KhmerTimes-July 15, 2025
Prime Minister Hun Manet has reaffirmed that Cambodia’s longstanding military conscription law—adopted nearly 20 years ago but never enforced—will come into effect in 2026. The move aims to increase the number of soldiers and make the military more effective, seeking to ensure that Cambodia never faces a shortage of troops. Speaking at the inauguration of a building at the Phnom Chum Sen Rikreay Military Police Training Center on the 32nd anniversary of Military Police Day in Kampong Chhnang province. Mr Hun Manet said, “From 2026, the military conscription law will be implemented. This is our commitment.” Although the Law on Military Conscription was promulgated in 2006, it has yet to be enforced. The Prime Minister said the law would require amendments before implementation, particularly extending the period of compulsory service from 18 to 24 months—aligning with practices in many other countries. He explained that 18 months is too short for effective training and mobilization. The law, he noted, would serve two main purposes: increase the number of trained soldiers and improve the efficiency of the military. Seun Sam, a policy analyst at the Royal Academy of Cambodia, supported the move, saying that compulsory military service is essential and aligns with practices in many countries. However, he said there must be fairness and transparency in its implementation. “For military service to be effective, transparency is key. All citizens—regardless of their social or economic status—must be treated equally. It should not be the case that only the children of ordinary citizens are selected while the children of the powerful are exempted,” he said. Read more at: https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501716955/cambodia-to-enforce-military-conscription-law-in-2026/
