Phnom Penh: Samdech Techo Hun Sen, Acting Head of State of Cambodia, announced the use of the law on military duty.
The Royal Decree dated May 23, 2026, stated that the law on military duty, which was approved by the National Assembly on May 12, 2026 during the extraordinary session of the National Assembly, 7th term, and which the Senate fully reviewed on the form and content of this law on May 20, 2026 during the 5th session of the Senate, 5th term, was promulgated.
According to the Royal Code, this law sets out the rules for implementing military service to contribute to building the nation and defending the homeland, which is a necessary duty and a noble honor for Cambodian citizens and is the foundation of building strength for national defense and physical development, as well as cultivating a sense of patriotism, education, mindset, and discipline that are the needs of the nation.
This law applies to all Cambodian citizens aged 18 to 25 years who are required to fulfill military service according to the provisions of this law. The military service of female Cambodian citizens shall be based on the principle of voluntary service.
For Cambodian citizens of multiple nationalities who reside in the Kingdom of Cambodia, they shall perform military service in the Kingdom of Cambodia. For Cambodian citizens who are required to perform military service, they must meet the same qualifications as professional soldiers as stipulated in the Law on General Regulations for Soldiers of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces.
The Royal Code adds that military service is limited to 24 months from the date of entry into service. In case of necessity, military service may be extended for no more than 6 months as determined by the Royal Government. The number of citizens and the conditions for entering military service for each period each year shall be determined by sub-decree upon the proposal of the Minister of National Defense.
