Key facts
- Cambodia began training its first group of new soldiers after nearly 15,000 volunteered for an initial intake of 10,000.
- Prime Minister Hun Manet attended the opening ceremony on November 9 at the Coastal and Island Defence Command training school.
- The first 5,000 recruits assembled on November 4 and underwent health and physical fitness checks.
- KPS-TV reported 14,646 citizens volunteered, including 2,417 women.
- Training will last three months, or 91 days, with six training days a week and seven hours a day.
- Recruits will receive a monthly allowance of 400,000 riel (about $100) alongside food, uniforms and medical care.
Cambodia has begun training its first group of new soldiers after nearly 15,000 young people volunteered for an initial intake of 10,000, as the country strengthens its defenses following last year's deadly border conflict with Thailand. The recruitment push is part of an expansion that includes the introduction of a military draft.
Prime Minister Hun Manet attended the opening ceremony for the first compulsory military service training course on November 9 at the Coastal and Island Defence Command training school in Phnom Sruoch district, Kampong Speu province, according to KPS-TV. The first 5,000 recruits assembled on November 4 and underwent health and physical fitness checks. The government approved 10,000 male conscripts for 2026, trained in two groups of 5,000 at eight schools nationwide.
KPS-TV reported that 14,646 citizens volunteered, including 2,417 women. The government allocated 114 tonnes of rice for meals and issued 14 items of personal equipment, including combat uniforms, sportswear, shoes, mosquito nets and bedding. Training will last three months, or 91 days, with six training days a week and seven hours a day. After completing training, recruits will be assigned to units of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces.
Under the Military Service Law enacted in May, men face compulsory 24-month service, while women may volunteer. The law permits registration at age 17 and grants exemptions to clergy, people with disabilities and individuals with specialized academic or professional skills. Implementation procedures introduced in August establish selection via voluntary applications and a lottery system. Recruits will receive a monthly allowance of 400,000 riel (about $100) alongside food, uniforms and medical care.