Thailand’s military conscription lottery has made headlines for becoming a stage for transgender women who seek visibility and viral fame.
The country’s military service law requires all male citizens to serve in national defence. When individuals turn 21, they must participate in a conscription lottery.
Each participant receives an envelope containing either a red or a black card. A red card means they will enlist in the Thai military, typically for two years, while a black card signifies exemption.
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The high-stakes moment blends celebration with anxiety.
This year’s lottery, which began on April 1, even saw an individual holding an amulet in his mouth while drawing lots, hoping to avoid military service.
However, the event has also become a forum for transgender women, who must submit legal documentation for exemption and who therefore take the moment as an opportunity to boost their visibility.
On the first day of the 2025 military draft held at the Nong Kha Yang District Office Hall in Uthai Thani province in the north of the country, 23-year-old Arit Kannika, a final-year communication arts student from Nakhon Sawan, took part in the draft for the third time.
With her paperwork in order, she is likely to be exempt from service.
“Two years ago, I deferred because I had not had time to get a medical examination. But this year, I went to Phramongkutklao Hospital, completed the check-up, and got my gender identity certificate,” she told The Thaiger news outlet.
In Thailand, all individuals designated male at birth must participate in the draft at the age of 21.
However, transgender women can be exempted from service, usually being classified as medically “unfit for service,” if they provide medical documentation proving that their gender identity does not match their assigned sex at birth.
This turned has turned into an opportunity for some to gain followers online and media attention, as simply appearing at the conscription centre can make them go viral.
Kantong Passarapon, a 22-year-old transgender woman, went viral at a previous draft.
She has reportedly taken part in about 100 beauty pageants, won several championship titles, and has been dubbed the “Thai Bay Angel.”
Parida Kerayuphan, 22, a student and campus ambassador at Sripatum University in Bangkok, saw her social media following skyrocket after she appeared at last year’s draft. She now has 150,000 followers.
While many Thai netizens believe that the draft day is becoming a beauty pageant, the transformation has also sparked a lively discussion on mainland social media.
One Chinese person said: “Thailand’s draft has literally become a beauty pageant. This country never ceases to amaze us.”
“So if a trans woman draws a red card, do they need to stay in the men’s dorm or the women’s?” asked another.
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