The Thai Army: Lottery, Transgender Individuals, and Monks
In Thailand, many things can surprise foreigners: laws, traditions, tastes, and even the boundaries of normalcy. The Thai Army is another example. Transgender individuals and monks serve here, and joining the military can depend on winning a lottery. Here are some of the most interesting and unusual facts about the Thai Army:
- Conscription begins on April 1 and lasts for 11 days.
- Thailand has a mandatory military service program: all men in the kingdom must serve in the army for two years. However, they can volunteer for contract service, reducing the term to six months.
- Thailand has a large pool of human resources, so only those meeting strict medical and physical criteria are accepted into the army. This includes being physically and mentally healthy and meeting specific anatomical requirements, such as a minimum height of 160 cm, weight of at least 50 kg, and chest circumference of more than 76 cm.
- Conscripts who pass a medical examination participate in a lottery: drawing a red card means they must serve, while a black card allows them to return home.
- Conscripts are allowed to decline participation in the lottery once in their lifetime without needing to provide an official reason.
- Men aged 21 to 55 are eligible for conscription, including Buddhist monks and individuals undergoing a gender transition.
Popular posts
Five unusual bars in Phuket Town
Compiled a selection of the most interesting places in Phuket Town where you can enjoy delicious drinks with interesting serving: 🤫 shhh. Phuket A secret bar where the main challenge is finding the door🗝️🔑🚪 Inside, you’ll find a DJ, unique cocktails, and immersive experiences📽️ 💉🌈 Zimplex Mixology Laboratory This place...
The Big Buddha is closed to the public
Today, on September 4, 2024, one of Phuket’s main attractions, the Big Buddha statue, was closed to tourists. The Big Buddha in Phuket is closed due to significant events that have raised many questions among locals and tourists. The reason for this closure is an ongoing investigation into the tragedy...
10 Popular Mango Varieties in Thailand
Mango is one of the most popular tropical fruits, considered in Thailand not only an essential part of the culinary culture but also a source of national pride. There are over 200 different varieties of this fruit, each with its own unique characteristics: taste, size, color, and texture. Some varieties...
5 Best Cafes with a Petting Zoo in Phuket 🐶🐱🐇🦜🐢🐓🐭🐰🐠
Rabbit Hole 🐇Location: Pa Klok Located in the Pa Klok district. It has a large area where you can feed cute rabbits and goats, ride horses around the lake, and walk on a rope bridge. Afterward, you can enjoy a delicious meal at the local cafe. Tang Toh 🦜Location: Chalong...
Michelin on a budget – it’s possible
Phuket has budget-friendly cafes that are featured in the famous Michelin Guide. This means the food is guaranteed to be delicious. Insider recommends what you absolutely must try. Ton Mayom Google Maps rating: 4.7 This place is renowned for its traditional Thai cuisine. A fiery dish in every sense —...
Frightening spiders in Phuket
Disclaimer: Arachnophobes better skip this article! Phuket is undoubtedly a paradise island, but there’s one small (and sometimes not so small) catch: insects. In Thailand, there are thousands of species. But today, we’re not going to talk about them, but rather about a family of arthropods — spiders. There are...
Kata or Patong: which to choose?
Patong and Kata beaches are the most popular beaches in Phuket. They both have a gentle entrance to the sea, a good selection of hotels, restaurants and a variety of activities. However, there are differences between these beaches that can play an important role in choosing a vacation spot. In...
Where to watch the sunset in Phuket
A fact that hardly anyone would argue with: Phuket has amazing sunsets! The sunset, set against the incredible scenery of the Andaman Sea, is an art form in its own right. Insider has compiled the top locations on the island where you’ll see the best sunsets in Phuket. Spoiler: there...
The most dangerous venomous snakes in Phuket
Phuket is home to an incredibly diverse array of flora and fauna. This paradise island serves as a native habitat for many animals, birds, reptiles, and insects. Among them is a particularly intimidating group — snakes. Especially the venomous ones. We talk about the most dangerous snakes in Phuket that...
Bang Tao vs Karon
Two popular districts of Phuket: but which one is better? Which is more suitable for vacation? To make a choice, you need to consider all the pros and cons of these locations. Bang Tao Infrastructure. Bang Tao is considered an elite area with well-developed infrastructure, featuring many luxurious restaurants, some...