ASIA/THAILAND - Bishops on the eve of the elections: "Choose candidates who respect human dignity and promote the common good"

Bangkok (Agenzia Fides) – “The Church encourages voting for candidates who respect the value and dignity of every human being and who prioritize the common good over personal gain,” the bishops of Thailand wrote in a pastoral letter published on the eve of the elections on February 8, 2026. The letter, signed by Francis Xavier Vira Arpondratana, President of the Thai Bishops’ Conference and Bishop of Chiang Mai, is entitled “Rights and Duties of Christians in voting in a democracy.”
“The Catholic Church in Thailand,” the letter, sent to Fides, states, “wants to move forward together with our society.” “While remaining strictly independent of any political party,” it continues, “the Church has a responsibility, in the name of its moral mission, to act as a social conscience to ensure that these elections follow the path of truth and justice.”
In this sense, the bishops urge Christians to “understand that voting is a moral duty for the common good. It is not merely a legal obligation, but a moral duty shared by all citizens as a shared responsibility for our society.”
The pastoral letter quotes the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 2240), which states that citizens have a duty to pay taxes, exercise their right to vote, and defend the country, thereby contributing to society. “To neglect this right is to fail in our responsibility to the common good,” the bishops write, emphasizing: “This duty is not confined to the ballot box; it also includes monitoring and protecting moral truths at every stage of the political process. We also recognize that the decision not to vote for any candidate is an option, but only in cases where no candidate is morally acceptable.”
Indeed, “a healthy democracy is more than just a set of rules.” It must “be based on fundamental human values, especially human dignity, human rights, and the common good. Without these moral foundations, a democracy can easily become a hidden tyranny that oppresses its people,” the statement reads.
For this reason, voters are urged to “seek leaders who value local citizens, enable communities to participate in the decision-making process, and demonstrate a willingness to make sacrifices.” A true political leader, in fact “is focused on the well-being of others, especially the poor and vulnerable.”
The letter quotes the passage from the biblical Book of Exodus (Exodus 18:21), in which Moses is instructed to choose capable, God-fearing, reliable, and selfless leaders. “Leadership should not be seen as the possession of power; on the contrary, power must be exercised as service (see Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, 410).”
Finally, the Thai Catholic Church appeals to politicians and government officials regarding moral integrity, declaring: “As Jesus taught, ‘The person who is trustworthy in very small matters is also trustworthy in great ones’ (Luke 16:10-11). The buying or selling of votes, or any other form of fraud, is the beginning of corruption, which destroys the fabric of society. Political corruption is a betrayal of the people and a grave violation of social justice.”
The bishops ask all Thai believers to pray that “leaders with strong morals and creative political visions” will be elected, leaders who “can lead the nation to true peace and fraternity.” (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 28/1/2026)

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