Drawing for duty: Inside Thailand's controversial military lottery

Every year, a nationwide military lottery determines the fate of tens of thousands of young men in Thailand. Military conscription is mandatory for all men aged 21 and over. Following armed confrontations between Thailand and Cambodia in July 2025 and again in December, tensions remain high despite a ceasefire and the Thai military is on heightened alert. A story by Antoine Morel, Constantin Simon, Aruna Popuri and Adrien Quilico.

By Antoine MOREL