Cambodian cabinet approves military-service draft covering citizens aged 18 to 25
Hun Manet chaired the April 23 cabinet meeting that approved an eight-chapter, 20-article military-service draft. It proposes obligations under legal provisions for citizens aged 18–25, with voluntary participation for women, and is being advanced under an urgent procedure.
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According to Cambodia’s state news agency AKP, on April 23, 2026, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet chaired a cabinet meeting that reviewed and approved the draft law on military service. Its eight chapters and 20 articles aim to implement Article 49 (new) of the Constitution, describing military service contributing to national development and defence as an essential civic duty and a great honour.
Under the proposed arrangements, Cambodian men aged 18 to 25 would be required to fulfil military-service obligations in accordance with the relevant provisions. Participation by women would be voluntary.
File image; it does not depict this cabinet meeting or newly conscripted personnel.
The draft aims both to strengthen national defence and to develop patriotism, discipline and physical fitness through military life.
Cambodia enacted a military-service law in 2006. The government considers the earlier framework insufficient to cover present and future needs and has proposed a revision to be advanced under an urgent procedure. Under Prime Minister Hun Manet, the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces also undertake social-development and emergency-response duties alongside national defence.
Young people of service age, are you prepared for these proposed arrangements?
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