Is it obligatory for every Thai male to become a monk?
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It’s not true. It is not mandatory. It is just a tradition that most Thai males would follow. It is extremely common if they are from a Buddhist family.
Every man in Thailand is required to become a monk for a period of time before the age of 20. Though the expected time length is about three months, some will stay as little as a day or two. The majority of monks remain for at least a few weeks. Young men do this in order to receive good karma and merit.
Buddhist Thai men spend some period of their lives as monks, traditionally when they reach age 20. Some do this earlier and are considered novice monks, or “nen.” In Thailand, where people predominantly practice Theravada Buddhism, such an act by a young boy is considered a great expression of devotion and respect.