India, Oct. 14 -- A digital Casio watch gifted by Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has become a marker of political connections, with ministers and senior officials sporting the inexpensive timepiece.

A Casio digital watch priced at less than $60 is gaining prominence among Thailand's political elite, with recipients of the timepiece gifted by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul becoming known as the "Casio Connection", according to a Bloomberg report.

The Casio AE1200WH, nicknamed the "Casio Royale" for its retro design and world-map display, bears Anutin's engraved name. The watches have appeared on the wrists of cabinet ministers, senior bureaucrats and political allies, making the affordable accessory a symbol of their associa...