Cambodia's military recruitment drive tops target by 50%

Detailed summary

Young volunteers cite border conflict with Thailand as defense spending rises

Guards patrol along a fence on the Thai-Cambodia border in Thailand's Chanthaburi province on July 22, 2025. Tensions linger despite a ceasefire reached in December. (Photo by Ken Kobayashi)

PHNOM PENH -- Cambodia has begun training its first group of new soldiers, after nearly 15,000 young people volunteered for an initial intake of 10,000 as the country seeks to strengthen its defenses following last year's deadly border conflict with Thailand. The recruitment push is part of an expansion that includes the introduction of a military draft.

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