New Army Rules in Cambodia and Thailand

May 12, 2026, 14:10
AsiaPolitics

Introduction

Cambodia has a new law for army service. Thailand says its old army law is still okay.

Main Body

Cambodia has a new law. Men aged 18 to 25 must join the army for two years. Women can choose to join. People who do not join can go to prison for five years during a war. Cambodia and Thailand have problems with their borders. They fought in the past. Prime Minister Hun Manet says a strong army keeps the country safe and peaceful. In Thailand, a court looked at the army law from 1954. Some people wanted to change the law. They wanted to join the army by choice. The court said the old law is still legal. People who do not join can go to prison for three years.

Conclusion

Cambodia wants more soldiers because of border problems. Thailand keeps its old law but may give more money to volunteers.

Learning

πŸ•’ Talking about Time and Rules

In this text, we see how to describe things that are required (rules) and how long they last. This is a key skill for A2 learners.

1. The "Must" Pattern When something is a rule, we use must.

  • Example: Men must join the army.
  • Meaning: It is not a choice. It is a law.

2. Measuring Time (For) To say how long a situation lasts, use for + [time].

  • Two years β†’ for two years
  • Five years β†’ for five years

3. Vocabulary Shift Notice how the text describes people:

  • Volunteers β†’\rightarrow People who choose to do something.
  • Soldiers β†’\rightarrow People who work in the army.

Quick Comparison:

  • New law β†’\rightarrow Something changed recently.
  • Old law β†’\rightarrow Something from a long time ago (1954).

Vocabulary Learning

borders (n.)
lines that separate two countries
Example:The borders between Cambodia and Thailand are monitored by soldiers.
court (n.)
a place where judges decide on laws
Example:The court looked at the army law from 1954.
volunteers (n.)
people who help without being paid
Example:Cambodia wants more volunteers to help with border problems.
prison (n.)
a place where people are kept as punishment
Example:People who do not join can go to prison for five years.
strong (adj.)
having great power or force
Example:Prime Minister Hun Manet says a strong army keeps the country safe.
peaceful (adj.)
free from violence or conflict
Example:A strong army helps keep the country peaceful.
choice (n.)
an option you can pick
Example:Some people wanted to join the army by choice.
old (adj.)
having existed for a long time
Example:The old army law is still legal.
new (adj.)
recently made or started
Example:Cambodia has a new law for army service.
join (v.)
to become a member of a group
Example:Men aged 18 to 25 must join the army for two years.
army (n.)
a group of soldiers who protect a country
Example:The army keeps the country safe from danger.
law (n.)
a rule that people must follow
Example:The new law requires men to serve in the army.