Cambodia's National Assembly approved a revised version of a 2006 conscription law that was never enforced, raising the length of service from 18 to 24 months and lowering the eligible age range to 18-25 years, AFP reported on May 12. Women can serve voluntarily, and conscripts retain reserve status until age 45, with penalties for draft evasion significantly increased.

The move comes after Cambodian and Thai leaders agreed to calm tensions and normalize relations earlier in May. Nonetheless, Prime Minister Hun Manet framed the law as necessary to protect national sovereignty after repeated border clashes with Thailand in 2025.