Phanu “Poppy” Jirakhun (front right), leader of
the band K-otic, reports for military duty at the Naval Recruit Training
Center.
Patcharapol Panrak
Phanu “Poppy” Jirakhun, leader of the band K-otic, reported for military
duty at the Naval Recruit Training Center, refusing to call in any special
favors and said he’d willingly take a battalion-unit post.
The pop star was part of the latest class of conscripts to be welcomed May 1
by academy director Capt. Niwat Hachaoren. The 23-year-old said he
volunteered for service after completing his bachelor’s degree in
architecture at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok.
The new recruit took part in an inspection by drug-sniffing dogs to find
illegal narcotics and determine if any recruits were using drugs. The singer
reportedly conducted himself admirably.
Niwat called Poppy’s arrival a plus for the school as he has knowledge in
science and art. He said he plans to discuss the singer with the head of the
Naval Education Department as to how Poppy can use his talents to the
benefit of the Navy over the next six months.
Poppy said he will be in the Navy for two years and will take on whatever
post he is assigned, even if it is a low-level battalion position.
