The Defence Ministry has set aside a budget of 1.45 billion baht for a volunteer military programme that aims to recruit 25,000 personnel in the 2027 fiscal year, according to a source.
Under the programme, the Royal Thai Army will recruit 18,784 personnel, the Royal Thai Navy 3,496, the Royal Thai Air Force 2,174, the Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters 300 and the Office of the Permanent Secretary for Defence 246.
The proposed spending, known as the "Volunteer Soldier (10 Plus)" scheme, is included in the 2027 fiscal budget, which is being debated by the House of Representatives.
It is based on the government's policy statement to parliament and was also a campaign pledge of the Bhumjaithai Party (BJT), according to the source.
The Defence Council last week approved a draft ministerial regulation governing the period of service, salaries, allowances, benefits, discipline and other conditions for temporary military personnel.
The regulation, which is essential to the volunteer military recruitment programme, also expands the definition of "government agency" to include the Office of the Permanent Secretary for Defence, allowing it to recruit volunteers legally.
The council also acknowledged progress in implementing the programme, including the establishment of a committee to amend regulations and prepare the necessary ministerial rules.
Under the scheme, applications will be accepted online, from September 2026 to January 2027, with recruitment targeted at 25,000 volunteers each year.
The ministry is scheduled to meet the Comptroller General's Department on July 6 to finalise budget arrangements.
