Cambodia Rolls Out Military Conscription Law with Regional Briefings

Cambodia is actively conducting briefings on the implementation of its military conscription law, Decree No. 176 ANK.BK, across various military commands. On the afternoon of September 7, 2026, at the Kampong Thom Regional Military Operations Command, Fourth Military Region, Major General Som Son, Commander of the Kampong Thom Regional Military Operations Command, presided over a session to disseminate the decree to leaders of the command, commanders of all relevant units, and institutions. Lieutenant Colonel Sun Samon, Chief of Office 1 of the Kampong Operational Military Command Headquarters, read out Decree No. 176 ANK.BK concerning the implementation of military conscription by the Royal Government. He highlighted key articles, including the establishment of military conscription committees at various levels of the army, military regions, and provincial levels. He also clarified the roles and responsibilities of the provincial military conscription committees as stipulated in the decree. Major General Som Son emphasized that the military conscription law was adopted by the National Assembly, with input from the Senate, and signed into effect by the King of Cambodia. He stated that the implementation of this law and its related decree is in line with the nation's progress and the evolving international landscape, noting that many countries worldwide have already implemented similar conscription laws. Major General Som Son further announced that the military conscription law officially came into effect on May 23, 2026, through Royal Kram No. NS/RLK/0526/008. He added that by the end of 2026, conscripts will commence training at various training schools to learn tactics and discipline, thereby strengthening national defense capabilities. Major General Som Son advised all units, after establishing the composition of the military conscription committees, to conduct widespread dissemination to encourage youth to fulfill their military obligations with honor for the nation, themselves, and their families. He stressed that the military conscription committees must carry out their respective duties as assigned by leaders at all levels of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces, particularly the national and sub-national military conscription committees, to achieve success. Source: AKP Khmer