Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet announced on Monday, July 15, 2025, that his government will implement military conscription starting in 2026, citing the need to bolster defense readiness as tensions with neighboring Thailand persist over disputed border areas.
Cambodia will begin enforcing compulsory military service in 2026 under a law passed nearly two decades ago but never previously enacted. The decision, confirmed by Prime Minister Hun Manet during a speech to armed forces in Kampong Chhnang province, follows months of simmering border tensions with Thailand, most notably a deadly confrontation in May 2025 that left a Cambodian soldier dead.
The two countries have a history of disputes over small, contested parcels of land. On May 28, the conflict reignited during an armed clash in one of these areas, exacerbating already fragile diplomatic ties. Despite an agreement to de-escalate, both sides have continued to exchange accusations and impose retaliatory measures, keeping the situation volatile.
The renewed conscription plan marks a significant policy shift. While Cambodia passed a draft law in 2006 requiring military service for citizens aged 18 to 30, it had never been enforced. Under the current framework, men are required to serve, while women may enlist voluntarily. Hun Manet argued that a conscripted force could be more effective than a volunteer-only military, stating it would help address personnel shortages and raise professional standards across the ranks.
The announcement also arrives amid political turbulence in Thailand. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra was recently suspended from office following the leak of a controversial phone call with former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, in which she was accused of making disparaging remarks about Thailand’s military. The incident, made public by Hun Sen, fueled national backlash and further strained bilateral relations.
Currently, Thailand maintains a mandatory conscription system for men aged 20, using a lottery-based selection process. According to the CIA World Factbook, Cambodia’s armed forces total an estimated 200,000 personnel, including military police, compared to Thailand’s 350,000 active-duty service members.
Hun Manet also called for an increase in Cambodia’s defense spending, emphasizing the importance of upgrading military capabilities. For 2025, Cambodia’s national budget stands at $9.32 billion, with $739 million allocated to defense—the highest share among government departments.
In a diplomatic appeal, the Cambodian leader urged Thailand to reopen all border checkpoints that have been unilaterally closed in recent months, stating that Cambodia would reciprocate the move within hours to restore normal cross-border activity.
