The trial has begun of activist and conscientious objector Netiwit Chotiphatphaisal, charged with draft evasion for refusing to take part in military conscription as an act of protest against compulsory military service. At the end of witness examination, Netiwit requested that the Samut Prakan District Court petition the Constitutional Court to rule whether the Military Service Act is unconstitutional.

<p>The Thai parliament has opened an online public hearing on a new Military Service Act which abolishes conscription, standardizes welfare and training and penalizes officers who exploit subordinates.</p>