BANGKOK: At the start of this year’s military draft, the Thai army recruited over 30,000 volunteers, thanks to a social media campaign that humorously urged men to take a break from their wives, Sputnik/RIA Novosti reported after analysing army command data and the PR effort.
"At the start of the conscription campaign, the ground forces received over 30,000 online applications from volunteers, achieving a 105 per cent fulfilment rate for the first time in the online voluntary recruitment campaign," the Royal Thai Army said.
This is a record number of volunteers who applied online.
"Join the ground forces! On the day of enlistment, your private's salary for the first month of service - 8,000 baht [US$246] - will be transferred to your mother's account! High pay, free food, and barracks accommodation await you!" one of the campaign's advertisements read.
"Tired of your wife? There's no better place to get away from her than a military camp!" another army message noted.
The campaigners also touched on post-breakup experiences, suggesting that the army is the perfect place to forget about your ex.
"Broke up with your girlfriend? Still missing her? Join your new comrades at the military training camp. You'll run and tone up so much that you'll forget about her in just a short time during your training!" the advertisement said.
The Thai air force and navy followed the army's example.
"Join the Navy! At least you'll learn to swim!" the Navy command said.
The military's promotional campaign not only went viral on Thai social media but also sparked a wave of jokes and parodies. - Bernama-Sputnik/Ria Novosti
