Big business guides US policy on Thailand

During the past decade the US has treated Thailand in the same way a polygamous rich man treats an old maid in his harem. How so?

Like many other countries in the world, Thailand has been treated by the US as a market rather than as a sovereign country. Consecutive US governments have lent an ear to the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) more than any other agency in making decisions on world situations.

The CFR is a private think tank that has played an growing role in US decision-making. It consists of leaders of the business sector who want the US to dominate the world markets. The CFR was founded in 1921, but its influence on the government has significantly increased since the inclusion of retired government leaders such as former president George HW Bush (who was a member from 1989-93) and former State secretary James Baker (1989-92).

Bush was responsible for the appointment of Thaksin Shinawatra – before he became Thailand’s prime minister – to the council of advisers of the Carlyle Group, one of the most influential institutions guiding the CFR. Another agency that plays a big part in boosting US influence across the world is the CIA. CIA operatives stationed in Bangkok have been regular visitors to the “red-shirt villages” in the Northeast, which are off-limits to opponents of Thaksin. One can only guess what the CIA is doing there.

Why does the US government keep insisting that Thailand hold elections as soon as possible, no matter what it entails? It seems that business considerations have replaced good diplomatic judgement.

Vint Chavala

Bangkok