Prime Minister Hun Manet announced that Cambodia will implement its existing military conscription law starting in 2026, addressing military shortages and upgrading capabilities during a speech to forces in Kampong Chhnang province.
The conscription law was originally passed in 2006 but never activated, requiring Cambodians of both sexes aged 18 to 30 to serve, though service remains voluntary for women.
Hun Manet's announcement comes amid ongoing border tensions with Thailand following an armed confrontation on May 28 that killed one Cambodian soldier in disputed territory.
According to the CIA's World Factbook, Cambodia's armed forces currently total 200,000 personnel including military police, while Thailand maintains 350,000 active-duty personnel.
The four-star general emphasized that conscripted soldiers are more effective than voluntary forces and called for increasing Cambodia's military budget from its current $739 million defense allocation out of a $9.32 billion national budget.
