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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

From Pattaya News By Adam Judd Bangkok, March 31, 2025 – Test results from 28 steel samples recovered from the wreckage of the collapsed State Audit Office (SAO) building in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district have revealed that two failed to meet required standards, according to Nonthichai Likitaporn, director of the Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI)’s Standards Division 1. The findings mark a turning point in the ongoing investigation into the collapse, which occurred on March 28 following a powerful earthquake centered in Mandalay, Myanmar, approximately 392 kilometers from Thailand’s Mae Hong Son province. The 33-storey SAO building, still under construction at the time of the collapse, was intended to serve as the new headquarters for Thailand’s auditing authority. The disaster claimed at least multiple lives, injured dozens, and left scores of workers missing, with rescue operations continuing into Monday evening. The structure, valued at 2.13 billion baht (approximately $63 million USD), was being built by a partnership between a Thai and Chinese company. Nonthichai’s announcement has intensified scrutiny on Xin Ke Yuan Steel Co., Ltd., previously identified as the supplier of the deformed steel bars used in the building’s construction. Earlier this year, in January 2025, the Ministry of Industry charged Xin Ke Yuan Steel with producing substandard steel following an inspection of its factory in Ban Khai, Rayong. That investigation, prompted by a fire incident late last year, uncovered multiple safety and environmental violations, as well as evidence that the company’s steel failed to meet critical strength standards. Authorities seized stock and collected samples at the time, with test results confirming deficiencies that could compromise structural integrity. The collapse has also drawn international attention, with the Chinese Embassy pledging cooperation in the investigation. China Railway Number 10, a subsidiary of the state-owned China Railway No. 10 Engineering Group, holds a 49% stake in the ITD-CREC joint venture—the maximum foreign ownership allowed under Thai law. Continues at https://thepattayanews.com/2025/03/31/some-substandard-steel-used-in-now-collapsed-state-audit-office-building-in-bangkok-confirms-thai-industrial-standards-institute/

Pres. George W. Bush initiated the AIDS funding program worldwide in 2003 and every president since continued it, even Trump in his first term. Strongly suspect Musk was the catalyst for the change. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/President's_Emergency_Plan_for_AIDS_Relief

From Pattaya News Digital Arrival Card Becomes MANDATORY as of May First for International Arrivals, But Questions Linger Starting May 1st, 2025, all non-Thai nationals entering Thailand by air, land, or sea will be required to complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online before arrival. This shift marks a modernization of Thailand’s immigration system, replacing the traditional paper-based TM6 arrival and departure card with a digital process. Designed to enhance efficiency, security, and convenience, the TDAC aims to eliminate the hassle of paper forms while in theory improving the overall travel experience for millions of visitors. Here’s everything you need to know about this new requirement as of press time, but we stress things are subject to change and questions remain about certain aspects. The TDAC is an online form developed by Thailand’s Immigration Bureau to replace the long-standing TM6 paper card, which foreign travelers were previously required to fill out upon arrival and departure. The TM6, a small document collecting personal details, travel information, and accommodation specifics, was traditionally distributed by airlines during flights or available at immigration checkpoints. However, it often caused delays due to illegible handwriting, lost forms, or the sheer volume of passengers processing through busy entry points like Suvarnabhumi Airport. The TDAC digitizes this process, allowing travelers to submit their details—such as full name, nationality, passport number, flight or vehicle details, purpose of visit, and accommodation address—via an online platform before arriving in Thailand. Once submitted, travelers receive a confirmation, likely in the form of a QR code or downloadable document (Still not crystal clear), to present at immigration checkpoints. The system is accessible through the official Immigration Bureau website at tdac.immigration.go.th, which is currently live but not yet accepting submissions as of March 31, 2025. Key Details of the TDAC Requirement Mandatory Date: The TDAC becomes compulsory for all non-Thai nationals starting May 1, 2025. Who Must Submit: All foreign passport holders entering Thailand by air, land, or sea are required to complete the TDAC, with exceptions for those transiting without passing through immigration or using a Border Pass (typically for neighboring countries like Laos or Cambodia). Submission Timing: Travelers must register within three days before their arrival date, including the day of arrival. For example, if you’re arriving on May 1, 2025, you can submit your TDAC as early as April 28, 2025. Cost: The TDAC submission is free of charge, though travelers should beware of fraudulent websites that might attempt to impose fees. Application Process: The form can be completed online via the official TDAC website. An alternative option for last-minute submissions will likely be available at self-service kiosks at immigration counters, though pre-submission is strongly recommended to avoid delays. This aspect is also still not clear. The TDAC also integrates with other Thai government systems, including the Department of Consular Affairs’ E-Visa platform, the Department of Disease Control’s health screening measures, and potentially the future planbed Ministry of Tourism and Sports’ tourist fee collection system, ensuring a cohesive approach to managing visitor data. Continues at https://thepattayanews.com/2025/03/31/thailand-digital-arrival-card-becomes-mandatory-as-of-may-first-for-international-arrivals-but-questions-linger/

There will be a lot of back and forth on the matter of the timeliness of alerts of all types. What does appear clear is that Thailand had the means of monitoring the geological indicators but the lack of a defined protocol on rapid dissemination of the information delayed notifications. From The Globe https://www.globe.co.th/news/thailand/recent-quake-exposes-flaws-in-the-thai-disaster-alert-system/

