9th Infantry Regiment, on Friday opened fire at people in a house in Kanchanaburi, injuring several.
Police said the incident followed an argument between the private and his girlfriend. Her family is asking the police to charge Pvt Amornthep with unlawlul detention, it said.
Pvt Amornthep fled after the incident, and the 1st Army Region is trying to locate him so he can be brought to justice, its PR team said.
According to the 1st Army Region, Pvt Amornthep took a leave of absence on Dec 22, but failed to return to the barracks when his leave expired on Jan 2.
The 2nd Infantry Battalion, which is overseen by the 1st Army Region, issued a warning to Pvt Amornthep, before it classified him as having deserted the force on Feb 6.
In its written remarks, the 1st Army Region said it has warned Pvt Amornthep on several occasions about his temper and notified his family about it.
If and when the private is caught, the force said it will proceed with disciplinary action against him, the statement said.
Separately, more than 1,400 men have applied for voluntary enlistment in the first six days of online registrations, according to the army.
Recruitment is open to men between 18–20 and 22–29, as by law, those who are 21 must take place in the annual draft, unless they are eligible for exemptions or have completed the territorial defence course and training.
The online enlistment runs from Feb 1–28.
Army spokeswoman Sirichan Ngathong said 1,466 men nationwide applied online between Feb 1–6, with some applicants with no access to the internet using computers at their local military units to apply.
Most applicants, or 405 people, applied to enlist with units under the 2nd Army Region, she said.
Col Sirichan said successful applicants will be called to attend an onsite screening at their respective army circles on March 5.
This week, the army's recruitment officers will be campaigning to promote voluntary enlistment in all districts nationwide.