(Phnom Penh): Cambodia’s Acting Head of State Hun Sen on Monday (May 25) officially enacted the Military Service Law after its approval by the Council of Ministers and the Senate.

The law, comprising eight chapters and 20 articles, requires all Cambodian men aged 18 to 25 to complete 24 months of military service, while participation for women remains voluntary. Citizens with multiple nationalities residing in Cambodia are also subject to the law.

The legislation aims to strengthen national defence, discipline, patriotism, and youth development, while building a more capable reserve force for the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces.

Exemptions apply to Buddhist monks, clergy members of recognised religions, citizens with exceptional expertise, certain contracted specialists, former military personnel, and individuals deemed physically unfit.

Under the law, draft evasion carries prison terms of six months to two years during peacetime, rising to two to five years during wartime or foreign invasion, along with financial penalties.

Prime Minister Hun Manet previously stated that the law would strengthen national defence, promote discipline and responsibility among youth, and foster stronger civic values in society.
=FRESH NEWS