Thailand's annual military lottery determines conscription for thousands of young men. Amidst ongoing tensions with Cambodia following recent armed confrontations, the Thai military remains on heightened alert.

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.