Cambodia will begin military conscription next year, Prime Minister Hun Manet announced yesterday, as part of an effort to fortify the country’s defenses in the context of the current border dispute with Thailand.

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Manet said Monday that his country will implement military conscription starting next year, in an announcement that coincides with persistent border tensions with Thailand.

The conscription law was passed in 2006, but never activated. Cambodians of both sexes, aged 18 to 30, must serve but for women, service is voluntary. View on euronews

Cambodia's military will begin conscripting civilians next year, Prime Minister Hun Manet said Monday, citing rising tensions with Thailand as the reason for activating a

A 2006 law that mandated 18 months of military service for all Cambodians between the ages of 18 and 30 was adopted by the country’s parliament, but it has never been put into effect

Cambodia announces military conscription starting in 2026 amid ongoing tensions with Thailand. The move follows a recent armed confrontation and strained relations. Prime Minister Hun Manet emphasizes the enhanced effectiveness conscription brings to the military.

The military is to begin conscripting civilians next year, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said yesterday, citing rising tensions with Thailand as the reason for activating a long-dormant mandatory enlistment law.

Cambodia’s parliament passed a law mandating military service for citizens aged 18 to 30 for 18 months, but it has never been enforced.

" From 2026, the military conscription law will be implemented ," said Hun Manet in his speech at the celebration of the 32nd anniversary of the National Military Police held at a training center in Kampong Chhnang Province, central Cambodia, as reported by CNA and ABC Australia.