Phnom Penh: Cambodia is preparing to implement a new military conscription law, with men aged 18-25 required to serve 24 months, and those who evade it could face up to 5 years in prison.
This is the content of a meeting to discuss the draft law in detail “On Military Duty” between the Committee on Interior, National Defense, Public Service and Border Affairs of the National Assembly (Committee 4) led by Mr. Kep Chutema, Chairman of the Committee, and representatives of the Royal Government led by General Tea Seiha, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense, on the morning of May 4, 2026.
The draft law “On Military Duty” was created with the goal of strengthening national defense, protecting territorial integrity, and instilling a sense of patriotism in all Cambodian youth.
The draft law “On Military Service” sets age and gender requirements: Male Cambodian citizens aged 18 to 25 are required to serve in the military for a mandatory 24 months (extendable for 6 months in extreme cases).
Dual nationality: Individuals with multiple nationalities but residing in Cambodia are also required to serve in the military like all citizens. Regarding volunteering for women: Women are not required to serve, but are encouraged to participate on a voluntary basis. For exemptions: Exemptions are granted to monks, religious leaders, people with disabilities, and senior professionals who are performing important missions for the nation.
Penalties and benefits: To ensure the effectiveness of the law, individuals who evade it may face fines. and imprisonment from 6 months to 5 years, depending on the aggravating circumstances and actual circumstances. At the same time, the Royal Government has also considered benefits for those who have completed their duties, including: priority in public and private employment, maintaining positions and salaries for those who are already employed, allowing them to return to school while maintaining their previous academic results, and receiving food and allowances during their work, etc.
Mr. Kep Chutema emphasized that “the National Assembly “The Royal Government and the Ministry of Defense are working together to ensure that this draft law is of the highest quality and serves the interests of the nation and the people at large.”
General Tea Seiha stated that the old 2006 law does not yet cover all aspects of the current situation. Updating this law is necessary to strengthen national defense, protect territorial integrity, and instill a sense of patriotism in the next generation of young people.
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