Cambodia Launches Conscription: Registration for Men Aged 18–25 Begins October 1

Cambodia’s mandatory military conscription system has officially entered its implementation phase. The Ministry of National Defense recently issued an announcement stating that military service applications will be processed starting October 1, signaling that this long-planned conscription system is finally being put into practice.
According to the schedule, eligible Cambodian male citizens aged 18 to 25 may collect application forms from their local gendarmerie offices between October 1 and 9, and submit them between October 10 and 15. Applicants are required to bring an ID card, proof of residence, and a birth certificate.
This system did not emerge suddenly. Cambodia passed its Military Service Law as early as 2006, but it was never fully implemented for years. In May this year, a revised version of the Military Service Law took effect, clearly stipulating that men aged 18 to 25 must serve 24 months of military service, extendable by up to 6 months under special circumstances.
In August this year, the government further released implementation rules, setting out specific provisions on conscription registration, recruitment, lottery-based selection, deferment, and service benefits. Women remain under a voluntary enlistment system for the time being.
Under current regulations, upon completion of military service, service members will enter the reserve system and may legally return to their previous jobs or continue their studies. Meanwhile, evading military service may result in fines and criminal penalties.
With registration set to begin in October, Cambodia will roll out a new round of mandatory conscription nationwide for the first time. The Ministry of National Defense stated that the move aims to further strengthen national defense capabilities while boosting discipline and military training and skills among young people.