Thai PM Anutin's Casio watch gifts fuel 'Casio Connection' talk

BANGKOK — Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's habit of giving engraved Casio watches to ministers, senior officials and political allies has set off speculation about political loyalties, with Thai media dubbing the recipients the "Casio Connection", The Nation reported.

The watch is the Casio AE-1200WH, a digital model with a world-map display that costs about 1,900 baht (under US$60). The case back is engraved in Thai with "Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister", alongside his name in English. Anutin reportedly buys the watches at markets and department stores during official visits and has them engraved before handing them out.

Government spokesman Ekkapop Pianpses rejected any political reading, saying Anutin liked the model for its practicality and simply wanted to give it to people close to him.

According to The Nation, recipients include Deputy Transport Minister Siripong Angkasakulkiat and senior Interior Ministry officials, including permanent secretary Unsit Sampuntharat. Spring News reported that Capt Thamanat Prompow received a watch on 13 August 2026; photographs of him wearing it while helping flood victims in Nan drew attention amid speculation that his Kla Tham Party could join the governing coalition. No coalition agreement has been announced.

Napon Jatusripitak, a visiting fellow at Singapore's ISEAS–Yusof Ishak Institute, was cited by Spring News as saying personal gifts from a leader can encourage loyalty and a sense of obligation, and could help Anutin build his power base.

Watches have caused political trouble in Thailand before. In 2017, then deputy prime minister Prawit Wongsuwan faced questions over 22 luxury watches reportedly worth more than US$1 million; the National Anti-Corruption Commission cleared him in December 2018. Spring News reported that Anutin's own asset declaration lists 22 luxury watches worth more than 60 million baht.

Source: The Nation (Thailand), citing Spring News and Post Today.