Anutin’s procurement came from a handful of local markets in Bangkok, where he personally selected the Casio AE1200WH models, then had his name etched before handing them to officials. ‘The watch is more than a timepiece; it’s a token of trust,’ Siripong Angkasakulkiat told reporters, after receiving the gift following a cabinet meeting.
Ekkapob Pianpises, the prime minister’s spokesperson, insisted the watches were chosen for practicality, not as a sign of political clout. ‘It’s not a signal of anything political,’ he said at a press briefing.
The gesture echoes a 2017 scandal when Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan was investigated over a collection of luxury watches. After a year of scrutiny, authorities cleared him after finding the pieces were borrowed from a deceased friend.
Political analyst Napon Jatusripitak warned that such gifts could create a sense of obligation, noting that Thamanat Prompow’s public display of the engraved Casio has already fueled speculation of a coalition alignment. ‘Anutin is actively building allies,’ Jatusripitak said.
For Angkasakulkiat, the gesture marked a shift from high‑end brands; he now rarely wears luxury watches, preferring the Casio's reliability. The watch’s modest price has made it a relatable symbol of proximity to power.
The coalition negotiations, slated to begin on June 5, 2026, will likely see the distribution of these tokens influence the bargaining table.