One of the males at the military conscription is
ecstatic when picking the black card.
Surasak Huasoon
Red and black cards held the fate of more than 1,100 Pattaya-area men
who lined up in Banglamung to see if they would be conscripted into Thailand’s
military.
The Royal Thai Army and Navy conscripted 171 new cadets - 123 for the navy and
48 for the army - at their annual draft event April 9 at Banglamung Community
Center. Another 108 volunteered, bringing the enlistment total to 279.
All Thai male nationals at age 21 must submit themselves for the draft, although
many are turned away for not meeting physical requirements, excused for
educational reasons or dismissed due to trans-gender issues.
The men from Nongprue, Huay Yai, Nong Plalai, Khao Maikaew, Takientia, and Pong
sub-districts excitedly completed applications, took blood tests and physicals,
and were measured for height and weight. Some were disqualified for health
reasons while about 100 requested postponements due to educational, religious or
gender issues.
The decision came down to a drawing of cards; red meant conscription and black
excused them. Families cheered on the drawing much like a sporting event, with
participants and families cheering, laughing, screaming and some crying.
