Cambodians aged 18 to 30 will have to enroll in military service for 24 months starting in 2026, according to Prime Minister Hun Manet, noting that the conscription law is aimed at increasing the size and efficiency of army troops.
“The conscription law is really necessary. We made this law in 2006, but we did not implement it. Now is the time for us to recruit more troops to be more effective than the strategy we’ve had so far,” he said during a ceremony at the Royal Gendarmerie Training Center in Kampong Chhnang province on July 14.
The government’s decision comes amid border tensions with Thailand, which have intensified with tit-for-tat actions following the unilateral closure of international gates by Thailand’s army.
Cambodia has banned the import of Thai products, including electricity, internet bandwidth, and agricultural goods, and barred Thai broadcasts and movies since an armed territorial conflict on May 28 resulted in the death of Cambodian soldier Suon Raun.
Between 2008 and 2011, Cambodian and Thai troops clashed in the Preah Vihear area, such as Tamon Thom, Tamon Toch, and Takrabey Temples, after Preah Vihear temple was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
A formal case was filed by Cambodia at the International Court of Justice on June 15 to seek resolution on four areas bordering Thailand.
Meanwhile, Hun Manet said the law will be amended to reflect the current context, where mandatory service will be extended to 24 months from 18 months presently, he mentioned, explaining that a year and a half is too short for recruitment, training, and completion.
After trainees complete their two-year military service, they can evaluate their career choices, including looking at options to become professional soldiers.
Hun Manet said even if the trainee decides against choosing an army career, they would have gained life skills to become “good individuals” who are disciplined and orderly.
“In years to come, it [the conscription] will help build more disciplined human resources in the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces, and if there is a need, Cambodia will have an army force consisting of soldiers, who are already trained, to be called upon,” he added.
Cambodian Kim Chilin supported the government’s decision to improve the potential of local youth through military service enrollment.
However, he is concerned that the law might be used to mobilize troops to pressure the opposition or block the movement of activists instead of strengthening territorial integrity. If this happens, he said, Cambodia might become divided.
“That said, I would like to highlight a positive point: Cambodia must strengthen its military capabilities, which safeguard its integrity and sovereignty,” he added.
He urged the government to ensure transparency and fairness where children of “powerful people” are also conscripted, not just ordinary citizens.
College student Phong Arn, 21, said the government should consider excluding teenagers who have jobs or are responsible for their family’s well being from joining military service as their contribution to the economy could be affected.
He opined that it was better to enroll teenagers who have stopped learning or do not have a job, as military training might improve their lives.
Political analyst Meas Nee believes that the conscription law is necessary, citing possible confrontations with border countries, Vietnam and Thailand, noting that the latter has about 300,000 reserve troops.
“Even though Cambodia is a small country, it must at least have a [strong] military foundation to defend itself,” he added.
Military training is not only about young Cambodians gaining military skills, but it is also about being healthy. “As we know, the use of drugs by young people these days is huge. I think recruiting young people to join military service is the right thing for this moment and the future as well,” he added.
According to the Military Conscription Law issued on December 22, 2006, Cambodian males aged between 18 and 30 must fulfill their military duties, while this service is voluntary for women.
