reader

From CNN Democratic-backed candidate Susan Crawford will win Wisconsin’s Supreme Court race, CNN projects, maintaining the liberal majority on the court in a key battleground state less than three months into President Donald Trump’s second term. Crawford, a liberal circuit court judge in Dane County, will beat the conservative candidate Brad Schimel, a Waukesha County judge who received Trump’s backing in the final stretch of the campaign. The race was officially nonpartisan, but Crawford’s victory will be seen as a bright spot for Democrats in Wisconsin and nationwide as voters handed the president’s preferred candidate a defeat in the first major political test of the second Trump era. Crawford and her Democratic allies also worked to turn the election into a referendum on Trump ally Elon Musk, who poured millions of his personal fortune into the race. It quickly became the most expensive judicial contest in US history. Musk and groups affiliated with him spent more than $19 million in the state, including funding field operations and television advertisements. Crawford tied the tech billionaire directly to Schimel in her appearances, at times referencing Musk at “my opponent.” Democratic groups ran television ads linking the Tesla CEO to Schimel. In all, the candidates and outside groups spent more than $90 million — shattering spending records set just two years ago, when a liberal judge captured an open seat and flipped control of the court. Continues at https://www.cnn.com/2025/04/01/politics/wisconsin-supreme-court-election/index.html

From The Nation China Railway No 10 and its 13 government contracts worth 7.2B China Railway No. 10 Engineering Group, a subsidiary of the Chinese state-owned enterprise, has come under intense scrutiny from government authorities and faced public criticism after winning the bid for the construction of the new State Audit Office (SAO) building, valued at over 2.1 billion baht. The company was part of the ITD-CREC joint venture alongside Italian-Thai Development. However, before construction was completed, the building collapsed entirely following an earthquake on March 28, 2068. The disaster left hundreds of workers trapped under the rubble, resulting in numerous fatalities, injuries, and missing persons. Currently, China Railway No. 10 (Thailand) is under investigation by a fact-finding committee appointed by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, as well as a separate investigative committee under the Ministry of Interior, established by Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. The investigations have been given a strict seven-day deadline, meaning the findings are expected to be revealed by next week. An interesting point is that China Railway Number 10 operates using a business model as a "joint venture" with other private companies. It started by purchasing tender documents for various government projects, but did not submit bids or proposals directly. Instead, it struck deals with well-capitalized Thai private companies to form joint ventures that would submit bids on their behalf. Since its establishment in 2018, China Railway Number 10 has participated in government projects through joint ventures, initially bidding on medium-sized projects worth around 100 million baht and later moving on to larger projects worth 300 to 500 million baht. It eventually ventured into major government concession projects valued at around 1 billion baht. From an analysis of government procurement data from the fiscal year 2019 (starting October 2018) to the fiscal year 2025 (starting October 2024), China Railway Number 10 has participated in joint ventures and secured at least 13 government contracts. The most well-known project is the construction of the new State Audit Office (SAO) building and its associated structures. According to contract No. 021/2564, dated November 23, 2020, the ITD-CREC joint venture—comprising Italian-Thai Development Public Company Limited and China Railway Number 10 (Thailand) Co., Ltd.—was awarded the project for 2.136 billion baht. The remaining 12 projects are detailed as follows: Continues at https://www.nationthailand.com/blogs/business/corporate/40048188

I think he's the vice president now.

Thank you for making my case. And I proudly say this an overweight person.

My car was manufactured at a Honda plant in the US. Why would Trump want to screw with that but he does. He plans to apply tariffs to any materials imported in their manufacture. And he plans to do the same to GM, Chrysler and Ford plants. If you believe tariffs (in any direction) are beneficial to the nation that applies them, we will never agree. One of the commodities protected the longest by US tariffs is sugar. And it costs taxpayers about twice as much as it does elsewhere.

Smiles posted a farewell message well before Covid, saying that he'd no longer be posting. Never met him but miss his posts.

Amazed that a man of your education sees logic in this crap.

Common only to you and DOGE.

The HIV drugs were distributed worldwide, not just to Jakarta. I would accept higher taxes to combat the number one scourge to the gay community because the US has the proven capacity to do so.

I don't disagree. In the current crisis. however, only Trump could have authorized the deployment of one of more of FEMA's 29 Urban Search and Rescue teams scattered across the nation. They are comprised mostly of firefighters, medical personnel and engineers and have been successfully used overseas in wide-spread collapse situations.

Musk dictates across a range of agencies and they follow or leave. NIH's top specialist, however, resigned before he'd enforce DOGE's most recent order to cut back.

Since when is Musk a specialist in public health? You have a real soft spot for the Donald. Must remind you of the glory days of having a strong authoritarian leader.....like Stalin.

It would be impolite not to point out the obvious.

Sure. We could always reflect on Russia's humanitarian activism of the past few centuries if you wish. In the final analysis, however, I believe your ringing endorsement above of Trumpism speaks for itself.

Because it was the humanitarian thing to do 22 years ago and to many of us it remains so.

