Reference News Network, July 14 - According to the Associated Press, on July 14, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet stated that Cambodia will start implementing conscription from next year. This announcement comes amid ongoing tensions along the border between Cambodia and Thailand.
The report mentioned that in 2006, the Cambodian parliament passed a conscription law requiring all citizens aged 18 to 30 to serve in the military for 18 months. However, this conscription law has never been officially implemented.
In May 2024, an armed conflict occurred in the border area between Cambodia and Thailand, resulting in the death of a Cambodian soldier, which led to a sharp deterioration in bilateral relations.
The report stated that Hun Manet, the son and successor of former Prime Minister Hun Sen, said that the conscription law will be implemented starting in 2026 to fill gaps and enhance the capabilities of the army.
Hun Manet spoke to the military in Kandal province in the north, saying, "This is our commitment." He also said that this conflict was a lesson and an opportunity.
Hun Manet said that soldiers conscripted through the process are more effective and at least as professional as volunteers. He also called for an increase in military budget. (Translated by Qiu Fang)
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