Army Opens 18,784 Volunteer Soldier Posts
The Royal Thai Army is recruiting 18,784 volunteer soldiers aged 18–26 for four-year contracts starting in 2570, offering 12,090 baht monthly salary and pathways to sergeant training and civil service positions.
On 5 September 2569, the Royal Thai Army invited Thai men aged 18–26 to apply as volunteer soldiers under a new four-year contract recruitment drive for 2570, replacing the previous online soldier scheme. Applicants can select their preferred unit and duty rotation from 221 Army locations across the country.
Volunteer soldiers undergo the same training and duties as regular conscripts but receive distinct benefits: a starting monthly salary of 12,090 baht and special monthly compensation of 2,880 baht for meals and provisions. After two years of service, they qualify for a quota to enter Army sergeant training with reserved spots equal to 30 percent of regular conscript slots (453 positions), plus additional academic bonus points of at least 5 percent when applying for Army civil service positions. They also gain access to professional skills training and distance-learning education to improve qualifications during their service.
Recruitement is open to Thai men without educational restrictions across several categories: those aged 18–20 (born 2550–2552), those aged 22–26 (born 2544–2548) who passed selection but were not conscripted, discharged reserve soldiers aged 26 or younger in 2570, and regular conscripts nearing discharge in May or September 2570 who meet age requirements.
Interested candidates can apply online at http://rcm.rta.mi.th or in person at any of the 221 participating Army units, provincial recruitment offices, or district recruitment offices between 10 September 2569 and 24 January 2570. The Army said the initiative reflects the Defence Ministry's shift toward voluntary military service while supporting national security and providing comprehensive career development and welfare benefits suited to modern conditions.