Many places do in on-line feeds (particularly in Saphan Kwai and elsewhere). In the absence of that, you can ask manager--or boys themselves--of the all-male shops on Silom Soi 6--or contact shop by phone or LINE. Be frank and telling them what you're looking for is best way to avoid disappointment.

From The Thaiger An Austrian man died in a canal in the northern province of Phitsanulok under mysterious circumstances after disappearing from his home for 11 days. Police suspect murder. Officers from Wang Thong Police Station were called to investigate a foreign man’s body in a canal in the middle of a rice field in the Wang Thong district of Phitsanulok at 2pm yesterday, March 31. The canal was reportedly almost dry, with water only about 4 metres deep. Among the trees and grass covering the canal, locals discovered the man’s body. He was lying face up and was believed to have been dead for several days. He was wearing black shorts and a long black sock on only his right leg. A pair of flipflops and a bottle of water were found near his body. Officers suspected the deceased foreigner was the missing Austrian man, 77 year old Johann Perhap, who had disappeared from the home he shared with his Thai wife, Ratchanee Jaroenphap, on March 20. Police summoned Ratchanee and other family members to the scene to confirm the man’s identity. Upon seeing the lifeless body, Ratchanee and her relatives reportedly broke down in tears. They confirmed it was Perhap, whom they usually called Uncle John. Continues with photos https://thethaiger.com/news/national/thai-police-suspect-foul-play-in-death-of-missing-austrian-man

From Pattaya News UPDATE: Digital Arrival Card Faces Online Backlash By Adam Judd As Thailand prepares to roll out its Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) on May 1, 2025, replacing the paper-based TM6 form, the initiative is meeting with a wave of criticism online. Intended to modernize immigration and streamline tourist entry, the TDAC requires all foreign travelers to submit personal and travel details digitally before arrival as we detailed here in depth at TPN Media. However, instead of enthusiasm, the response from netizens has been largely negative, with frustration and confusion dominating the conversation. Travelers have taken to platforms like X and Facebook to voice their concerns. Many argue that the shift to a digital system adds unnecessary complexity to an already straightforward process. One user lamented that scrapping the TM6 was a smart move, only for this “hot mess” of a replacement to undo that progress, calling it an annoyance that fails to enhance security or efficiency.Others have pointed out practical issues, such as the lack of clarity around the application process, with reports of a glitchy website and an unhelpful video tutorial fueling the discontent. For those less tech-savvy, like elderly travelers or those with potential language barriers, the absence of a clear backup plan has sparked worries about accessibility. Foreign residents of Thailand have added their own grievances to the mix, particularly over a glaring apparent oversight in the TDAC application: It currently doesn’t allow users to select Thailand as their place of residence. Expats and long-term visa holders have flooded online forums and social media with complaints, arguing that the system seems designed solely for tourists, leaving them in a bureaucratic limbo. One X user, a retiree living in Chiang Mai, vented that after years of calling Thailand home, they’re now forced to misrepresent their status or risk rejection at the border. This flaw has intensified perceptions that the rollout was poorly thought out, alienating a key group of Thailand’s international community. Continues at https://thepattayanews.com/2025/04/01/thailands-upcoming-mandatory-digital-arrival-card-faces-online-backlash/

From Pattaya Mail American retiree Bob Pelletier and Thai national “Oh” Dongmart have taken advantage of the new legislation to tie the nuptial knot after more than 20 years together. They met during Bob’s vacation in 2002 and have lived together ever since Bob’s permanent move to Jomtien two years later. They both told Pattaya Mail they wanted to confirm officially their long term relationship and to ensure Oh’s financial security. They are planning a US vacation to Bob’s family there. Oh was originally from Pak Chong, near Korat. Bob served in the US military as an artillery officer and later as a financial consultant to General Motors. He was briefly engaged to an American girl when he was 19 but never married until now. A celebration was held in Lucky’s bar in the Jomtien Complex which is the leading gay bars and international cabaret center in the Pattaya area. You can also play bingo on Wednesday evenings. https://www.pattayamail.com/socialscene/pattayans-celebrate-gay-marriage-495977

From Bangkok Post PHUKET — Three tourists and a guide were injured while swimming near a speedboat that exploded in flames near Koh Mai Thon, off the coast of Phuket, on Tuesday morning. Two crew members of the Thana Marine 555 were also injured, including the captain. All six were taken to hospital. The boat had earlier left Tha Chalong pier, taking 33 tourists and a guide to Mai Thon island. It developed engine trouble then caught fire and exploded about 9am, after arriving at the island, according to Nachaphong Pranit, director of Phuket marine office. When the fire erupted there were three people on board, the captain and two crew. Some tourists were swimming in the sea nearby. Continues with photos https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2992726/tourists-guide-injured-when-speedboat-explodes-off-phuket

