PHNOM PENH, May 25 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia's law on military conscription, which will require young male-adults to fulfil military obligation for two years, was enacted with immediate effect.
The promulgation was made in a Royal Kram (Royal Code) signed by Acting Head of State Samdech Techo Hun Sen on Saturday and publicized on Monday after the Senate, or the upper house, gave final approval to the law last week.
"This law is promulgated immediately," Hun Sen said in the Royal Kram.
Under the law, Cambodian citizens aged between 18 and 25 years old must fulfill military duty for two years. However, for women, it is voluntary.
After fulfilling their military obligation, they will become reserve soldiers until the age of 45.
Military obligation also applies to Cambodians with dual nationality who are living in Cambodia, the law said, adding that the duty is exempted for monks, priests, and people with disabilities.
Anyone evading military obligation will face six months to five years in jail and a fine, depending on the aggravation and circumstances, according to the law. ■
