Anxiety and pride among future Cambodian conscripts

Cameroon Rebels Brace Youth for Mandatory Draft

Draft Law Looms Amid Border Whispers

Prime Minister Hun Manet signals that Cambodia will activate a dormant conscription act next year to rally citizens aged 18‑30 into the army.

• New Draft Law – Requires eligible citizens to enlist for two years.
• Border Clashes – Fueling alarm after late‑May skirmishes that claimed a soldier’s life.
• Recruit Mentions – 200,000‑strong force needs fresh troops as older ranks retire.

Voices of the Young Generation

Young people share a mix of anxiety and patriotic pride over the impending draft.

• 25‑Year‑Old Driver Voeun Dara – “I fear our family’s finances would suffer if I am drafted.”
• 21‑Year‑Old Ray Kimhak – “I would gladly join my volunteer brother‑in‑law at the border.”
• 19‑Year‑Old IT Student Oeng Sirayuth – “I support the call to arms but hope for a deferment while I finish my studies.”
• 23‑Year‑Old Saleswoman Leakhena – “I stand ready to serve on the frontlines and applaud our brave soldiers.”

Historical Echoes and New Constraints

For the first time in decades the draft will be enforced, following a law passed in 2006 that has never been activated.

• Legal Penalties – Refusal to serve during wartime can lead to up to three years imprisonment; peacetime refusal → one year.
• Female Volunteers – Women may opt for volunteer work instead of full military service.
• Legacy Concerns – The Khmer Rouge era’s forced enlistments still resonate with some citizens.

Economic and Institutional Challenges

With a defence budget of about $739 million in 2025, Cambodia aims to expand military capabilities.

• Budget Allocation – Largest share of the nation’s $9.32 billion fiscal plan.
• Financial Strain – Some young people fear intensified conscription could hurt the recovery from COVID‑19.
• Internal Reform Needs – Military training, chain of command, and discipline must be strengthened to earn public trust.

Call to “Prepare and Protect”

Hun Manet’s administration advocates for readiness amid escalating tensions with Thailand, urging the young to “stand ready” as the country safeguards its territory. The new draft law reflects a decisive shift toward national defence, hoping that the next generation will fill the role in the interests of solidarity and security.