Isariya Chaimontree: A New Conscientious Objector to Military Service in Thailand

18th April 2026

In Thailand, the right to conscientious objection to military service is not recognised and implemented, and conscientious objectors to military service face prison sentences. Isariya Chaimontree, a student living in Thailand, has just publicly refused compulsory military conscription on 11th April 2026. His objection is the second known in the country after that of Netiwit Chotiphatphaisal, whose case is pending at the Constitutional Court.

ISARIYA CHAIMONTREE:

«On 11th April 2026, I performed an act of civil disobedience by refusing compulsory military conscription because it conflicts with my conscience. I believe that compulsory military conscription violates fundamental human rights.

I have held the view that I cannot participate in compulsory military service since my high school years. I cannot go to war and kill fellow human beings, regardless of their race, religion, or beliefs. Every human being deserves to live in peace without killing one another.

Serving as a conscript may force me to commit acts that contradict my moral conscience. Moreover, I see that compulsory military conscription violates the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), particularly Article 18 on freedom of thought, conscience, and religion. The system merely claims that military service is a “duty” of Thai citizens as stipulated in Section 50(5) of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand, B.E. 2560 (2017).

I affirm that this act of civil disobedience is not motivated by personal benefit. I recognize that many people in society disagree with this system but do not dare to speak out due to fear of state power and legal punishment. My action is therefore intended to show society that civil disobedience based on conscience is not abnormal, but is something that should be done when one encounters injustice in the system.

This action is also in line with the first case in Thai history of Mr. Netiwit Chotiphatphaisal, who performed civil disobedience by refusing military conscription on grounds of conscience since 2024. His case is still pending in the justice process, with the Constitutional Court currently considering whether Sections 27 and 45 of the Military Service Act B.E. 2497 (1954) conflict with Sections 26 and 31 of the Constitution.

Therefore, I have the following demands:
— abolish the compulsory military conscription system and immediately change it to a 100% voluntary system,
— reform the military budget by reducing unnecessary expenditures and redirecting those funds to improve welfare for professional soldiers, including raising salaries for those who voluntarily enlist.

I accept any legal consequences that may arise from this action with full responsibility, because I firmly believe that reforming this outdated system that violates rights will lead Thai society toward greater justice, freedom, and respect for the moral conscience of all citizens.

With respect,
Isariya Chaimontree»