Cambodia’s Hun Manet announces mandatory military service amid Thai border tensions
In 2006, Cambodia’s parliament passed a law mandating military service for citizens aged 18 to 30 for 18 months, but it has never been enforced
Cambodia’s parliament in 2006 approved a law that would require all Cambodians aged 18 to 30 to serve in the military for 18 months, although it has never been enforced.
Relations with neighbouring Thailand have been tense since May, when a long-standing territorial dispute boiled over into cross-border clashes, killing one Cambodian soldier.
“This episode of confrontation is a lesson for us and is an opportunity for us to review, assess, and set our targets to reform our military,” Hun Manet said.
“From 2026, the military conscription law will be implemented,” he told a ceremony at the Royal Gendarmerie Training Centre in central Kampong Chhnang province.
Hun Manet said the service period would be extended from the 18 months outlined in the legislation passed two decades ago to 24 months, and pledged to “look at increasing” Cambodia’s defence budget.