The image was shared on the Survive Facebook page this past Saturday, accompanying a complaint about the alleged mistreatment. (Photo courtesy of the Survive Facebook page)
In an unsettling turn of events, two non-commissioned officers (NCOs) face incarceration in a military prison for 45 days after excessively disciplining several privates who had violated military statutes. A concerned younger sister of one of the affected privates brought this issue to light by reporting it to the Sai Mai Tong Rod Facebook page. This distressing episode unfolded within the confines of the 25th Cavalry Battalion of the 4th Cavalry Regiment, King’s Guard, stationed in Fang district, Chiang Mai.
The report unveils a harrowing scenario where the soldiers were not only physically assaulted but also subjected to the humiliating ordeal of standing naked in the rain for an agonizing span of over five hours. This draconian punishment immediately caught the attention of the Royal Thai Army (RTA), prompting them to swiftly assemble a commission to probe the allegations.
The commission’s findings were revealing: the incident in question took place on March 5, and it came to light that the privates had faced such extreme disciplinary actions from two NCOs due to their covert departure from the camp to engage in romantic liaisons with civilians in the vicinity. Compounding their infractions, another troubling incident occurred on August 1, wherein the NCOs resorted to physical violence against two privates who were uncooperative during a mandatory urine drug test—a test that ultimately confirmed the soldiers were free from any illicit substances.
The commission concluded that the NCOs’ punitive measures were excessively harsh and in direct contravention of their commander’s established disciplinary protocols. As a consequence of their actions, the NCOs will endure a 45-day stint in military prison and will also forfeit their pensions, a stark reminder of the repercussions of overstepping one’s authoritative bounds.
In response to these findings, the RTA has issued new directives aimed at curbing any recurrence of such incidents, underscoring their commitment to upholding humane disciplinary standards within the ranks.
It’s about time the military took stricter actions against abuse. No one should endure such barbaric punishments in this day and age.
Sure, but what about the privates sneaking out to meet civilians? Discipline is crucial in the military.
Discipline, yes. Torture, no. There’s a line, Mike. These punishments were over the top.
Completely agree, Jane! The old ways of brutal discipline should be a thing of the past.
Those privates should have known better. The army is no place for romantic dalliances.
We all mess up. But making them stand naked in the rain? That’s too much.
Maybe so, but the military isn’t a daycare center.
I read somewhere that military discipline is meant to build character, not break it. This crosses the line.
So true, Emily. Building character should involve respect and dignity, not harm.
Exactly, Roberto! These NCOs could have destroyed these soldiers’ spirit. Thank God they were punished.
45 days in prison isn’t enough. They should’ve been dismissed from the military.
They did lose their pensions too. That’s a significant punishment.
True, but this kind of abuse needs a zero-tolerance policy.
You’re right. Setting a strong precedent is important.
Military life is tough; this kind of discipline should be expected.
Expected? Being naked in the rain for hours? That’s cruel, not tough.
Sometimes extreme measures are needed to maintain order.
Well, at least the military recognized this as excessive.
Those NCOs abused their power and got what they deserved. Good riddance.
While I understand the need for discipline, physical abuse should never be part of it.
Honestly, it’s shocking that this even happened in the first place. Where were the checks and balances?
Being tough shouldn’t equate to being cruel. Glad they were held accountable.
Discipline is necessary, but breaking the spirit and health of soldiers is counterproductive.
I’ve read some comments here, and it seems like people forget the primary goal is to make soldiers battle-ready. How will they cope in real war?
By being resilient, not broken. There’s a big difference.
Military abuse scandals keep happening. When will they actually reform the system?
The fact that this kind of punishment was even conceived is baffling to me. Who thinks this way?
Probably people who’ve been brutalized themselves. It’s a vicious cycle.
Exactly. And the cycle needs to be broken.
I can’t believe some people in this thread actually support the NCOs. Abuse is never justified.
You’d be surprised, Jake. Some think any form of punishment is justified in the name of discipline.
Those people need a reality check. We’re all human after all.
Reforms are needed, but they must balance discipline and humanity. This case clearly failed that balance.
Such incidents really tarnish the image of the military.
True, but highlighting them is the first step to fixing systemic problems.
Those privates felt comfortable enough to report this. That’s progress.