PUBLISHED: 5 Sep 2023 at 6:00 p.m.
According to new Defense Minister Sutin Klungsang, defense reform will proceed with conscription eventually phased out and the military forces anticipated to be significantly leaner within four years.
According to Mr. Sutin, the military is currently undergoing a restructuring program, particularly the initiative to exchange conscription with deliberate enlistment. Government assistance is needed, though, to expedite the voluntary program and live up to common objectives.
He claimed that while better welfare benefits and pay raises may serve as incentives to enlist, it is also important to address the negative public perceptions of the army that lead to young men avoiding conscription.
Although instances of coaching cruelty that resulted in injuries or even deaths are uncommon, the defense minister claimed that when they do occur, it attracts a lot of attention. He did, however, add that the number of soldiers can also be reduced as much as it has no impact on the operations of the armed forces.
He added that the plan to reduce the number of generals in order to thin the troops did proceed. The new chancellor stated that he anticipates efforts to reduce the troops will be made in four years.
Mr. Sutin declared that he would provide the war with all of his assistance in carrying out its restructuring plan. He did, however, add that he hasn’t already spoken with the top brass about the specifics of the transformation.
After the oath-taking service and government policy statement in parliament, Mr. Sutin promised to resolve the controversy regarding the navy’s decision to construct its submarine in China using a Chinese-made CHD620 engine rather than one made in Germany.
While declining to state whether the torpedo procurement scheme may be completely scrapped, he stated that the solution may be acceptable to both the navy and the general public.