PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Manet announced on Monday that the country will implement military conscription starting in 2026. This announcement comes amid ongoing border tensions with Thailand, exacerbated by recent confrontations and political turmoil.
Relations between Cambodia and Thailand have significantly deteriorated following an armed clash on May 28, where one Cambodian soldier lost his life in a dispute over several small contested areas along the border. Despite an agreement to de-escalate tensions, the two countries continue to exchange harsh rhetoric and engage in actions that maintain a high level of tension.
The border conflict has not only affected diplomatic relations but has also stirred domestic political issues within Thailand. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra faced suspension after reportedly making a disparaging remark about Thailand's military during a phone call with former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, who later leaked the conversation.
In his address to military personnel in Kampong Chhnang, Hun Manet, who is also the son of former Prime Minister Hun Sen, stated that the implementation of military conscription will serve to address personnel shortages and enhance the military's capabilities. He emphasized that soldiers inducted through conscription would be just as effective and professional as those who join voluntarily.
The conscription law was initially passed in 2006 but has remained inactive until now. Under this law, all Cambodians aged 18 to 30 are required to serve, although service for women will be voluntary. This move aligns Cambodia's military policy more closely with that of Thailand, which has implemented military conscription for men starting at age 20 through an annual lottery system.
The CIA World Factbook estimates Cambodia's armed forces comprise approximately 200,000 personnel, which includes a significant number of military police. In contrast, Thailand's armed forces are estimated to have 350,000 active-duty personnel. To further strengthen the military, Hun Manet also called for an increase in the defense budget, which for 2025 is $739 million, out of a total national budget of $9.32 billion.
Additionally, Hun Manet called on Thailand to reopen all border crossings that have been closed without conditions, promising that Cambodia would reciprocate promptly. This diplomatic overture underscores the ongoing complexities in the bilateral relationship between the two nations, as they navigate through military posturing and political tensions.
As Cambodia moves forward with its conscription plans, the implications for regional security and bilateral relations with Thailand are yet to be fully realized, highlighting the delicate balance of power and diplomacy in Southeast Asia.
