On 15 May 2026, the Prime Minister of Cambodia announced a forward-looking reform in the military sector under the concept of “Slim the Head, Expand the Body.”
Two major announcements gained significant public support. First, military salaries will be paid through banks, while working groups from the Ministry of National Defence and the Ministry of Economy and Finance are currently conducting a study on the matter. This plays a significant role in reducing the risk of “ghost officials,” improving convenience and security for military personnel, and opening opportunities for them to access various banking services, such as digital transfers, QR code payments, and credit with reasonable interest rates.
Another major announcement is the plan to dissolve certain “departments” and downsize “offices.” This structural reform appears to be a strategic move toward a leaner administrative hierarchy, ensuring that more resources and personnel are focused on operational efficiency rather than office-based management.
Prime Minister Hun Manet also used the platform to reaffirm that Cambodia still seeks to resolve the border dispute with Thailand peacefully, even if there is only a small chance of doing so without sacrificing lives or damaging infrastructure.
“Even if there is only a 1% hope for a peaceful resolution, we must exhaust every possibility to avoid armed conflict.”
The Prime Minister also emphasized that a 1% chance of negotiation does not mean a 1% chance of success. This appeared to be a response to opposition figures currently residing abroad, who are believed to be trying to distort the government’s message for political advantage.