Hun Manet Rejects Trade-Off Between Defence and Social Spending

Hun Manet Rejects Trade-Off Between Defence and Social Spending

PHNOM PENH, June 3, 2026 — Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said the government has no plans to reduce spending on education, healthcare or social welfare in order to finance increased defence expenditures, reaffirming that human resource development remains the country’s top national priority.

Speaking at a ceremony marking the inauguration of new facilities and the graduation of teacher trainees at the National Institute of Physical Education and Sport, Hun Manet said government spending on education and healthcare will continue to increase in 2026, 2027 and 2028 despite plans to strengthen national defence capabilities.

He said Cambodia faces growing global uncertainties and security challenges, making it necessary to accelerate reforms in both the economic and defence sectors under the government’s development strategy. However, he stressed that investments in human capital remain central to Cambodia’s long-term development agenda.

“The government has sufficient resources to increase defence spending without affecting education, healthcare and social welfare budgets,” Hun Manet said, adding that national defence and human resource development must advance together.

He noted that safeguarding territorial integrity, national security and public order requires sustained investment over the long term, while strong national defence ultimately depends on a well-educated, healthy and capable population.

The prime minister also highlighted the importance of community-based tourism development, particularly in environmentally sensitive areas, saying local communities should be empowered to manage tourism services, benefit directly from tourism revenues and participate in conservation efforts.

Hun Manet further described physical education and sports as key components of human resource development, arguing that knowledge, skills and good health are equally important for building a productive workforce. He cited Cambodia’s recent achievements in regional and international sporting competitions as evidence of progress in the sector.