Bangkok, Oct 3 (IANS): Thailand deserves a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council (UNSC) because of its role in UN missions, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said.

"We have a good reputation because of our role in UN operations, especially in peacekeeping and security," the prime minister said during a briefing on Friday.

Thailand is competing for the seat with a two-year term in the Asia-Pacific quota at the council from 2017-18. The vote on the new five non-permanent members will take place in September 2016.

The last time the Thailand was on the UNSC was in 1985-86.

Prayut said he was confident Thailand would be elected, adding lobbying would soon begin.

He also claimed to have already received backing from other ASEAN members for the seat.

His visit to New York to attend the 70th session of the UN General Assembly, which ended on September 30, had reconfirmed a message to the international community that a roadmap to democracy remained unchanged despite delays in the new constitution.

"If the new charter is ready, new elections will be held. It's up to the constitution process, not to me," he added.