Cambodia’s new conscription law has taken effect, requiring men aged 18 to 25 to serve two years in the military while allowing women to volunteer. The law replaces a 2006 statute that was never implemented and introduces penalties of up to five years in prison for those who evade service.

The move follows renewed border fighting with Thailand last year that left around 100 people dead and displaced hundreds of thousands. Those summoned for service must appear within 30 days, with exemptions available for monks, priests, people with disabilities, and those with specialized science or technology skills. After service, conscripts enter the reserves until age 45.

Read the entire piece in AP News.

Picture: “United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC)” by United Nations Photo, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0