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Territorial Defense Student Program

In Thailand, the Territorial Defense Student program, known as Ror Dor (ร.ด.), is a youth military-training track operated by the Territorial Defense Command of the Royal Thai Army. It serves as one of the main ways students can meet military-service requirements and enter the reserve force.

Who Joins and When

Enrollment is voluntary and open to male and female students. Most start from age 15 onward, typically during Mathayom 4–6 (roughly ages 15–18), and complete three years of training. For males, finishing all three years is a legally recognized alternative to entering the conscription lottery.

Legal Context and Purpose

Thailand has mandatory military service for male citizens, with conscription at age 21. Completing all three Ror Dor levels grants full exemption. Partial completion reduces service time if drafted:

  • Year 1 cuts service from 2 years to 1.5 years.
  • Year 2 cuts service to 6 months.

Graduates receive the reserve rank of sergeant.

Training Structure

Training follows a fixed national curriculum:

  • About 80 hours of instruction per year, usually on weekends or set training blocks.
  • Core subjects: military discipline, drill, physical fitness, fieldcraft, map reading, first aid, and basic tactics.
  • Year 1 covers fundamentals; Year 2 expands into field operations; Year 3 focuses on leadership and applied skills.

Field Camps

Field training is mandatory. Students in the Bangkok and central region typically attend Khao Chon Kai Training Camp, though camp length varies by institution and year. A 2022 reference notes Year 3 students doing 2-day local training, while university-level Years 4–5 attend 5-day (male) or 3-day (female) camps at Khao Chon Kai. Other sources report final-year camps ranging from 3–7 days. Duration is not uniform and shifts over time.

Outcomes

After completing the three-year sequence:

  • Students receive the reserve rank of sergeant.
  • Male students receive formal exemption from conscription at age 20.
  • All graduates are placed on the inactive reserve list.

What It Is Not

Ror Dor is reserve-force training, not a direct track into military academies. It is separate from Senior ROTC (Years 4–5 at university), which can lead to an officer commission.

Further Reading




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