On Sunday, February 8, Thailand will hold general elections to determine the composition of the 500-member House of Representatives, which, along with the Senate, constitutes the country’s National Assembly.
Additionally, Thai citizens will be asked to vote in a referendum on whether to start drafting a new constitution to replace the one adopted in 2017 under the military junta.
Catholic Bishops and the Common Good of the Country
In the run-up to the elections, the Catholic bishops of Thailand addressed citizens with a pastoral letter emphasizing the importance of voting as a moral duty and a way to participate democratically in the common good of the country: «Neglecting to vote is a failure to participate in the ‘common good’ of society.»
The bishops reaffirmed the Catholic Church’s «solidarity with Thai society» and emphasized its «independence from any political party». They manifested this independence by reminding citizens that their duty to participate in the country’s democracy «does not stop at the polling booth but includes monitoring, scrutinizing, and upholding moral truth at every stage.»
The bishops emphasize that democracy requires acceptance of certain fundamental values, such as «human dignity, human rights, and the common good.» For democracy to serve the common good, political representatives and leaders must prioritize the interests of the country and all citizens over their own personal interests. They must «value local citizens, encourage community participation, and be dedicated to the well-being of others, especially the poor and vulnerable.»
Finally, the bishops warn against attempts to illegally influence elections: «Even small acts of vote buying or fraud are the root of corruption that destroys a nation» — a betrayal of the political duty toward all citizens and a violation of social justice.
The bishops hope for an election that will result in «constructive public policies» and a national leadership that will «lead the country toward true peace and brotherhood.»
European Union and Thailand’s Elections
The European Parliamentary Research Service has drafted a memorandum on Thailand ahead of the February elections. There is concern that outgoing Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul could «leverage a hardline nationalist stance in defense of Thailand’s sovereignty against Cambodian territorial claims.»
Regardless of the outcome of the upcoming elections, internal political instability could plague the country, mainly due to tensions related to the «reform of the country’s democracy and monarchy.» According to the EU memorandum, the referendum on constitutional reform—the first of three decided by the Constitutional Court in September 2025—could provide an initial indication of the country’s future political direction.
