The relationship between Cambodia and Thailand remains tense, and Phnom Penh has decided to officially implement conscription starting in 2026.
According to the Khmer Chinese Times, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet announced at the 32nd anniversary celebration of the National Gendarmerie on the 14th that the government plans to officially implement conscription starting next year.
AFP reported that, in his speech, Hun Manet stated that the deadly clash with Thai troops at the end of May in a disputed border sovereignty area was a lesson for Cambodia and also an opportunity to review, evaluate, and set targets for future military reforms.
Cambodia enacted laws related to conscription as early as 2006, but for various reasons, this system has never been implemented.
Hun Manet said that to address national defense needs and the current situation, the government has begun to amend two laws related to military affairs, including revising the conscription law.
According to Cambodia's existing Military Service Law, all male Cambodian citizens aged 18 to 30 have the obligation to perform conscripted military service, with the original prescribed service period being 18 months.