The Thai Ministry of Defence has earmarked 1.45 billion baht to fund a significant volunteer recruitment initiative for the upcoming fiscal year 2027. This substantial allocation is part of the broader “Volunteer Soldier (10 Plus)” scheme, designed to bolster the ranks of the nation’s armed forces and related defence agencies with temporary personnel. The proposal is currently under review by the House of Representatives as part of the broader 2027 fiscal budget debate.
Volunteer Recruitment Numbers and Agency Distribution
The planned recruitment drive aims to enlist a total of 25,000 volunteers annually. For the fiscal year 2027, specific quotas have been set for various branches of the military and defence organizations:
- Royal Thai Army: 18,784 personnel
- Royal Thai Navy: 3,496 personnel
- Royal Thai Air Force: 2,174 personnel
- Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters: 300 personnel
- Office of the Permanent Secretary for Defence: 246 personnel
This initiative aligns with the government’s stated policy objectives and was also a key campaign promise from the Bhumjaithai Party, indicating cross-party support for strengthening national defence capabilities through volunteer service.
Regulatory Framework and Legal Basis
To facilitate the “Volunteer Soldier (10 Plus)” scheme, the Defence Council has given its approval to a draft ministerial regulation. This regulation is crucial as it will govern the terms and conditions of service for these temporary military personnel. Key aspects covered include:
- Period of service
- Salary structures
- Allowances and benefits
- Disciplinary measures
- Other relevant employment conditions
Furthermore, the new regulation introduces a significant legal amendment by expanding the definition of a “government agency” to explicitly include the Office of the Permanent Secretary for Defence. This expansion is vital, as it grants the office the legal authority to formally recruit volunteers, ensuring the program’s compliance and operational legitimacy across all participating bodies.
Program Implementation and Timeline
Progress is reportedly underway for the implementation of this volunteer recruitment program. A dedicated committee has been established to oversee the necessary regulatory amendments and prepare the required ministerial rules. This committee plays a pivotal role in ensuring that all legal and administrative prerequisites are met before the recruitment process begins.
The application window for interested individuals is scheduled to open online from September 2026 and will close in January 2027. This period is specifically designed to allow ample time for potential volunteers to submit their applications and for the selection process to commence effectively.
Budget Finalization and Next Steps
The Ministry of Defence is actively working to finalize the budgetary arrangements for this significant expenditure. A key meeting is scheduled with the Comptroller General’s Department on July 6th. The purpose of this meeting is to confirm and solidify the financial mechanisms and disbursement plans associated with the 1.45 billion baht budget allocated for the volunteer recruitment drive.
The “Volunteer Soldier (10 Plus)” scheme represents a strategic effort by the Thai government to enhance its defence capabilities by leveraging a volunteer force. The detailed planning, regulatory groundwork, and budgetary allocations underscore the program’s importance in the government’s agenda for national security and personnel management within the armed forces and defence sector.
