(AP Photo/Krit Phromsakla Na Sakolnakorn). In this Dec. 4, 2017, photo, Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan raise his hand to shade the sun wearing a luxury watch and diamond ring during ceremony Government house. Prawit has so far been spotted wear...

(AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit). In this Jan. 11, 2018, photo, activist Ekachai Hongkangwan show his watches during a demonstration highlighting the corruption allegations against Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan in front of the Government House. Prawi...

(AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit). In this Jan. 11, 2018, photo, Activist Ekachai Hongkangwan show his watches during a demonstration highlighting the corruption allegations against Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan in front of Government House. Prawit ha...

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.

Thailand's ruling generals running out of time