PUBLISHED: 13 Jun 2024 at 18: 54
In a pending investigation into alleged conclusions from troops ‘ pay for utilities and other products, including a septic tank pumping fee, the Royal Thai Army has transferred the commander of a training system in Nakhon Ratchasima to its northeastern office.
Information of the expenses that were charged to a new soldier under the 2nd Army Support Command in Nakhon Ratchasima were made public by a Twitter website named E- Sol Khayee Khao 3 ( E- Sol crushing information ).
The post showed the conscript’s financial summary for the past 42- day cycle which revealed his earnings of 10, 990 baht and expenses of 6, 280 baht.
Among his expenses were costs for camping gear and his uniform, cleaning equipment, meals during a long- distance walk, alcohol and an ATK test kit, and a septic tank pumping fee. The latter cost 500 baht.  ,  ,  ,
Jirayu Houngsub, the spokesman for political affairs for the Defence Ministry, responded on Tuesday, stating that the salary deductions, including those related to the septic tank fee, were confirmed to be true.
Around 100 recruits were enlisted in the 22nd Transportation and Service Battalion unit, where this particular conscript was enlisted to train and join.
According to Mr Jirayu, the unit was found to have charged such expenses.
Lt Gen Adul Boonthamcharoen, the 2nd Army Region Commander, said the army had more than 200 new military training units but none have collected the septic tank pumping fee.
The relevant officers have been summoned for questioning, he said, adding that if violations were found within any units, wrongdoers would face disciplinary action.
Lt. Gen. Adul claimed that he initially ordered the transfer of Col Achawin Akapin, the 22nd Transportation and Service Battalion commander, to a post inactive at the 2nd Army area headquarters pending a probe.
Lt. Gen. Adul claimed that some of the information contained in the documents was true while others were false.
Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang claimed that the ministry had previously issued orders forbidding any deductions from soldiers ‘ salaries for non-official expenses.
” This is something that should not have happened. It is unacceptable”, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said.
Mr. Sutin emphasized that one of the ministry’s priorities is to ensure that enlisted officers will earn between 10,000 and 10,000 baht per month. This is in line with the government’s plan to raise the minimum wage for new hires.
” I demand that those responsible for this matter will be held accountable and punished,” said Mr. Sutin.
” Units nationwide have been mandated to the military inspector-general.” So far, there have been no reports of similar issues. Strict measures will be implemented”, he said.
” But some units may still have misunderstandings”, he added.