Annual military conscription draft day in Thailand, Bangkok - 01 Apr 2024
A Thai man has his height measured by soldiers for a physical check during the annual military conscription draft day at a Buddhist temple in Bangkok, Thailand, 01 April 2024. The Royal Thai Armed Forces launched their annual military conscription draft day, searching for healthy men of fighting age from 21 years old and above, while transgender women who have bodies not consistent with their birth sex and have undergone breast augmentation surgery and full gender reassignment operations, as well as those who do not pass the physical and mental health examinations are exempted from military service. Many young Thai men are willing to avoid recruiting as they will lose two productive years for military service as well as the fears of harsh training, poor welfare and violations against draftees.