Cambodia has brought into effect a new mandatory military service law that introduces prison terms and financial penalties for those who evade conscription, amid heightened security concerns following recent border clashes with Thailand. Prime Minister HManet announcedun on Monday that the legislation had officially come into force.

The law was signed on Saturday by Senate president Hun Sen, who is serving as acting head of state while King Norodom Sihamoni undergoes treatment for prostate cancer in China. The legislation replaces a 2006 military service law that was never fully implemented and was considered outdated by Cambodian authorities.

Under the new law, Cambodian men between the ages of 18 and 25 will be required to serve in the military for two years. Women will not face compulsory service but may volunteer to join. The law states that individuals called up for military service must report within 30 days of receiving official notice unless they can provide a valid reason for failing to appear.

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The legislation also outlines strict punishments for draft evasion. During peacetime, individuals who avoid military service can face prison terms ranging from six months to two years along with fines between 250 and 1,000 US dollars. During wartime or in the event of a foreign attack, the penalties become significantly harsher, with prison sentences of up to five years and fines ranging from 1,000 to 2,500 US dollars.

The push for the new conscription framework comes after major border fighting between Cambodia and Thailand erupted twice last year. The clashes reportedly resulted in around 100 deaths and forced hundreds of thousands of people to flee affected border regions. The violence sharply increased security concerns in Phnom Penh and intensified discussions around military preparedness and national defence capabilities.

Cambodian authorities have described the updated law as necessary for strengthening the country’s defence structure and modernising military mobilisation procedures. The development also reflects broader regional concerns over border security and territorial disputes, particularly in sensitive areas along the Cambodia-Thailand frontier that have witnessed periodic tensions for years.

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