Cambodia's New Law: Men Must Serve in the Army for Two Years

Apr 24, 2026, 14:29

Introduction

The Cambodian government approved a new law. Men between 18 and 25 years old must serve in the army for two years. This law replaces an old law from 2006 that was never used. The government spokesperson said this. The decision came after fights with Thailand last year about land.

Main Body

The new law has eight parts and 20 rules. It replaces the old law from 2006. The old law said men up to 30 could be called, but it was not used. Women can join the army if they want. The law now goes to the National Assembly and the Senate. They must approve it. Then the King will sign it. Cambodia and Thailand had fights in 2023. They fought about land on the border. Many people had to leave their homes. About 100 Cambodian soldiers and civilians died. The fighting stopped in December 2023, but the two countries are still not friends. The government says serving in the army is a duty and an honor. It helps the country. Prime Minister Hun Manet said in July 2023 that Cambodia would start conscription. He said soldiers who are called to serve are better than volunteers. The law will help get more soldiers and make the army stronger.

Conclusion

The law passed the cabinet. Now it needs approval from the National Assembly and the Senate. Then the King must sign it. The law will help make Cambodia's army stronger because of the recent border fights.

Vocabulary Learning

border (n.)
edge / the line that separates two countries or areas邊界
Example:They fought about land on the border.
fight (n.)
battle / a physical or verbal conflict between people or groups戰鬥；爭鬥
Example:Cambodia and Thailand had fights in 2023.
join (v.)
become a member / to become part of a group or organization加入
Example:Women can join the army if they want.
law (n.)
rule / a system of rules that a country or community follows法律
Example:The Cambodian government approved a new law.
serve (v.)
work for / to do a job for your country or an organization服務；服役
Example:Men must serve in the army for two years.

Sentence Learning

The decision came after fights with Thailand last year about land.
Time Marker: This sentence uses 'last year' to indicate when the fights happened, giving a time context.這個句子使用「去年」來表示衝突發生的時間，提供時間背景。
The law now goes to the National Assembly and the Senate.
Time Marker: The word 'now' shows that this action is happening at the present time.詞語「現在」表示這個動作發生在當前時間。
The fighting stopped in December 2023, but the two countries are still not friends.
Connector: The word 'but' connects two contrasting ideas: the fighting stopped, yet the countries are not friends.詞語「但是」連接兩個對比的想法：衝突停止了，然而兩國還不是朋友。
Women can join the army if they want.
Connector: The word 'if' introduces a condition for joining the army.詞語「如果」引入了加入軍隊的條件。
The law will help make Cambodia's army stronger because of the recent border fights.
Reason: The phrase 'because of' gives the reason why the law will help strengthen the army.詞組「因為」給出了這項法律將有助於加強軍隊的原因。