Thai general pines for 'democracy' in election ballad

Junta leader Prayut Chan-O-Cha dropped his latest saccharine pop ballad on the Thai public yesterday, pining for the "democratic path" nearly five years after he seized power from the country's last elected government.

A former army chief who wants to return after March 24 polls as a civilian prime minister, Prayut has penned several ditties intended to inspire the nation since seizing power in 2014.

"New Day", released on YouTube, captures the famously gruff 64-year-old general in reflective mood.

"We are looking for a new day in Thailand's history... towards the democratic path," the pop number -- sung by two soldiers -- says.

"A 'New Day' for Thailand is coming so we can solve the mistakes of the past."