Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva's nephew has spoken out against the use of violence against new conscripts, saying those who abuse their power must be prosecuted.
Parit "Itim" Wacharasindhu, 25, an Oxford University graduate, made the remarks yesterday as he reported to the 11th Military Circle in Bangkok's Dusit district for his military service.
"As far as military service is concerned, there should be no use of violence against conscripts. I expect those who act beyond the scope of their power to be punished by law," he said.
Mr Parit applied to join the army rather than chance his luck in the military conscription lottery.
He will be a private for six months in the so-called "celeb battalion" of the 11th Military Circle which is famous for having many conscripts who are actors, singers and celebrities and serves as a public relations arm for the army.
Young graduates who enlist serve six months compared to a potential term of two years if they choose to take part in the conscription lottery and are unlucky enough to draw a red card.
Mr Parit refused to comment on whether conscription should be scrapped and replaced by voluntary military service, saying he was more than happy to serve the country.
He said he did not take territorial defence training at school, so was called up for the draft in March. He said he wanted to choose the most transparent, direct way of doing it.
Mr Parit said he wanted to gain first-hand experience serving in the military before making any comments about the country's conscription system.
