“厌倦了妻子？今年四月，来参军吧。”泰国军方在社交媒体上发布了这样一条贴文，一改往日沉闷的语气，利用网络梗图在年度征兵季开展宣传。
自愿入伍人数激增
根据泰国皇家陆军的数据，今年有近5万名男子自愿参军，比2025年增长了22%。这一趋势在过去五年中一直持续，与日本等面临招兵难的国家形成了鲜明对比。
背后原因分析
分析人士认为，原因尚不完全明确，但可能包括以下几点：
1. 民族主义抬头：泰国近期与柬埔寨的边境冲突可能是一个因素。
2. 经济压力：泰国经济复苏缓慢，年轻人就业机会减少，参军成为一种保障。
3. 品牌形象塑造：军方通过社交媒体将军队描绘为一个“大家庭”，并利用恋爱、脱单等幽默话题与年轻人互动。
务实的制度选择
泰国的征兵制度结合了抽签和自愿原则。18至29岁的男子如果未自愿报名，则需参加抽签。抽中“黑签”免服兵役，抽中“红签”则需服役一至两年。而自愿入伍者可以缩短服役期，具有大学学历的自愿者甚至只需服役六个月。对于许多年轻人来说，与其寄希望于抽签的运气，不如主动选择较短的服役期，这是一种务实的职业规划。
“Bored of your wife? This April, come and enlist in the military,” says a recent online post from the Thai military, ditching its traditional, stuffy tone for online memes ahead of the recent annual draft season.It is not known how effective the campaign has been, but nearly 50,000 men volunteered to enlist this year, according to the Royal Thai Army, a 22% increase compared with 2025. This marks a continuation of a trend seen over the past five years in Thailand, and is a marked contrast to countries such as Japan, which are struggling to enlist military personnel.The reasons for the increase in volunteer enlistments is unclear, say analysts. Rising nationalism following Thailand’s recent border conflict with Cambodia could be a factor, as could the country’s struggling economy that has left young people with fewer job opportunities.The military claims the increase reflects growing trust in the institution. Ahead of an annual draft, it has sought to use social media to engage young men, inviting them to join the military “family”, protect Thailand’s border, while making jokes about dating and unrequited love.“Dedication to training instills discipline; dedication to her brings only sisterly affection,” said one post.However, the decision to volunteer may be a pragmatic one for many young people.A man has his chest measured before drawing his ballot during the Thai military conscription drawing at Watmatchantikaram School in Bangkok. Photograph: Chanakarn Laosarakham/AFP/Getty ImagesYoung men aged between 18 and 29 who do not volunteer are instead entered into a lottery at their local centre. If they draw a black card they are exempt from military service. A red card means they are conscripted for between one and two years, depending on their educational background. The period is shorter for volunteers, with university educated volunteers serving the shortest period, six months.Krisana Phoolong, 23, a recent graduate, says he decided to volunteer this year so the prospect of conscription would no longer hang over him.“As a volunteer I can pick the camp and the time, and check for the place closest to my home,” says Krisana. He would rather serve six months as a volunteer than risk entering the lottery, which could result in him serving for longer and being sent to a location far away.For other young people, the economy may be a factor that has encouraged them to sign up this year, he adds. “A lot of companies aren’t looking to recruit new employees at the moment,” he says.Conscripts receive a monthly salary of about 11,000 baht (US$340), and are provided with food and accommodation.An army truck transports troops amid clashes between Thai and Cambodian soldiers along the disputed border in Prasat district in Thailand last year. Photograph: Kaikungwon Duanjumroon/EPAVideo clips of the annual April lottery – including the expressions of overwhelming relief by those who draw a black card – often go viral on social media.Earlier this month, a video c