Vittaya Yoondron
Red and black cards held the fate of more than 600
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 sought 185 new cadets at
their annual conscription event April 10 at Banglamung Community Center.
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 too many applicants.
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. Sixty-four of the 628 applicants were disqualified
for health reasons, 44 joined as volunteers and another 142 requested
postponements due to educational or religious commitments.
Maj. Phanom Prayudram of the 14th Military Circle in
Chonburi and officials from the Naval Recruit Training Center in
Sattahip then screened the rest, seeking to fill 87 Army slots and 98
Navy billets.
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 and, for many, a red card was
welcomed.
Indian-Thai Mohammad Arif Aaram, a student at Thai
ITOH Technology College, said he was delighted to pull a red card and
carry out his responsibility for serving the nation. He challenged his
younger classmates to step up next year and try their luck.
