Phnom Penh, Cambodia – Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet has announced that Cambodia is set to implement its revised military service law in 2026. This significant legislative development, which has been under preparation and public review by the Royal Government for nearly two decades, aims to strengthen the nation’s defense capabilities. The Prime Minister made this pivotal announcement during the 32nd Anniversary celebration of Gendarmerie Day on July 14, held in Kampong Chhnang province.
Prime Minister Hun Manet emphasized that the amendments to this long-standing law are designed to align with current national and regional security realities. A key modification involves extending the compulsory service period to 24 months. He elaborated on this change, stating, ‘The previous law stipulated an 18-month service period. However, considering the time required for initial training and integration, a significant portion of that period is consumed very quickly. Therefore, it is more practical and effective to extend it to 24 months, a standard adopted by many other countries, to ensure comprehensive training and build the full capabilities of our conscripts.’
The Prime Minister underscored the strategic importance of this law, noting it will significantly contribute to increasing the overall number of military personnel. This will help meet existing force requirements and enhance the effectiveness of recruiting professional soldiers. He reiterated the necessity of enforcing this duty law, which, despite being established in 2006, has not yet been implemented. ‘Now is the opportune moment for us to prepare thoroughly in the selection and recruitment of more troops to ensure their effectiveness; this is our current formula,’ he affirmed.
Furthermore, Prime Minister Hun Manet highlighted that implementing this military service law will allow for the recruitment of trained conscripts who can also integrate into the professional military ranks during times of national defense necessity.
It is important to note that the original Law on Military Duty, established in 2006, consists of 6 chapters and 18 articles. It stipulated that Cambodian citizens of both sexes, aged between 18 and 30, would be required to complete military service. While the original duration was 18 months, the upcoming implementation in 2026 will enforce the revised 24-month period. For women, participation in military service continues to operate under the principle of volunteering.
