Kiripost

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has suggested that gang members and juvenile offenders could be sent to perform military service at the country’s borders instead of serving prison sentences.

Speaking at an event marking International Workers’ Day on 26 April, Manet argued that the move could benefit both society and the individuals involved. He urged senior officials, including Justice Minister Keout Rith, National Police Commissioner Sar Thet, and Armed Forces Commander Vong Pisen, to study the feasibility of the plan.

“Currently, we arrest and imprison them, but what we lose is rice,” Manet said, noting that while some offenders reform after release, many return to gang activity. He emphasised that the proposal would not involve arming offenders, but rather assigning them to support roles such as building trenches and assisting engineering divisions.

The idea comes as Cambodia continues to grapple with youth crime and overcrowded prisons. By redirecting offenders into structured service, Manet believes they could contribute to national defence while learning discipline and responsibility.

Officials are now reviewing the proposal, which has sparked debate over whether military service could serve as a viable alternative to incarceration. The government has yet to confirm if or when such a policy might be implemented, but the Prime Minister’s remarks have placed the issue firmly on the national agenda.

-2026-04-27

Would that be the equivalent as sending unemployed Muslims of the jihad persuasion for two years national service?