Casio watch becomes Thai political status symbol

Anutin buys the Casios from small shops and markets during his travels and site visits around Bangkok, then has his name engraved on them before giving them away, according to Siripong, who said he had to wait a while for his. Recipients have even begun comparing notes on whether they received metal or resin bands.

The understated Casios tap into a broader global trend in how status is displayed, where an inexpensive or discreet item can convey wealth, taste or access to those who recognise it.

From quiet-luxury pieces to ordinary tote bags bearing the names of elite modeling agencies, such insider markers can signal membership of a select group.

Government spokesman Ekkapob Pianpises played down any suggestion that the gifts identify an exclusive political inner circle, saying Anutin simply likes the watch for its practicality and wants to share it with others.

“It’s not a signal of anything political,” he said.

‘Sense of loyalty’

Thai politicians have a long history with statement watches.

One of the biggest controversies came in 2017, when then Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan faced an anti-graft investigation after photographs showed him wearing a succession of expensive timepieces.

Investigators examined 22 watches worth more than US$1 million that Prawit said he had borrowed from a wealthy friend who later died, and cleared him of wrongdoing the following year.

Anutin himself has declared 22 luxury watches worth more than 60 million baht (S$2.3 million) and was recently photographed wearing a Rolex Day-Date 40 at a birthday celebration for Newin Chidchob, Bhumjaithai’s influential patriarch, who wore a Richard Mille RM 30-01.

Anutin’s Casios cost a fraction of those luxury watches. But as personal gifts from the prime minister, they can carry their own political significance, according to Napon Jatusripitak, a visiting fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore.

“They potentially create an obligation to return the favour and may cultivate a sense of loyalty in the recipient to follow, to abide and to obey,” Napon said.

One of the most politically significant recipients is Thamanat Prompow, an influential power broker whose Kla Tham Party has been positioning itself for a possible entry into Anutin’s ruling coalition.

His appearance wearing an engraved Casio fuelled speculation about a budding alliance, particularly after his party’s secretary-general suggested the watch had come directly off Anutin’s wrist.

“With those watches,” Napon said, “Anutin is definitely building friends, followers and factions.” Bloomberg