Phnom Penh, 12 May 2026 — The National Assembly of the Kingdom of Cambodia convened an extraordinary session of the 7th Legislature on Tuesday morning to deliberate and approve two important draft laws aimed at strengthening Cambodia’s national defense capacity and ensuring sustainable energy security.
The session was presided over by Samdech Maha Rathsapheathika Thipadei Khuon Sudary, President of the National Assembly, and attended by 114 lawmakers. In her opening remarks, she reaffirmed Cambodia’s principled stance on peace and rule-based diplomacy, stating:
“The Royal Government remains firmly committed to resolving disputes peacefully through existing mechanisms based on international law and mutual agreements.”
The Assembly unanimously approved both draft laws, reflecting strong national consensus on issues considered vital to the supreme interests of the nation and the Cambodian people.
The first agenda item focused on the Draft Law on Military Conscription, consisting of 8 chapters and 20 articles, which was unanimously adopted with 114 out of 114 votes in favor.
The draft law was prepared in accordance with Article 49 (new) of the Constitution and the Royal Government’s policy to modernize and strengthen Cambodia’s national defense framework while promoting youth development and patriotism.
Under the law, Cambodian male citizens aged between 18 and 25 are required to fulfill Military Conscription obligations for a period of 24 months, while women may participate voluntarily. Cambodian citizens holding dual nationality and residing in Cambodia are also subject to the military service obligation.
H.E. Kep Chuktema, Chairman of the Commission on Interior, National Defense, Civil Service and Border Affairs, emphasized that the previous Law on Military Conscription adopted in 2006 no longer fully addresses present and future national defense requirements amid evolving regional and global security challenges.
“The modernization of the military conscription framework is necessary to strengthen Cambodia’s national defense capacity, preserve peace, and ensure territorial integrity and sovereignty in the current context,” H.E. Kep Chuktema stated.
The draft law also highlights broader national development objectives beyond defense. Youth undergoing military service will receive physical training, patriotism education, discipline building, and financial allowances during their service period.
Upon completion, they will benefit from priority opportunities in state institutions, public and private enterprises, technical and vocational training, continued education, and overseas employment opportunities.
Representing the Royal Government in defending the draft law, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense H.E. Tea Seiha stressed that military conscription constitutes both a constitutional duty and a high honor for Cambodian citizens.
“The preservation of lasting peace requires the collective participation and sacrifice of all Cambodian citizens in defending the nation and safeguarding territorial sovereignty,” he said.
During the session, Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet strongly expressed support for the draft law, emphasizing that Cambodia must continue modernizing its defense sector in response to emerging regional and global developments.
“Cambodia must continue reform and modernization of the national defense sector, with emphasis on institutional reform, workforce modernization, and equipment development at all levels,” Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet stated.
He added that the world is entering “a new phase marked by border tensions, economic competition, and increasingly intense technological rivalry,” which requires Cambodia to strengthen its national capabilities to preserve peace and sovereignty.
“We must strengthen our capacity to preserve peace and safeguard territorial integrity and national sovereignty,” the Prime Minister stressed.
