Crafty draft: Stunning transgender woman joins Thai military draft
The first day of Thailand’s 2025 military draft saw two eager young men fulfil their childhood dream of becoming soldiers, while a beautifully dressed transgender woman turned heads as she stepped forward to take part in the conscription process.
The annual draft today, April 1, held at the Nong Kha Yang District Office Hall in Uthai Thani Province, was overseen by Colonel Prapass Klanghon of the 23rd Logistics and Services Battalion. With 118 eligible Thai men reporting for duty, 16 recruits were set to be selected, 10 for the army, two for the Royal Thai Air Force, and 4 four for the Royal Thai Navy.
Before the lottery began, officials assured attendees that the process would be corruption-free, urging anyone with suspicions to speak up, reported Channel 7.
Among the first to volunteer were two Thai men who revealed they had always dreamed of serving their country.
“We’ve wanted this since we were kids,” one said proudly, adding that they weren’t afraid of being deployed to the country’s troubled southern border regions.
Their goal? To become professional soldiers and eventually rise to the rank of sergeant. Colonel Prapass congratulated them, calling them “born to be soldiers.”
As family and friends cheered them on, the focus quickly shifted to an unexpected presence in the draft hall.
Dressed immaculately, 23 year old Arit Kannika, also known as “Nong Mo,” captivated the crowd as she joined the draft process. A final-year Communication Arts student from Nakhon Sawan, she revealed that this was her third time taking part.
“Two years ago, I deferred because I hadn’t had time to get a medical examination. But this year, I went to Phramongkutklao Hospital, completed the physical check-up, and got my gender identity certification.”
Under Thai law, transgender women can avoid military service if they provide medical documentation proving their gender identity does not align with their assigned sex at birth. With her paperwork in order, Arit was confident she would be exempt.
Meanwhile, another transgender woman, 21 year old Thanet Saenlop, also known as “Nong Tor,” admitted she was unfamiliar with the draft process.
“This is my first time here, and I don’t know the rules yet. If there’s an option to defer, I’ll take it so I can get my medical certificate and apply next year. But if the doctors say I have to go through with the draft today, I guess I’ll take my chances.”
While Thailand does not legally recognise gender changes on official documents, transgender women are typically declared medically “unfit for service,” a ruling that exempts them from conscription. However, without proper documentation, some are still forced to participate in the nerve-wracking lottery.
With emotions running high and futures hanging in the balance, Thailand’s military draft continues to be a moment of both anxiety and celebration, depending on the luck of the draw.
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