Cambodia's National Assembly Unanimously Approves Military Conscription

In an extraordinary session of the 7th legislature, the National Assembly of Cambodia unanimously approved the military conscription bill and the one guaranteeing payment for electricity imported from Vietnam. These measures, adopted in the presence of 114 deputies, aim to strengthen national defense capabilities and ensure sustainable energy security.

Conscription to modernize defense and train the youth

Presided over by Samdech Maha Rathsapheathika Thipadei Khuon Sudary, President of the National Assembly, the session opened with a reminder of the principles of peace and diplomacy based on international law.

"The Royal Government remains firmly committed to resolving disputes peacefully through existing mechanisms, based on international law and mutual agreements," she declared.

The military conscription bill, consisting of 8 chapters and 20 articles, was adopted by 114 votes in favor out of 114, in accordance with Article 49 (new) of the Constitution and the government's policy of modernizing defense. It imposes a mandatory 24-month military service on Cambodian male citizens aged 18 to 25, with women able to participate on a voluntary basis. Dual nationals residing in Cambodia are also affected.

Beyond defense, this law pursues national development objectives. Young conscripts will benefit from physical training, patriotic education, strengthened discipline, and financial allowances. Upon completion of their service, they will have priority access to jobs in state institutions, public and private enterprises, technical and vocational training, higher education, and even overseas employment opportunities.

Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet strongly supported this bill, emphasizing the need to reform defense amid regional and global tensions.

"Cambodia must continue the reform and modernization of its defense sector, focusing on institutional reform, modernization of human resources, and development of equipment at all levels," he stated.

He described a world entering "a new phase marked by border tensions, economic competition, and heightened technological rivalry," calling for strengthened capacities to preserve peace and sovereignty.

Hun Manet stressed the positive impacts for youth and national unity: "To build a strong and prosperous nation, every citizen must strive to become a valuable human resource for the country." He cited international examples like Singapore, where conscription balances civilian life and security responsibilities, and recalled that "peace is not obtained by begging from others. No one can protect us permanently except ourselves."

National consensus for the supreme interest

Samdech Khuon Sudary closed the session by praising the deputies' spirit of responsibility and unity. "The National Assembly calls on all Cambodian citizens, both inside and outside the country, to remain united behind the Royal Government's peaceful and wise approach to safeguard national interests," she concluded.