The Government is urging political parties and the New Zealand public to respect the democratic process in Thailand, following a decision there to hold an early election.
Thailand's Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra dissolved parliament on Monday and called a snap election, following a month of often violent protests.
Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully says the New Zealand Government has been concerned by the tensions in Thailand in recent weeks and the risk of further bloodshed.
Mr McCully says the best way to determine the will of the Thai people is through the ballot box.
