Cambodian military police personnel parade during the celebration of the 32nd founding anniversary of the National Military Police held in Kampong Chhnang province, Cambodia, on July 14, 2025. "From 2026 onwards, the Law on Compulsory Military Service will be enforced," Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said in a speech during the celebration of the 32nd founding anniversary of the National Military Police held at a training center in central Kampong Chhnang province. (Photo by Sovannara/Xinhua)

KAMPONG CHHNANG, Cambodia, July 14 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said here on Monday that the Southeast Asian country will enforce the Law on Compulsory Military Service, starting from 2026.

The law was promulgated on Dec. 22, 2006, aiming at building the armed forces, but it has not been enforced in practice.

"From 2026 onwards, the Law on Compulsory Military Service will be enforced," Hun Manet said in a speech during the celebration of the 32nd founding anniversary of the National Military Police held at a training center in central Kampong Chhnang province.

"The military conscription law will help us increase the number of soldiers, reinforcing our army," he said.

Under the Law on Compulsory Military Service, all Cambodian male citizens between 18 and 30 years old are obliged to register for and fulfill military service for 18 months.

However, Hun Manet said the 18-month mandatory training period will be increased to 24 months. ■

Cambodian military police vehicles parade during the celebration of the 32nd founding anniversary of the National Military Police held in Kampong Chhnang province, Cambodia, on July 14, 2025. "From 2026 onwards, the Law on Compulsory Military Service will be enforced," Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said in a speech during the celebration of the 32nd founding anniversary of the National Military Police held at a training center in central Kampong Chhnang province. (Photo by Sovannara/Xinhua)

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet inspects military police personnel during the celebration of the 32nd founding anniversary of the National Military Police in Kampong Chhnang province, Cambodia, on July 14, 2025. "From 2026 onwards, the Law on Compulsory Military Service will be enforced," Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said in a speech during the celebration of the 32nd founding anniversary of the National Military Police held at a training center in central Kampong Chhnang province. (Photo by Sovannara/Xinhua)