Defense Ministry Reports 10,274 Personnel Reductions Amid Salary Increases
Thailand's Defense Ministry has cut 10,274 military personnel as part of a broader restructuring plan while simultaneously raising salaries by 10% for remaining troops. The ministry is also rolling out a volunteer soldier program that could
On July 17, 2022, the Defense Ministry secretary, General Thrapong Malakham, addressed a parliamentary committee regarding increased personnel budget allocations and military workforce reductions. He explained that the increased budget is necessary to implement the government's policy of raising salaries by 10% within two years, with bachelor's degree holders earning a base of 18,000 baht. The military is executing a five-year force restructuring plan (2023–2027) that includes reducing non-commissioned and enlisted personnel by 5%, totaling 14,598 positions. So far, 10,274 troops have been cut, remaining on target with the ministry's plan. Officer-level reductions follow a separate 20-year schedule (2008–2027) with a 50% reduction target, proceeding as planned.
Thrapong also reported progress on the government's volunteer soldier initiative, recruiting personnel aged 18–20 and 22–26 for four-year contracts at 12,090 baht monthly salary plus a special allowance of 2,280 baht (equivalent to 96 baht per day, matching regular soldier pay). The program targets 100,000 recruits over four phases from 2023 to 2026, with 25,000 volunteers per year. If recruitment meets targets, the number of mandatory conscription calls could be significantly reduced or eliminated entirely.
