The People's Party (PP) has proposed legal amendments that would replace military conscription with a voluntary system this year.
Ekkarach Udomumnuay, the party's MP for Bangkok's Constituency 10, said the proposal was submitted during the previous parliamentary term but was not considered, prompting revisions before resubmission.
He said ending conscription would improve both national security and the welfare, income and career prospects of soldiers.
"To enhance security missions and improve quality of life, conscription must be abolished and replaced with a voluntary system," he said.
The draft also proposes repealing six laws now considered outdated, and allowing those aged 18 and above to register voluntarily for service.
Mr Ekkarach said around 60,000 draft lottery slots remain this year, urging the government to clarify its policy on volunteer soldiers.
He said the party would closely monitor alleged abuses within the system, including the use of conscripts as personal servants, illegal salary deductions, and reported cases of abuse in military camps.
"We will push this through legal mechanisms to ensure conscription is abolished in practice," he said, calling for any complaints to be submitted for an investigation.
Cdr Kittipong Piyawanno, a party-list MP of the PP, said the Bhumjaithai Party's policy on volunteer soldiers had raised expectations that 2026 could be the final year of compulsory conscription.
"People expect clarity on how the volunteer system will work. Concerns are not only about enlistment, but also the welfare and safety of soldiers," he said.
He pointed to recent reports of abuse, stressing the need for safeguards. "The government must act seriously to prevent torture and rights violations. Soldiers protecting the country must not face such treatment," he said.
The proposal comes as Thailand enters its annual draft season, with the PP reiterating calls for reforms, including reducing troop numbers, preventing abuse, and enhancing military skills via modern training and up-to-date technology.
