A spokesman for the Defense Ministry claims the military insists studies are based on outdated information and that this process has ended.
PUBLISHED: 14 Jun 2024 at 19: 05
Following another report that revealed a 1,200-baht WiFi service cost was taken out of some pay, Defense Minister Sutin Klungsang has ordered an investigation into the income assumptions of soldiers nationwide.
Files showing the WiFi command were posted on social media following a statement on Thursday regarding a 500-baht exemption for a septic tank pumping payment. 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 assumptions range from 4, 500 to 5, 400 ringgit from an average monthly salary of 10, 990 baht.
Mr. Jirayu claimed that the representative of the Royal Thai Army informed the ministry that the documents were dated and based on antiquated regulations. They were intended to tarnish the military’s reputation.
In the past, loan conclusions were again made, but this process has ended, he said. Also, the military is not required to impose a regular WiFi fee on conscripts.
The military has previously verified this information, and Mr. Jirayu advised those who can determine its source and have evidence that the deductions were made to quickly inform the ministry.
According to him, the government has gathered information from all branches of the military, and it has discovered that WiFi companies are not charged.
Conscripts at industrial units can get common WiFi while those stationed in rural or borderless regions can get WiFi via television or dish signals, according to Mr. Jirayu.
He claimed that there are instances where new soldiers wanted to call their families but were unable to have cash. They requested a order in advance, and the price was taken from their regular income.