BANGKOK: A Thai activist was briefly detained on Thursday after trying to deliver a cheap watch to the junta number two, as the clock ticks down to a deadline for the general to declare his collection of luxury timepieces.

Activist Ekachai Hongkangwan, whose stunts regularly skewer the military regime, said he was “dragged” into a Bangkok police booth while trying to give a $30 watch to Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwan.

Prawit’s apparent penchant for pricey timepieces has captivated the Thai public since earlier this month when he was photographed with a Richard Mille watch, whose models can sell for more than $100,000, and a diamond ring.

The photo prompted the country’s anti-corruption agency to seek an explanation for the undeclared bling by Jan.8.

Prawit has shied away from the press since the scandal emerged, saying only in brief remarks that he was not guilty of any corruption.

Online sleuths have dug up pictures of Prawit apparently sporting other high-end brands − including Patek Philippe and Rolex − ticking off a kingdom fed-up with a lack of transparency under the military regime.

“Today I came to bring a watch as a New Year’s gift to General Prawit who I know is a watch lover,” Ekachai said.

“But to wear expensive ones these days might get him in trouble again... So I brought him an old watch, about 1,000 baht ($30), that I don’t use anymore.” Cops said they detained the activist for a “chat” and would not file any charges.

Agence France-Presse