National Parliament Set to Approve Revised Military Conscription Law

PHNOM PENH, May 11, 2026 (KPT) — The National Assembly is expected to approve a revised military conscription law on Tuesday, as the government moves to modernise recruitment procedures and strengthen national defence capabilities, officials said.

The assembly said it would convene an extraordinary session of its seventh legislature on May 12 to debate and adopt the draft legislation, which contains eight chapters and 20 articles outlining procedures for military service under Article 49 of the constitution.

The law would require military service for citizens aged 18 to 25, while participation for women would remain voluntary. Officials said the measure is intended to bolster defence readiness while promoting discipline, physical fitness and civic responsibility among young people.

Prime Minister Hun Manet said last month the conscription system would operate according to the armed forces’ actual annual requirements, rather than recruiting all eligible citizens.

“If Cambodia needs 30,000 or 50,000 troops, then among one million eligible youths, not all will be recruited,” he said at a public event in Phnom Penh on April 26, adding that priority would be given to volunteers.

The revised law is also designed to improve human resource development within the armed forces, which play a major role not only in national defence but also in disaster response and government support operations.

Cambodia enacted a military service law in 2006, but officials said the updated framework is needed to address current and future security requirements.

The move comes as Cambodia seeks to adapt its defence policy to evolving regional challenges and improve military preparedness.