Conscripts proudly display their ATM cards and cash withdrawal slips as the army promotes its activities. However, some newly recruited soldiers might be unaware that they have a host of expenses to pay—from uniforms to a less glamorous septic tank pumping fee. (Photo: Wassana Nanuam) (Photo: Wassana Nanuam)
The Ministry of Defence has recently rolled out a comprehensive set of criteria to delineate which expenses can be deducted from conscripts’ salaries, ensuring that military recruits have a decent amount of money to enjoy. This move follows a social media uproar over claims of dubious deductions from conscripts’ salaries for utilities and miscellaneous items, including WiFi charges and a 500-baht septic tank pumping fee.
One soldier highlighted the plight, presenting a slip showing that these deductions gobbled up 60% of his monthly salary. The outcry was significant enough that Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang ordered a thorough investigation.
Under the new guidelines, permissible deductions from conscripts’ salaries feature a food service fee of about 2,100 baht per month per person, which translates to roughly 70 baht per day. Additionally, military units are allowed to deduct costs for personal items that can’t be reimbursed from the ministry’s budget. It’s often the case that new recruits arrive at military units without necessary personal items, and in such situations, the units provide the supplies they need. Buying these supplies in bulk, straight from suppliers, keeps costs lower than the market price. If any unit is found exploiting this by purchasing supplies at inflated prices, severe consequences await those involved, the ministry warned.
Notably, some deductions are voluntary, covering expenses like laundry fees, clothing alteration fees, and services at a post exchange (PX)—a retail store within a military unit selling merchandise and services to personnel.
Conversely, certain deductions are off-limits, including utility fees, septic tank pumping fees, WiFi charges, costs for military field gear, ATK test kits, face masks, and alcohol sanitizers. The ministry recommended that military units use income from their business ventures to cover insurance costs.
Jirayu Houngsub, spokesperson for the ministry’s political affairs, revealed that Mr. Sutin had delved into all military units to scrutinize the dissemination of documents indicating deductions like WiFi charges and other personal items for conscripts. These deductions included insurance costs (330 baht), daily items (1,100 baht), and even a bag (590 baht). With conscripts earning an average of 10,990 baht per month, these deductions significantly impacted their take-home pay.
This is outrageous! How can they justify taking 60% of these soldiers’ salaries for such trivial things?
It’s appalling. These young men and women are serving their country, not paying for someone else’s septic tank cleaning.
Exactly, David! The Ministry of Defence needs to get its act together and ensure fair treatment.
Come on, those soldiers still get paid more than minimum wage workers. A little perspective, please.
Are you serious, Luke? They are paid essentially to risk their lives. Comparing that to minimum wage is just ridiculous.
Some of these fees are necessary for maintaining the base. The Ministry just needs to be transparent with the recruits.
Transparency would certainly help, but that doesn’t mean they should deduct everything from their meager salaries.
Agreed, Samantha. But it’s better than hidden fees. At least they know what’s being deducted.
This sounds like a scam. Why should soldiers pay for WiFi and septic tanks?
Because someone up the chain is pocketing the extra cash. I’ve seen it happen in other sectors.
That makes sense, marvin42. It’s a shame that corruption exists even in the military.
It might just be about keeping up with modern needs. Soldiers need WiFi like anyone else.
WiFi, sure. But what’s next? Charging for air to breathe?
I understand deductions for necessities, but the soldiers should have a say in where their money goes.
In an ideal world, perhaps. But they signed up knowing the system.
Yes, but that doesn’t mean the system shouldn’t be improved, Bobby.
Soldiers are often too young to stand up for themselves in such a rigid hierarchy.
Exactly. We need to advocate for them to ensure fair treatment.
The new guidelines from the ministry seem promising, but will they actually enforce it?
Indeed, enforcement is key. Guidelines without action are pointless.
Looks like we’ll just have to wait and see. Past behavior doesn’t make me very optimistic.
Those manipulating the system for personal gain should face harsh penalties!
It’s nearly impossible to catch every instance of corruption. What matters is how strictly they enforce the rules.
True, but it’s still important to set an example by punishing those who are caught.
Corruption is part of human nature. The key is making it harder to happen rather than trying to eliminate it completely.
The concept of voluntary deductions makes sense, but it shouldn’t be abused to cover basic necessities.
As long as it’s transparent and conscripts agree, there shouldn’t be an issue.
Agreed, but full consent and understanding are often missing in these situations.
It’s amazing how someone thought it was okay to charge for a septic tank fee. Unbelievable!
Pretty sure it was more a matter of negligence or oversight rather than active malice.
Negligence from leadership is just as bad. It shows a lack of competency.
I think the army should provide for soldiers’ basic needs without dipping into their salaries.
It’s commendable that the Ministry of Defence is acting upon this issue. Better late than never, right?
Interesting how when public pressure mounts, the authorities suddenly become proactive.
Better that than ignoring the issue entirely. Public accountability works!
True, but the soldiers should never have had to deal with this in the first place.
Soldiers should not have to worry about extra fees while serving. It’s a distraction and totally unfair.
Balancing the budget is never easy. Some fees are unfortunately necessary.
Necessary maybe, but it should never get to the point where soldiers are left with nothing.
Just another example of why the conscription system is flawed. Mandatory service should be abolished.
Military service builds character and patriotism. Abolishing it would weaken national solidarity.
That’s a nice ideal, but the reality is conscripted soldiers are often exploited. Voluntary service is better.
If ministries were more transparent with budget use, we wouldn’t have such issues with salary deductions.
Can we just appreciate that the soldiers went public with these issues? It took guts and they deserve our support.
Absolutely, Alice! They brought much-needed attention to a serious problem. Kudos to them!
Yes, now it’s on the authorities to follow through and make lasting changes.