THE WELFARE ISSUES OF ROYAL THAI ARMED FORCES’ PERSONEL IN CASE OF DEATH, DISABILITY AND INJURY RESULTING FROM DEPLOYMENT IN SOUTHERN BORDER PROVINCES

Abstract

          Compared to their duties in high-risk locations, Royal Thai Armed Forces’ Personel in the southern border provinces for death, disability, and injury are inadequate. The findings showed that (1) the Military Service Act, B.E. 2521, does not explicitly allow successors to replace those already serving in southern border provinces, and (2) monthly allowances for disabled military personnel are inconsistent with economic realities. The UK bases the allowance amount on the severity of the injuries and the individual's physical limitations, while the Commonwealth of Australia offers a transportation allowance; (3) The lack of a guaranteed income for beneficiaries of special disability pensions, which the US government grants to heirs of military members killed; (4) The establishment of 24-hour mental health facilities in the US and private treatment in the Commonwealth of Australia suggests a lack of focus on mental health issues following wars; and (5) Medical equipment costs, which are supported by the Commonwealth of Australia for energy costs, are not reimbursed.

          It is recommended that (1) An extra Military Service Act B.E. 2521 provision for southern border provinces' military service successor enrollment; (2) All branches of the armed forces shall receive the monthly stipend for honorably discharged and disabled military personnel; (3) The proposal provides extra welfare income insurance for handicapped recipients receiving specialized pensions; (4) Expanding mental health medical rights; (5) The idea proposes supplemental entitlements for therapeutic equipment purchases and usage.