National Assembly Unanimously Approves Military Conscription Law

PHNOM PENH, May 12, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia’s National Assembly has unanimously approved a military conscription law aimed at strengthening defence readiness and instilling discipline among young citizens.

The legislation, passed on May 12 with all 114 lawmakers voting in favour, contains eight chapters and 20 articles outlining procedures for compulsory military service under Article 49 of the constitution.

Military service will apply to citizens aged 18 to 25, while participation for women will remain voluntary.

Prime Minister Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet said the revised law is designed to enhance national defence capacity while promoting physical fitness and civic responsibility.

He stressed that the armed forces play a broader role beyond defence, including disaster response and support for government programmes.

Samdech Thipadei has previously clarified that the conscription system will operate according to the armed forces’ 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 volunteers would be prioritised.

The updated framework is also intended to improve human resource development within the armed forces.

Cambodia first enacted a military service law in 2006, but authorities argued revisions were necessary to address evolving security challenges and future defence needs.