(Phnom Penh): The National Assembly of Cambodia on Tuesday morning (May 12) unanimously approved the draft Law on Military Service, with all 114 lawmakers present voting in favour.

The draft law will next be reviewed by the Senate before final endorsement.

Comprising eight chapters and 20 articles, the revised legislation extends mandatory military service from 18 months to 24 months, bringing Cambodia’s framework more in line with practices adopted by many other countries.

Under the law, all Cambodian citizens aged 18 to 25 will be required to fulfil military service obligations, while participation for women will remain voluntary.

The law is set to take effect in 2026, with registration beginning for 17-year-olds. Exemptions will apply to Buddhist monks, clergy members of other religions, citizens with exceptional expertise or talents, and individuals deemed physically unfit.

The Royal Government stated that the revised law is expected to strengthen military recruitment and improve the selection of qualified personnel from among those who complete national service.
=FRESH NEWS