A teenage student from a poor family was the top performer in this year's admission examinations for the armed forces.
The 2nd Army said on Tuesday that Tharakorn Thongnunui, a 17-year-old grade 10 student at Benchama Maharat School in Ubon Ratchathani province, was the top scorer in the admission examinations for the army, navy and air force and came eighth in the admission exam for the Royal Police Cadet Academy.
The announcement said Mr Tharakorn was a son of truck driver Prathuang Thongnunui, 53, and labourer Rachacha Thungsungnoen, 45, in tambon Phrai Phana of Phu Sing district in Si Sa Ket province. He had studied hard and 2nd Army commander Lt Gen Thanet Wongcha-um granted him cash assistance because his family could not afford even the admission fee.
Mr Thanakorn chose to be a soldier, the 2nd Army said.