This Country to Implement Conscription for Ages 18-30 Starting Next Year, Tensions Rise... What's Happening?

[Financial News]  Cambodia will introduce conscription starting next year. Cambodia is currently experiencing military tensions with Thailand over an 800 km border formed during the French Indochina period.

According to AFP and others on the 14th, Hun Manet, the Prime Minister of Cambodia, announced at an event held at the Royal Gendarmerie training center in Kampong Chhnang Province in central Cambodia, "We will implement the conscription law from 2026," stating that "due to rising tensions with Thailand, we have decided to enforce the long-dormant mandatory service."

The Cambodian parliament passed a conscription law in 2006 that mandates 18 months of military service for all citizens aged 18-30, but it has never been implemented.

Prime Minister Manet mentioned a recent clash with Thailand in the border area, saying, "This incident is a lesson for us," and "It has become an opportunity to review, evaluate, and set reform goals for the military."

The incident referred to by Prime Minister Manet occurred on May 28th. At that time, a small-scale gunfight broke out in the border area between Thailand and Cambodia, resulting in the death of one Cambodian soldier.

In response, Prime Minister Manet explained that the service period would be extended from the 18 months specified in the existing law to 24 months, and the defense budget would also be increased. However, it is planned not to impose military service obligations on women this time.


gaa1003@fnnews.com An Ga-eul Reporter