Phnom penh: Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet emphasised that peace is both difficult to achieve and even harder to maintain, calling for greater national strength in the face of an increasingly uncertain global landscape.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the Prime Minister made these remarks during a gathering at Koh Pich on Sunday morning, where he met with representatives from trade unions, informal economy workers, and education associations to mark the 140th Anniversary of International Labour Day (May 1). He underscored the value of the peace currently enjoyed by Cambodia, while warning of the challenges posed by an uncertain global landscape.
"Peace is a tremendous achievement that we have today," he said. "But do we realise that peace is hard to find and hard to sustain. In a changing global context, to preserve peace, we must be strong. No one else will come to protect us. Strength in national defence and the economy is essential."
His remarks follow the Royal Government's recent approval of a draft law on military conscription on April 23, 2026. The proposed legislation mandates Cambodian youth aged 18 to 25 to fulfill military service, with participation for women remaining voluntary.
The draft law, comprising 8 chapters and 20 articles, aims to implement Article 49 (new) of the Constitution. It seeks to contribute to national development and defence while fostering patriotism among young citizens.
According to the Prime Minister, military service will not only fortify national defence but also instill discipline, ethics, teamwork, and a sense of national pride among youth. He noted that those who complete their service may receive advantages in employment opportunities and access to further training.
Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet stressed that the conscription law is part of a broader effort to enhance Cambodia's resilience as the global environment becomes more unpredictable.