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Thai Draft Lottery Boosts Volunteers Amid Ongoing Abuse Claims

5/10/2026

50 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

A lottery at Central Westgate mall in Nonthaburi used red and black cards to pick men for draft.
Volunteer enlistments rose 22 percent to nearly 50,000 men, who receive 11,000 baht monthly and shorter terms.
The military says it has tightened training rules, banned excessive punishment and let civilian courts prosecute violations since 2023.
Human-rights groups report routine hazing, severe abuse and 17 conscript deaths from 2015 to 2024.

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Story summary

A lottery at Central Westgate mall in Nonthaburi used red and black cards to pick men for draft.
Volunteer enlistments rose 22 percent to nearly 50,000 men, who receive 11,000 baht monthly and shorter terms.
The military says it has tightened training rules, banned excessive punishment and let civilian courts prosecute violations since 2023.
Human-rights groups report routine hazing, severe abuse and 17 conscript deaths from 2015 to 2024.