On Sept. 10, 2014, my 18th birthday, just after the coup d’état, I was a high school student. As I considered the sources of societal problems, I saw the forced conscripted military service as one of them, violating the freedom and rights of Thai people. Thus, I published a statement that I would not serve in the military.
Since July 10, I have been ordained as a monk, studying and practicing Buddhism with a strong faith in the teachings of the Buddha. Without coercion to the service, I wish to continue studying and practicing Buddhism as much as I desire. However, I do not want to use the privilege of being a monk to escape military service or give the impression that I am running away using the temple as a shield, which would contradict my statement from almost nine years ago.
Therefore, I have decided to disrobe and return to household life, willingly struggling in the legal process to uphold my beliefs and aim my Thai society toward a path of peace, non-violence, and no military conscription.
Before disrobing, I have some unfinished tasks. I need to pass the Pali examination and will be retaking one subject on April 15-16, which I devoted time to study for. After that, I ask for some preparation time before disrobing, which I plan to do before the end of April.
During this very short period, I want to maintain myself as a Buddhist monk and ask for the kindness of everyone to give me a chance for cultivating and giving me the peaceful serenity that suits a monk who follows the noble life.
