PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — Cambodia’s Cabinet has approved legislation mandating two years of military service for men between the ages of 18 and 25, following deadly border conflicts with Thailand that occurred twice last year.
Government spokesperson Pen Bona announced Friday that this new conscription legislation will replace a 2006 law that was never put into practice and no longer meets current military requirements.
The previous legislation set the maximum draft age at 30 years old. Under the new rules, women may join the armed forces voluntarily.
According to Pen Bona, the Cabinet adopted the comprehensive draft legislation, which contains eight chapters and 20 articles, during Thursday’s meeting.
Border disputes between Cambodia and Thailand erupted into violence on two separate occasions last year over competing territorial claims along their mutual boundary.
The conflicts resulted in the displacement of hundreds of thousands of residents in both nations and claimed the lives of approximately 100 Cambodian military personnel and civilians. While a December ceasefire ended active hostilities, regional tensions continue to simmer.
According to an official government statement, military service represents both a fundamental obligation and a distinguished honor that enables Cambodians to support national progress and protect their homeland.
Prime Minister Hun Manet announced in July of last year, as relations with Thailand worsened, that Cambodia would enact conscription during this year. He argued that drafted soldiers demonstrate greater effectiveness and professionalism compared to volunteer forces, and that mandatory service would address personnel shortfalls while enhancing military readiness.
The proposed legislation must receive approval from both the National Assembly and Senate before King Norodom Sihamoni can sign it into law.
