Defence Minister Says Conscription Law Will Not Harm Economy or Society

PHNOM PENH, May 13, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia’s Defence Ministry has insisted that a new military service law will not negatively affect the country’s economic, social or cultural sectors, arguing instead that it will help develop national human resources.

Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister General Tea Seiha made the remarks on May 12 while leading a senior military delegation to submit the draft Law on Military Service for inclusion in an extraordinary session of the National Assembly.

He said the legislation was prepared in line with Article 49 of the constitution and designed to strengthen national defence while contributing to broader human resource development.

Compulsory service, he added, would provide young people with structured training, discipline and skills that could benefit both the state and private sector.

Tea Seiha said the programme would cultivate physical fitness, professional capability, patriotism and national consciousness, making conscripts more competitive and “qualified human resources sought after by both state institutions and the private sector.”

On May 12, the National Assembly approved the law requiring Cambodian men aged 18 to 25 to complete two years of compulsory service.

Penalties for evasion range from fines to prison terms of up to five years, with exemptions for monks, clergy, persons with disabilities and professionals performing key national duties.