Article by Viory
The annual Thai military draft lottery, held each April at venues like the Phaya Thai District office in Bangkok, has become a viral spectacle due to the dramatic emotional swings it produces.
Footage captured on Thursday shows young men lining up shirtless for health checks while their families looked on. The fortunate are seen celebrating by shedding tears of relief, surrounded by families and loved ones.
“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I have never done this before; this is truly my first time. I’ve had deferments for many years, and now I’ve drawn a card this time, so I’m excited. I never imagined I’d actually get selected. I’m really excited,” exclaimed a drafted resident.
Under the system, 21-year-old men select a card at random from a jar. Those who pick a black card are immediately exempt from service, while those who draw a red card will be conscripted to a mandatory two-year term.
At this venue, four of the 17 selected were drafted by choosing red cards.
Nationwide, nearly 30,000 men have volunteered for military service this year, a jump of almost 50 per cent from 2024, according to the army.
The draft, taking place from April 1 to 12, results in varying service lengths based on educational background or volunteering status.
Article by Viory
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