Why Thai Ministers and Bureaucrats Are Wearing Affordable Casio Watches

In Thai politics, where expensive watches have long been a recognized symbol of power, a watch costing less than $60 has now become the center of attention—and it is being gifted by the Prime Minister himself.

The 'Casio AE1200WH' watch, engraved with the name of Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, can now be seen on the wrists of cabinet members, top bureaucrats, and political allies.

Affectionately known as the "Casio Royale," this digital watch features a retro-futuristic design that includes a world map. Because it serves as a symbol of proximity to power, those who wear it are being referred to as the "Casio Connection."

These watches offer a glimpse into the personal relationships that have played a pivotal role in forming stable governments in Thailand over the decades. Anutin, a seasoned political strategist, has forged strong alliances across various factions of Thailand's divided political landscape—ranging from influential provincial families within his own Bhumjaithai Party to top officials in the powerful Ministry of Interior.

Siriphong Angkasakulkiat, the Deputy Minister of Transport and one of the recipients, said in an interview, "The value of what we wear isn't determined solely by its price tag. To me, its true value lies in the person who gifted it." He received the watch from Anutin after a recent cabinet meeting and has worn it almost every day since. He jokingly remarked that he has practically forgotten about his luxury watches worth thousands of dollars.
Siriphong noted that Anutin purchases these Casio watches from small shops or markets while traveling for work in Bangkok and other locations. He then has his name engraved on them before presenting them as gifts. He mentioned that he, too, had to wait quite a while to receive his watch. Those who received the watches have even begun comparing whether they got the metal-strap or resin-strap version.

These ordinary Casio watches are part of a global trend of signaling status, where even an inexpensive or simple item can reflect a person's wealth, taste, or access to exclusive circles. Much like the simple tin bags used by elite modeling agencies, such modest tokens can signify membership in a particular group.

Government spokesperson Akapob Pianpises, however, dismissed suggestions that these gifts carried any specific political undertones. According to him, Prime Minister Anutin simply appreciates the watch for its practicality and wishes to share it with others. "It is not a political statement," he said.

'A Sense of Loyalty'

The relationship between Thai politicians and watches goes back a long way. A much larger controversy erupted in 2017 when the then-Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon faced an anti-corruption investigation after appearing in public wearing a succession of expensive watches. Authorities investigated 22 watches worth over $1 million, which Prawit claimed to have borrowed from a wealthy friend. He was subsequently cleared of the allegations.

Anutin himself owns a collection of 22 luxury watches valued at over 60 million baht ($1.8 million). He was recently spotted wearing a 'Rolex Day-Date 40' at the birthday celebration of Newin Chidchob, an influential leader of the Bhumjaithai Party. Newin, meanwhile, wore a 'Richard Mille RM 30-01' watch at the same event.

However, the price of the Casio watches gifted by Anutin is negligible compared to those luxury timepieces. However, according to Napon Jatusripitak, a visiting fellow at Singapore’s ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, these items—given as personal gifts from the Prime Minister—carry their own political significance. Napon states, "They can create an obligation for future reciprocation and foster a mindset of loyalty and compliance in the recipient."
One of the most significant figures on the list of recipients is Thamanat Prompao. This influential political figure’s "Kla Tham Party" is preparing to join Anutin’s ruling coalition. Speculation regarding this new alliance intensified after a Casio watch was spotted on his wrist—particularly after the party’s secretary-general hinted that the watch had come directly from Anutin’s own wrist.

Napon observes, "Through these watches, Anutin is undoubtedly cultivating friends, followers, and a new circle of influence."