Praying to avoid military draft

Praying for exemption: Pasakorn offering prayers to avoid conscription into Thailand’s military in the Ya Nak shrine at Wat Mahabut temple in Bangkok. — AFP

Bangkok: A slim young recruit wearing make-up, new fathers, nervous lovers holding hands – diverse groups of Thais flocked to a famed Bangkok shrine this week offering prayers to avoid military conscription.

Every male citizen aged 21 in Thailand must participate in the country’s massive annual draft, which starts in April and sees an estimated 100,000 enlisted for up to two years.