Phnom Penh: Cambodia will begin conscripting civilians into its military starting next year, Prime Minister Hun Manet announced on Monday, amid ongoing tensions along the border with Thailand. Hostilities between the neighboring countries have intensified following a shooting incident on May 28, which resulted in the death of a Cambodian soldier in a disputed border area.
According to Radio Free Asia, the incident has led to a series of diplomatic and economic retaliations. Cambodia has sought intervention from the International Court of Justice, closed certain border areas, and imposed a ban on some Thai imports. In response, Thailand has suspended its Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, following the public outcry over a leaked phone conversation with former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen.
During his address on Monday, Hun Manet emphasized the need for Cambodia to bolster its military budget. He also urged Thailand to reopen the border crossings that have been closed, which have further strained the relationship between the two countries.