(Kampong Chhnang): Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet instructed the relevant authorities to amend the military retirement law in order to increase the retirement age for military personnel. He explained that extending the retirement age would allow Cambodia to retain a larger number of trained personnel, thereby strengthening national defence.

The premier spoke on Monday (Jul. 14) during the inauguration of achievements at the Royal Gendarmerie Training Centre (Phnom Chum Sen Reak Reay) in Kampong Chhnang Province.

"I have requested a comparative study with other ASEAN countries. Currently, Cambodia has 12 retirement tiers for military personnel. For example, soldiers, sergeants, and officers retire at age 38; Staff Sergeant retired at 39; First Sergeant at 40; Command Sergeant Major at 41; and Warrant Officer at 42. Each level differing by just one year. A simple letter of promotion could push someone into immediate retirement due to age,” the premier underscored.

According to the prime minister, while Cambodia has 12 levels of retirement age, Laos has only 2 that 60 years old for men and 55 for women. Viet Nam has 6 tiers, with four of them (from senior colonel and below) retiring at age 50. In Singapore, there are only 3 retirement levels, and Indonesia has 6.

Based on this comparative review, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet recommended reducing Cambodia’s military retirement levels to just 2 or 3. Raising the retirement age would offer many benefits and ensure that Cambodia retains a larger active military force.
=FRESH NEWS