Cambodia plans military service

20/07/2006 12:06:01 AEST


Cambodia is pushing ahead with a plan to introduce compulsory military service.

Under the proposed legislation, which is expected to take effect in 2008, all Cambodians
between 18 and 30 years-old are eligible for an 18-month tour of duty.

The head of the parliamentary commission reviewing the law says conscription could
add as many as 10,000 people to Cambodia's armed forces each year.

Cambodia's military now stands at more than 112,000, but correspondents say as
many as a third of the force are either disabled or too elderly to carry out their duties.

ABC Asia Pacific TV / Radio Australia