7,898 apply for Thai military volunteer programme in 8 days

Thailand’s Defence Ministry said 7,898 people had applied to join the “Volunteer Soldier” programme for the 2027 intake during its first eight days, reaching 31.59% of the 25,000 positions available.

The ministry released the figures on 18 September, covering applications submitted between 10 and 17 September.

A total of 492 people applied on 17 September alone, including 427 for the Royal Thai Army, 37 for the Royal Thai Navy, 24 for the Royal Thai Air Force and four for the Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters.

Of the 7,898 applicants, 5,391 were conscripts, 1,309 were Category 1 reserve soldiers and 1,198 were serving soldiers whose discharge dates had been extended.

The Defence Ministry said the figures from the first eight days reflected not only interest in military service but also the programme’s aim of giving young people more options to make decisions and plan their futures.

The Volunteer Soldier programme is designed to turn military service into an opportunity through benefits and welfare, personal development, education, career development and preparation for the future.

“When volunteer soldiers join, we must give them opportunities in return,” the ministry said.

Applications for the 2027 programme opened on 10 September and will remain open until 24 January 2027 through an online system. The first selection is scheduled for 28 November 2026.