The Cambodian government has proposed to increase defense and security spending in 2027 by 14%, to $1.61 billion, Nikkei Asia writes. The budget increase comes as the country's first-ever conscription campaign begins following the border dispute with Thailand last year. As part of the pilot recruitment, the authorities received over 14,600 applications for 10,000 places. The service period will be 24 months with a monthly benefit of 400 thousand riyals ($100).