Thailand to recruit 25,000 volunteer soldiers online
Thailand's Defence Ministry is recruiting 25,000 volunteer soldiers through an online system starting September 2026, allocating 1.455 billion baht under its 2027 budget proposal for the scheme.
BANGKOK — The Defence Ministry has set aside 1.455 billion baht for a 'volunteer soldier' programme under the 2027 budget proposal, with plans to recruit 25,000 personnel through an online application system, officials said.
The budget proposal is scheduled for deliberation in the House of Representatives between 29 June and 1 July, 2026.
According to the ministry, the funding will support the 'Volunteer Soldier (10 Plus)' scheme, in line with government policy and previously announced defence manpower plans.
The 25,000 positions are allocated across the armed forces as follows: the Royal Thai Army with 18,784 posts, the Royal Thai Navy 3,496, the Royal Thai Air Force 2,174, the Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters 300, and the Office of the Permanent Secretary for Defence 246.
The budget falls under the ministry's public sector personnel expenditure plan.
A Defence Council meeting on June 25 approved a draft ministerial regulation outlining service duration, salary, benefits, rules and disciplinary measures for temporary military personnel, which is intended to support the implementation of the programme.
Under the plan, recruitment will be conducted online, targeting 25,000 volunteers per year between September 2026 and January 2027. Responsibilities have been assigned to relevant agencies, with preparations underway to meet the timeline.
The ministry is also scheduled to hold talks with the Comptroller General's Department on July 6, 2026, to finalise budget arrangements and ensure the scheme can proceed as planned.
