Forget the ulterior motives, Russel hit a raw nerve

Clara Holzer and Richard Bowler both conjured up theories about a sinister ulterior motive in the US government’s approach to the current situation in Thailand, and Mr Bowler makes reference to supposed dark dealings between Thaksin Shinawatra and the “Carlisle Club”.
Perhaps he is referring to the Carlyle Group, an asset management company. Thaksin was formerly a member of Carlyle Asia’s advisory board, a position he resigned from in 2001 upon becoming prime minister.
But nevertheless Mr Bowler refers to Thaksin as an “associate” of the company, whatever that is supposed to mean.
Perhaps these writers have spent too much time reading the outpourings of various conspiracy theorists, for whom the Carlyle Group is a favourite “bete noir”. The problem with conspiracy theorists, of course, is that many of them have axes to grind, so their opinions need to be treated with a degree of scepticism.
Mr Bowler also rather ludicrously describes the comments of US envoy Daniel Russel during his recent visit to Thailand as “offal”. In fact, Mr Russel’s remarks merely reflected aspirations expressed by many people in Thailand, and similar views are published from time to time in several mainstream media outlets.
The fact is, Mr Russel has touched a raw nerve, and has raised some awkward questions about the way things are being done in Thailand.
Robin Grant
Bangkok