Cambodia Sees 10,000 Sign-Ups After Military Service Law Revival
Cambodia Sees 10,000 Sign-Ups After Military Service Law Revival
KOH KONG, May 30, 2026 — Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Tea Seiha said about 10,000 young people have already registered under the country’s newly implemented military service law, adding that many of the applicants are children of senior government officials.
Speaking at the inauguration of a Win-Win Policy Memorial Monument in Koh Kong province on Saturday, Tea Seiha said the government is continuing to develop detailed procedures for implementing the law, including registration requirements, training arrangements and post-service management.
The defence minister said the military service program is intended to provide equal opportunities for all eligible citizens to contribute to national defence, regardless of their social or economic background.
“Whether they are children of senior officials, wealthy families or farmers, everyone has the same right to participate,” Tea Seiha said, adding that many of those who have submitted applications so far are children of government leaders.
He said the program would help prepare young Cambodians to contribute to the protection of the country’s territorial integrity and national sovereignty in the event of future emergencies.
The military service law was formally promulgated on May 25 by Acting Head of State Hun Sen. The legislation contains eight chapters and 20 articles governing the implementation of compulsory military service as part of national defence and nation-building efforts.
Under the law, Cambodian citizens aged 18 to 25 are subject to military service obligations, while participation by women remains voluntary. The service period is set at 24 months and may be extended by up to six additional months if necessary.
The law also provides penalties for draft evasion, including prison terms ranging from six months to two years during peacetime and from two to five years during wartime. Individuals who complete their military service will remain on the reserve military roster until the age of 45.
The government has recently emphasized that the military service program will be implemented without exemptions based on family background, following statements by senior leaders that their own children and grandchildren would also be expected to comply with the law.
