Cambodia Enforces Conscription Law After Deadly Border Clashes With Thailand

Cambodia has officially enforced a new conscription law mandating compulsory military service for young men, introducing strict penalties for draft evasion following deadly border clashes with Thailand that killed about 100 people and displaced hundreds of thousands last year, Prime Minister Hun Manet said.

The law, signed by Senate president Hun Sen while King Norodom Sihamoni undergoes medical treatment in China, replaces a long-unused 2006 statute that had never been implemented. It was unanimously approved by parliament earlier this month and came into effect immediately upon promulgation.

Under the legislation, men aged 18 to 25 must serve two years in the military , while women may volunteer. Reports indicate the revised framework also reduces the upper conscription age limit and strengthens reserve mobilisation by keeping former conscripts in reserve forces until age 45 , expanding long-term defence readiness.

Those summoned must report within 30 days, with non-compliance treated as evasion unless justified. Penalties range from six months to two years in prison and fines of $250–$1,000 during peacetime, rising to up to five years in prison and higher fines during wartime or foreign attack scenarios.

The law also extends obligations to dual nationals residing in Cambodia , while exempting monks, religious clergy, persons with disabilities, and individuals with specialised scientific or technical expertise. Authorities have framed the exemptions as balancing defence needs with social and professional priorities.

Government officials say the law is intended to strengthen national defence capacity, address military manpower gaps, and foster patriotism among youth in the aftermath of renewed tensions along the Thai border, where both sides have since maintained a fragile ceasefire and ongoing diplomatic engagement.