Prime Minister Hun Manet announced on Monday that Cambodia will enforce military conscription starting in 2026, citing rising tensions with Thailand as the reason.
This decision will activate the existing conscription law approved by Cambodia’s parliament in 2006. The law mandates that all Cambodian citizens, aged 18 to 30, must serve in the military.
The conscription period will last 24 months, an increase from the originally planned 18 months. Hun Manet addressed the nation at a ceremony held at the Royal Gendarmerie Training Centre in central Kampong Speu.
The law had remained dormant since its approval, but recent developments have spurred its implementation. The revived conscription law is part of Cambodia’s strategy to bolster its defense capabilities amid ongoing border tensions with Thailand.
The Cambodian government aims to strengthen its armed forces and ensure national security through mandatory military service.