San Francisco Frontiers - Red or black: Thai men tempt fate at military draft draw

The conscription lottery, held across Thailand each April, has taken on added weight this year following several rounds of border clashes with Cambodia that killed dozens of soldiers and civilians on both sides.

A fragile ceasefire has held since December, but tensions persist along parts of the two countries' disputed 800-kilometre frontier.

At a temple on the outskirts of Bangkok on Tuesday, nervous chatter rippled through the crowd of potential recruits, as family members hovered nearby, watching uniformed soldiers oversee the draw.

One by one, the men aged between 18 and 29 stepped forward to pick a card from a jar placed before them.

The outcome can only go two ways: a black card means exemption from military service, while red signals conscription.

Among the first to draw a black card, Jessada Charoenkhao, 21, threw his arms joyfully into the air after learning he would not be drafted.

"I just want to live like a normal young person and be free," he told AFP.

Military service might benefit others by instilling discipline, he added, "but it's just not for me".

- Nationalism and career options -

For the capital's Bang Sue district alone, the military required 36 recruits across the army, navy and air force during this year's enlistment period, a military official told AFP -- a figure that fluctuates every year depending on needs.

Fifteen had already volunteered, leaving 21 places to be filled by lottery among the 68 eligible men present.

Nationwide, nearly 30,000 men have volunteered for military service this year, a jump of almost 50 percent from 2024, according to the army.

Some observers attribute the increase to rising nationalism following last year's clashes with Cambodia as well as limited job prospects.

"The rise of nationalism in Thailand could be a factor, while a career in the military may be seen as stable when economic opportunities are uncertain," political analyst Yuttaporn Issarachai told AFP.

Those conscripted serve for two years, though university graduates may serve a reduced term of one year, and volunteers serve for six months.

They receive a monthly salary of about 11,000 baht ($340) -- slightly above Thailand's minimum wage -- with food and accommodation provided.

Men who have not completed three years of compulsory military training in high school must report for the draw, though exemptions can be requested annually for personal reasons like illness and caring for family.

Before taking part, men must pass a physical examination, including meeting a minimum height requirement of 160 centimetres (five feet three inches).

One military staff member measured a topless man's chest with a tape measure, while another checked a recruit's height using a wooden measuring stick.

- 'Honourable' -

Some families arrived in the early morning, watching from the sidelines and waiting hours for the moment of truth.

Taweepong Boonliang, a motorbike delivery driver, stood with shaking knees as he waited for his 21-year-old nephew's turn.

"He doesn't want to join (the military) because he has to work and take care of his partner," Taweepong said.

The uncle added that he favoured a voluntary military system and increased benefits for soldiers, since "many people now want to join the military".

Some men who drew red cards slumped in visible disappointment, covering their faces, while one shouted in frustration. Others accepted their fate with quiet composure.

Chakrit Kaewkum, a 21-year-old working part-time at a supermarket, remained steady as he stepped forward to register after drawing a red card.

"I am OK with either outcome -- I leave it to fate. It's not that difficult as it's only two years," he told AFP.

His mother Sawang Jaithum looked on with pride.

"For a man in Thailand," she said, "I think it's honourable."

T.Rivera--SFF