K-pop boy band GOT7 member BamBam got an exemption from serving in the military in his home country Thailand.
GOT7’s BamBam (Facebook)
Like Korea, Thailand has a mandatory military service for all male citizens who turn 21.
BamBam, real name Kunpimook Bhuwakul, 20, participated in the draft lottery in Thailand on April 9 wherein applicants were required to draw cards. A black card means that one is exempted from the military service while a red card means one has to serve the mandatory duty.
He participated as applicant No. 577. He took off his shirt and his height and weight were measured.
Fans used the hashtag #BamBamBlackcard in wishing that he would draw a black card to get an exemption from enlistment.
But before he could draw his card, it was announced that the required 74 spots for recruits were already filled up by volunteers. Because of this, BamBam and others were no longer required to draw, and they got exempted from military service. He flew back to South Korea after the draw.
In a post on the JYP Thailand page, BamBam thanked fans and the media.
Before BamBam, NCT member Ten got exempted from Thailand’s military service due to a past knee injury.
Depending on education level and if one volunteers or drafted, Thailand’s military service for citizens ranges from six months to two years.