According to a spokeswoman for the Defense Ministry, the army insists that information are based on outdated information and that this training has ended.
PUBLISHED: 14 Jun 2024 at 19: 05
After another report revealed a 1,200-baht WiFi service cost was taken out of some pay, Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang has ordered an investigation into the income assumptions of soldiers nationwide.
Following a review on Thursday regarding a 500-baht exemption for a septic tank pumping charge, files showing the WiFi charge were posted on social media. The latter was among a series of deductions that wrecked 60 % of a conscript’s income.
Jirayu Houngsub, the ministry’s spokesman for political affairs, said Mr Sutin had investigated all military units regarding the dissemination of documents indicating the deduction of WiFi charges and other personal items for conscripts, including insurance ( 330 baht ), daily use items ( 1, 100 baht ), a bag ( 590 baht ), a camouflage suit ( 1, 900 baht ), a training suit ( 900 baht ), drinking water and ice ( 470 ), and cleaning equipment (990 baht ).
Some units also have other deductions, including a donation to the PX, an army welfare shop ( 800 baht ), a funeral contribution ( 12 baht ), a deposit with the army (90 baht ) and a deposit with the Government Savings Bank ( 500 baht ). As a result, income deductions range from 4, 500 to 5, 400 ringgit from an average monthly salary of 10, 990 baht.
The Royal Thai Army consultant informed the department that the documents were dated and based on antiquated regulations, according to Mr. Jirayu.
In the past, loan conclusions were again made, but this process has ended, he said. Also, the military has no policy to impose a regular WiFi fee on conscripts.
According to Mr. Jirayu, the army has previously verified this information and advised the government to immediately respond if anyone has information to verify its authenticity.
The government has gathered information from all branches of the military, and he added, he discovered that WiFi services are not charged, he continued.
According to Mr. Jirayu, troops at industrial units have common WiFi access, while those stationed in rural or border regions can get WiFi via radio or dish signs.
He claimed that there are instances where fresh troops desired to have a mobile phone so they could call their families but did not have any income. They requested a order in advance, and the price was taken from their regular income.