By JERRY HARMER
Associated Press

BANGKOK (AP) - Entering their fifth year in power, Thailand's ruling generals may be running out of time and it's not for a lack of watches.

A growing uproar over the deputy prime minister's mind-boggling array of luxury timepieces is damaging the military government's image so badly that some observers believe it could eventually pave the way for its downfall.

Gen. Prawit Wongsuwan - a career military man who receives only a modest salary - has so far been spotted wearing a total of 25 opulent time pieces, none of which appears on his last declaration of assets. His belated explanation - that he borrowed them from friends - has been met with ridicule.

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