Cambodia Advances Military Service Law Implementation with Rule Review

PHNOM PENH, Sept 8, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia has moved closer to implementing its new military service law, as senior officials reviewed draft procedures governing how conscription will be carried out. Kim Santepheap, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Justice and a member of the National Committee on Military Service, chaired a working meeting Monday to examine and revise guidelines for putting the law into practice. The session, held at the ministry in Phnom Penh, brought together senior officials and technical officers from the justice ministry and the committee. Among those attending was Lieutenant General Sin Sophanny, deputy commander of the National Gendarmerie Headquarters and a member of the committee. He represented the working group tasked with developing procedures for fulfilling military service obligations. Officials reviewed a draft document titled “Guidelines on Standard Operating Procedures for the Implementation of the Law on Military Service,” focusing on step‑by‑step processes and suggesting revisions to ensure consistency and practicality. The Ministry of Justice said the guidelines are intended to establish a clear framework while ensuring transparency, accountability and efficiency. The meeting did not announce changes to the legal requirements for military service, but concentrated on refining administrative procedures needed to implement the law. Cambodia’s military service legislation has drawn renewed attention as the government prepares detailed mechanisms for its enforcement. A royal decree signed by Senate President and Acting Head of State Samdech Techo Hun Sen has already brought the law into force, requiring citizens aged 18 to 25 to undertake compulsory conscription. The legislation, approved by the National Assembly on May 12 and reviewed by the Senate on May 20, sets out 20 articles governing national service. Conscription is described in the law as both a civic duty and an honour, aimed at strengthening national defence and supporting nation‑building efforts.