The Army has issued guidelines for its personnel during the election period, emphasizing their freedom to choose. It states that anyone joining a political party must report to their commanding officer and prohibits posting political content on social media during official duty hours. Lieutenant General Winthai assures that national defense operations will not be affected if the Pop Chart Party forms the government.
On 29 Jan 2026 GMT+7, the Army Personnel Department issued a "5 Dos and 7 Don'ts" code of conduct for personnel during the election period, presented via posters and LED screens. The guidelines specify five permitted actions as follows.
1. Joining a political party must be reported through the chain of command to superiors.
2. Personnel may attend political meetings in a personal capacity but must not wear uniforms or participate during official duty hours.
3. Personnel must maintain neutrality in their duties and not seek benefits for any political party.
4. They may vote according to their personal choice.
5. Personal political opinions may be expressed without wearing uniforms and not during official duty hours. Participation in public meetings must be peaceful.
1. Any actions that ridicule, disparage, or mock political matters must be avoided.
2. Wearing military uniforms or symbols to participate in public political gatherings is prohibited.
3. Displaying political party insignia or wearing their uniforms inside government offices is forbidden.
4. Forcing subordinates to join political parties or acting to benefit or harm anyone politically is prohibited.
5. Soliciting or coercing anyone to donate money or property for political parties is banned.
6. Direct or indirect support for election candidates during the registration period is not allowed.
7. Posting political content during official duty hours or at government premises, and using government computers or accounts to engage in political activities on social media, is forbidden.
The Army stresses it will not influence the election and assures that national defense duties will not be affected if the Pop Chart Party becomes the government.
Lieutenant General Winthai Suwaree, Army spokesperson, spoke about the upcoming election and referendum on 8 Feb, saying Army personnel are also citizens. The Army Chief values the right of all personnel and their families to vote and participate in the referendum. He confirmed that the Army will not direct the vote. In the past, elections have sometimes led to misinformation affecting the organization’s image. The Army has guidelines allowing political parties to campaign with equal time and without creating conditions that could harm the organization’s reputation, requiring careful attention.
When asked if political parties involve the military during campaigning, Lieutenant General Winthai said that this election involves less military engagement compared to the 2023 election.
Asked if the Army is concerned about the Pop Chart Party forming the government, Lieutenant General Winthai said that as permanent civil servants, military and politics are not directly linked. Political matters relate more to policy and support rather than military work. The Army follows four key principles, including during the Thailand-Cambodia situation. The Army’s role is legally to protect sovereignty; failure to do so would be abnormal. Even during government transitions, defense work was unaffected. Therefore, it is unlikely there will be any direct impact. Defense duties are lawful and proper, so the Army believes it will receive appropriate support from any government based on reason and merit.
