In a bold move that has stirred regional attention, Cambodia is set to enforce its military draft policy for the first time in 2026. Though the legal framework has been in place since 2006, the law has remained dormant, until now. Prime Minister Hun Manet announced that Cambodia's mandatory military service will finally be activated, marking a significant shift in the nation’s defense and strategic posture.
What triggered this decision? Part of the urgency stems from rising tensions along the Cambodia-Thailand border.
On May 28, 2025, a fatal armed clash claimed the life of a Cambodian soldier in a disputed border area, worsening diplomatic ties between the two neighbors. While both countries have since committed to easing tensions, wariness remains high.
Against this backdrop, Cambodia’s leadership sees military readiness not just as a safeguard, but as a necessity.
Why Cambodia Is Turning to Conscription Now
Prime Minister Hun Manet, a West Point graduate with deep military roots, emphasized that the move is meant to fill manpower gaps and improve the overall capabilities of Cambodia’s armed forces. He argued that conscripted soldiers can perform just as professionally, if not more so, than their volunteer counterparts.
The military draft law, passed in 2006, mandates that all Cambodian men aged 18 to 30 are eligible for national service. For women, military participation remains voluntary.
Until now, Cambodia has relied heavily on voluntary recruitment. But officials admit that numbers have not kept pace with growing security demands. From modernizing military infrastructure to responding to regional threats, the country now aims to ensure a more robust and responsive defense force.
Conscription in Southeast Asia: A Regional Perspective
Cambodia’s move brings it into closer alignment with a number of Southeast Asian neighbors that already practice national service. Thailand, for example, has long implemented a conscription system requiring men aged 20 and above to serve in the military. Selection is typically done via a lottery system, although some citizens opt for voluntary service to avoid the uncertainty.
Other countries in the region, such as Singapore and Viet Nam, also maintain robust conscription programs. Singapore requires all male citizens and permanent residents to undergo two years of national service, which can include military, police, or civil defense roles. Viet Nam enforces military service of 18 to 24 months, depending on specialization.
Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines, however, rely entirely on voluntary service. The contrast reveals the diverse defense strategies within ASEAN, shaped by differing geopolitical pressures, population sizes, and military budgets.
Rising Tensions with Thailand: A Catalyst for Change
The timing of Cambodia’s decision is far from accidental. The recent border clash with Thailand, and Thailand’s subsequent closure of key border checkpoints, has amplified the urgency to reinforce national defense.
In response, Hun Manet has called for a budget increase for the Ministry of Defense, arguing that sovereignty cannot be compromised. He also issued an ultimatum to Thailand: reopen the closed checkpoints without conditions, or face retaliatory measures from Cambodia within hours.
This rhetoric signals more than political posturing. It reflects a shift in Cambodia’s military doctrine, one that emphasizes deterrence, readiness, and regional assertiveness.
What This Means for the Cambodian People
For many Cambodians, especially young men entering adulthood, the military draft represents a new reality. While supporters argue that national service instills discipline, patriotism, and skills, critics warn that without adequate safeguards, conscription could disrupt education and careers.
Public reaction has been mixed, with some citizens expressing pride in serving their country, while others fear the lack of infrastructure or transparency in implementing such a sweeping policy. The government has yet to provide a clear roadmap on how conscripts will be trained, deployed, or compensated.
Still, one thing is certain: the implementation of the draft will reshape how Cambodian society views its national security obligations.
The Bigger Picture: Shifting Defense Trends in ASEAN
Cambodia’s decision is not occurring in isolation. Across Asia, countries are reevaluating their military strategies amid rising geopolitical competition, territorial disputes, and shifting alliances.
The Southeast Asia conscription map is evolving, and Cambodia’s entry into this domain may prompt new conversations about regional cooperation, interoperability, and preparedness.
While war remains a distant threat, peace in the region is increasingly seen as something that must be actively maintained. In this light, Cambodia’s military draft can be interpreted as a message: the country is preparing to defend its interests, not just react to crises.
Looking Ahead
As 2026 approaches, all eyes will be on how Cambodia rolls out its national service policy. Will it strengthen the country’s security and resilience? Or will it reveal new social and administrative challenges?
Regardless of the outcome, Cambodia’s choice reflects a broader shift in how Southeast Asian nations view security in the 21st century, not just as a matter of arms and armies, but of political will, national identity, and regional responsibility.
Do you think mandatory military service helps strengthen a nation, or creates more challenges? Share your thoughts and let's open the conversation across Southeast Asia.
