Thai PM launches re-election bid

Thailand's embattled Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha vowed to fix the kingdom's problems as he launched his re-election bid at a major rally in the capital Bangkok.

The move unofficially kicks off months of campaigning ahead of expected polls in the year, where the unpopular ex-general -- who took power in a 2014 coup -- will face his old Palang Pracharath Party.

"If I have the chance I will keep working to solve Thailand's problems," he told the crowd at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center.

Prayut came to power as army chief in a 2014 coup before cementing his position in a controversial 2019 election, and can lead the country for only two more years under the current military constitution.

"I do not want power," he said, flanked by members of his new party, but added: "I have worked for several years and I know there are many problems left."

Thailand's economy is struggling, with its vital tourism industry decimated by the pandemic, and now by global headwinds causing rising inflation and economic stagnation.

"I will do my best, not for myself but for the nation, religion, monarchy and people," Prayut said, citing the three pillars of Thai society.

"It is the first day and the first time in my life that I am a member of a political party," he said, explaining how he was a "military man my whole life".

The date of the election has not been decided, but if parliament ends its term in March, the stage is set for a vote in May.