Excerpted From Bangkok Post The contractors of the under-construction office tower that collapsed in Bangkok during last Friday’s earthquake apparently used substandard steel bars made by a factory that had been shuttered by authorities. Samples of two different sizes of steel bars collected from the site of the State Audit Office building failed tests by the Iron and Steel Institute of Thailand for their mass, chemical composition and ability to withstand stress before breaking. The metal was made by a company whose factory had been shut for other violations since December, Thitipas Choddaechachainun, the head of a working group at the Ministry of Industry, said without identifying the business. Images of the steel bars shared by the ministry and local media displayed the brand “Sky”, made by Xin Ke Yuan Steel Co, which had a factory in Rayong province. Authorities closed the factory on safety grounds in December due to an accident involving a gas tank leak and seized more than 2,400 tonnes of steel. Xin Ke Yuan Steel is the second Chinese company to draw Thai scrutiny. The skyscraper was being constructed by ITD-CREC, a joint venture between SET-listed Italian-Thai Development Plc and China Railway Number 10 Thailand Co. Authorities will collect more steel samples and collaborate with the probe panel, Industry Minister Akanat Promphan said on Tuesday. China Railway Number 10, which could not be reached for comment, is also set to be investigated by the Department of Special Investigation to see if it used Thai nominees as proxy shareholders, Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong said. A phone operator at the Xin Ke Yuan Steel plant said the factory operations remained suspended. Executives at the firm couldn’t be reached. The company was registered in 2011 with nine Chinese nationals holding an 80% stake, according to the Department of Business Development database. A representative for Italian-Thai could not immediately be reached for comment. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2992846/substandard-steel-used-in-collapsed-bangkok-tower

Atlas was closing at 1a.m. when I left bkk a week ago. Sounds like they're nowplanning to close at midnight

Would--like many--applaud the departure of Musk. However, Trump's second term is strategically different. Trump 1 was focused more on the political. Trump 2 is zeroed in on how he can affect the economy. He's much more confident that he has a mandate to rebalance sources of income, apply wide-spread tariffs, rewrite long-standing alliances and all but eliminate foreign aid. As much as Trump would like a third term, he has the luxury of not having to spend half his time trying to get re-elected. He believes--and not without reason--that he has a free hand to do whatever the hell he wants.

This is simply another attempt by Moses to deflect responsibility away from the company responsible for the defective steel. It's located in Rayong, a city in Rayong province on the east coast of Thailand and not in India. Xin Ke Yuan Steel is a Chinese company with offices located throughout the world. But the defective product came from its plant in Rayong, as described in the OP.

We now have a much better idea idea of why the five Chinese nationals were intent on spiriting away cartons of documents from the wreckage of the fatal collapsed high rise The following article from last year sheds light on the Chinese steel manufacturer that supplied the substandard steel. From The Nation AUGUST 12, 2024 Chinese steel investments threaten Thai industry, warns FTI The Federation of Thai Industries raises concerns over the potential domination of Thailand’s steel industry by Chinese companies, calls for regulatory action The Thai steel industry is at risk of being dominated by Chinese companies setting up steel factories in the country, the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) warned on Monday. Kriengkrai Thiennukul, the federation’s chairman, said that the Thai steel industry’s capacity utilisation rate has dropped to its lowest in seven years, with the first six months of this year showing a rate of 29.3%, down from 31.2% in the same period last year. He noted that the impact of Chinese investments, which are expected to boost production capacity to 12.42 million tonnes annually compared to Thailand’s demand of 16 million tonnes. Notably, Xin Ke Yuan Steel Company, located in Rayong’s Ban Khai district, plans to boost its production capacity to 12.09 million tonnes, including wire rod, steel plate, coated steel, steel pipe and structural steel. Similarly, Yongjin Metal Technology in Chonburi’s Nong Yai district is planning a stainless steel factory with a production capacity of 0.322 million tonnes per year, he said, adding that most of the projects have been approved by the Board of Investment. Kriengkrai said these investments are in line with Beijing’s policy to reduce pollution in its own country and navigate trade barriers imposed by other countries. “But once these steel factories are constructed, it will affect domestic manufacturers,” he warned, adding that the Thai steel industry’s capacity utilisation rate will potentially drop even further. Despite this influx of Chinese investment, Kriengkrai assured that Thai manufacturers have enough production capacity to meet the country’s demand. He added that the Industry Ministry should introduce regulations to control the establishment of steel factories in Thailand. He also raised concerns about the import of structural steel that does not meet Thai industrial standards, which could pose safety risks for consumers. He called for the introduction of stricter industrial standards to address this issue. “Imports of structural steel is rising, especially from China,” he said. “In 2023, Thailand imported 426,340 tonnes of structural steel worth 21 billion baht, of which 92% came from China.” Wanchai Phanomchai, secretary-general of the Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI), echoed these concerns, warning that the volume of products not meeting Thai industrial standards will likely rise. He identified steel and construction materials (37%), electrical and electronic appliances (33%), car tyres (25%) and consumer products (3%). He urged government agencies to rigorously investigate these issues, emphasising the need for more officials and measurement tools to ensure compliance with Thai standards. https://www.nationthailand.com/business/economy/40040512