THE PERPECTIVE OF THE SOLDIERS TOWARD THE MILITARY REFORM POLICYFOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THAI SOCIETY

Abstract

This research purposed to study the perspective of the soldiers towards the military reform policy including 1) the perspective of the soldiers towards the abolish conscription 2) the perspective of the soldiers towards the reduction of the military budget and 3) the perspective of the soldiers towards the reduction of general levels. This qualitative study surveyed the samples and created the questions to ask their opinions and suggestions of soldiers towards the military reform policy. The target group was 50 soldiers in an army camp. The samples could be categorized into commissioned officers, non-commissioned officers, and private soldiers. The study applied the in-depth interview, observation, and focus group to collect data for content analysis.

          According to the study

          Most soldiers have a mutual agreement in the abolish conscription and the registration with willingness but the army must increase the remuneration and welfare to attract the soldiers. For the reduction of the army budget, most agree that the budget should not be reduced and new weapons and munitions because they are needed but the progress must be transparent. For the reduction of the general level, most of them agree that it should be.

          On the other hand, in compliance with the perspective of soldiers towards the military reform in the 3 topics, all of their opinions are not in the same direction. In other words, even though most are in the mutual agreement, some solders will regard differently with good reason supported. It demonstrates the various views of people in the army. This study result is one of the information. The achievement of the military reform and the highest benefits still depend on more and other data.