Thailand holds an annual military draft lottery. A red piece of paper means you’re conscripted. Black means you’re exempt. Click through the photo gallery to see images from this year’s ...

to win the lottery. Pausing here and there intuitively, they stick gold leaves on the trunks or bow down to them with a respectful Thai-style wai – palms pressed together, heads bowed.

Thailand’s military conscription lottery has made headlines for becoming a stage for transgender women who seek visibility and viral fame. The country’s military service law requires all male ...