Bangkok Post – Commander removed for unfair salary deductions

The Royal Thai Army has transferred the commander of a training unit in Nakhon Ratchasima to its northeast headquarters pending an investigation into alleged deductions from conscripts’ salaries for public services and various items, including septic tank pumping costs.

The matter came to light after a Facebook page named E-Sor Khayee Khao 3 (E-Sor crushing news) shared details of expenses charged to a new conscript from the 2nd Army Support Command in Nakhon Ratchasima .

The message showed the conscript’s financial summary for the past 42-day cycle, revealing his income of 10,990 baht and expenses of 6,280 baht.

Among his expenses were costs for camping gear and his uniform, cleaning supplies, meals on a long march, alcohol and an ATK test kit, and the cost of pumping the septic tank. The latter costs 500 baht.

In response, Defense Ministry spokesperson for political affairs Jirayu Houngsub said Tuesday that salary deductions, including for septic tank fees, were confirmed.

The 22nd Transportation and Services Battalion unit where this particular conscript was sent to join and train had approximately 100 recruits.

According to Mr Jirayu, the unit was found to have charged such expenses.

Lt. Gen. Adul Boonthamcharoen, commander of the 2nd Army region, said the army had more than 200 new military training units, but none had collected fees for pumping septic tanks.

The officers involved were summoned for questioning, he said, adding that if violations were found within a unit, the violators would be subject to disciplinary action.

Lt. Gen. Adul said he initially ordered the transfer of Col. Achawin Akapin, commander of the 22nd Transport and Services Battalion, to an inactive post at the 2nd Army Area Headquarters pending investigation.

Lt. Gen. Adul said some information in the documents was accurate and some was not.

Defense Minister Sutin Klungsang said the ministry had previously issued orders prohibiting any deductions from soldiers’ salaries for unofficial expenses.

“This is something that should not have happened. This is unacceptable,” said Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin.

Mr Sutin pointed out that one of the ministry’s policies is to guarantee enlisted officers a monthly income of around 10,000 baht. This is in line with the government’s plan to increase the minimum wage for recruits to this level.

“I insist that those responsible for this problem will be held accountable and punished,” Mr. Sutin said.

“The military inspector general has been ordered to inspect units throughout the country. So far, no similar issues have been reported. Strict measures will be implemented,” he said.

“But some units may still have misunderstandings,” he added.