• Cambodia to introduce mandatory military conscription starting 2026.
• Service period extended from 18 months to 24 months for civilians aged 18-30.
• Rising tensions with Thailand have prompted this policy change.
• Recent border clashes have increased the need for military reform.
• Women’s military service will remain voluntary despite the changes.

Prime Minister Hun Manet announced on July 14 that Cambodia will commence military conscription in 2026, citing heightened tensions with neighboring Thailand as a key factor for this decision. This follows a long-standing legal framework established in 2006, which mandated military service for citizens aged 18 to 30 but had never been enforced. “From 2026, the military conscription law will be implemented,” he stated during a ceremony at the Royal Gendarmerie Training Centre, emphasizing a need for military reform amid recent conflicts, according to Channel News Asia and South China Morning Post.

The conscription period is expected to increase from the originally planned 18 months to 24 months as the government revises the legislation ahead of enforcement. “Our national defense, the building of our military, is not to invade anybody's territory but it is to protect our territory,” Manet added, highlighting Cambodia's defensive posture in the face of territorial disputes, as reported by The Jakarta Post and TRT Global.

This decision stems from escalating tensions with Thailand, particularly after a deadly clash in May that resulted in the death of a Cambodian soldier. The incident has heightened diplomatic strains between Phnom Penh and Bangkok, leading to border closures and bans on fuel imports from Thailand as part of a retaliatory measure. Additionally, a leaked diplomatic conversation concerning this matter has sparked judicial inquiries within Thailand, contributing to a domestic political crisis there. Reports indicate that Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has been suspended amid the fallout, according to Anadolu Agency and South China Morning Post.

The Cambodian conscription plan parallels Thailand’s existing requirement for young men to serve in the military, typically determined through a lottery system. Notably, while the law mandates service for men, women will still have the option to volunteer, reflecting an ongoing discussion about gender roles within the military sphere. This multifaceted approach to national defense underscores the Cambodian government's commitment to reforming its military in response to contemporary regional challenges, as noted by Channel News Asia and TRT Global.