AKP Phnom Penh, October 24, 2026 —

Cambodia will launch a training programme for young people who have volunteered for military service under the country’s conscription system on Nov. 9, 2026, coinciding with the Kingdom’s Independence Day, Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet announced on Saturday.

The Prime Minister made the announcement during a ceremony marking the 20th anniversary of Cambodia’s participation in United Nations peacekeeping operations and the official inauguration of various achievements at the Multinational Peacekeeping Training Centre in Kampong Speu province.

“Nov. 9, 2026, is the designated date for the establishment of the army and is also National Independence Day. It will mark the beginning of the implementation of the military conscription law to help strengthen our armed forces,” Samdech Thipadei said.

From that date onward, Cambodia will continue recruiting young people for military service in phases, based on the actual needs of the armed forces, he stressed.

The Prime Minister also welcomed the young people who had volunteered for military service and expressed his appreciation for their commitment, encouraging them to contribute to strengthening the country’s national defence.

According to Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet, nearly 15,000 young people had submitted applications to volunteer for military service over the preceding 13 days.

The initiative marks an important step towards implementing Cambodia’s military conscription law and strengthening the capacity of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces through the participation of the younger generation, he added.

By Heng Panha