From CNBC The leader of France’s far-right National Assembly Marine Le Pen has been barred from running for public office for five years after being found guilty of misappropriating EU funds, according to Reuters and French media. The decision is a watershed moment in French politics as its halt her 2027 presidential election hopes and throws her party into disarray after a meteoric rise in popularity in recent years. It’s widely expected that Le Pen will launch an appeal against the conviction. Earlier Monday, Le Pen and eight of the party’s MEPs (members of the European Parliament) were found guilty of embezzlement, meaning Le Pen could have faced a 300,000 euro ($325,000) fine, prison term and an immediate five-year ban from public office — preventing her from running in the 2027 presidential election. The court then announced that the crimes committed by Le Pen and her other co-defendants merited an immediate ban from public office. Le Pen was also given a four-year prison sentence, of which two years will be suspended, and fined 100,000 euros in the judgment read out in Paris. The latter two punishments will not be implemented while any appeals processes are under way but the ban from public office is immediate. The far-right firebrand leader reportedly left court before hearing how long she might be banned from running for public office. The outcome throws France’s powerful right wing into chaos as Le Pen was leading opinion polls ahead of the next presidential vote. https://www.cnbc.com/2025/03/31/frances-le-pen-awaits-verdict-in-embezzlement-trial.html

NOTE -- Don't blame us just because we're the agency to blame. Thai bureaucracy finds I way to avoid responsibility for its responsibility. From The Nation An NBTC member blamed the chairman for delays in SMS quake alerts, citing centralised power as the reason many Bangkok residents received no warning. A member of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has seemingly blamed the NBTC chairman for the delay or absence of SMS alert messages warning the public about Friday’s earthquake. Thanapant Raicharoen posted on his Facebook page on Saturday, suggesting that the delay or lack of SMS alerts regarding the Myanmar earthquake—felt in Bangkok—was due to NBTC chairman Sarana Boonbaichaiyapruck centralising power in himself. On Friday, after Myanmar was struck by an 8.2-magnitude earthquake at 1:20 pm, the tremors were felt and reportedly amplified by Bangkok’s geological conditions. Many people took to social media to complain that they had received no warning or alert from the authorities, particularly the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department (DPMD). The DPMD is currently developing a cell broadcast system to provide public disaster alerts. Until this system is operational, the NBTC Office is responsible for coordinating between the DPMD and mobile phone operators. https://www.nationthailand.com/news/general/40048120

NOTE -- The Thailand Hotel Association (THA) is always quick to predict gloom and doom whenever an occasion arises in hopes of winning political support. IMO, tourists aren't as fearful as the THA would have us believe. Buy if they are, hotels always have the option of cutting rates to attract more bookings. ============ From The Nation The earthquake last week is expected to cause Thailand’s tourism sector revenue to fall by 10-15% over the next two weeks, the Thai Hotels Association (THA) said on Monday. THA president Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun said that requests from tourists for early hotel checkouts surged by 8-10% nationwide after the earthquake, particularly in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Ayutthaya. Some tourists opted to change their destinations to Pattaya and Phuket instead, he said. The association anticipates that the incident will affect foreign tourists’ confidence in safety over the next two weeks, both for those who have booked travel but have yet to arrive and for those still deciding whether to travel, he added. He expects hotel and tourism business revenue to decline by at least 10-15%. “The association expects that the earthquake will have a lasting impact on the Songkran tourism atmosphere, making it more subdued than in the past two years. It is estimated that it will take a month to return to normal,” he said. Continues at https://www.nationthailand.com/business/economy/40048121

Exactly!

From Pattaya Mail By Barry Kenyon Thai international law attorney Victor Wong doubts that the major concern of either Thai immigration or the Thai Revenue Department is the plight of retiree expats on fixed incomes. He told Pattaya Mail that TRD was aware of billions of baht imported dubiously into Thailand via off-shore accounts, cryptocurrency transactions and untaxed income from overseas corporations. Both Thai citizens and foreign speculators were involved. As regards Thai immigration authorities, their main concern is visa-related regulation and investigations into business fraud such as unauthorized working, use of nominees as shareholders and illegal short-term renting of condominium units. “In spite of rumors, I have seen no evidence of TRD seeking to identify expats through their visas except those who are accused of a criminal offence,” said Victor. He said that TRD had introduced the policy (a reinterpretation and not a change in the law) that “assessable” overseas income was subject to taxation from January 2024, but there were many exceptions. Thus foreigners living in Thailand for less than 180 days in the calendar year are exempt, as are those who transferred less than 120,000 baht (around US$3,500) or those living on historical savings (money transferred on or before December 31 2023). Double taxation treaties are also relevant according to Professor Suthasinee Piriyakijkomol, a tax auditor and associate judge of the Labor Court. “The agreements differ country by country, but my advice is to keep a detailed record of tax paid in the home country as this can be used, if need be, to offset any future TRD demands,” she said. She agreed that some agreements were more detailed than others on personal taxation. For example, the American treaty is more detailed on US pension or social security income, and where it should be paid, than the British one. Victor said that one of the biggest loopholes in tax collection is cryptocurrency which can lead to investment fraud, mule accounts and money laundering. For example, traders change currency to stablecoins, then quickly transfer that to a digital asset exchange outside the country and finally change it to cash again. “The point here is that these crimes are rarely, if ever, connected to retirees living out their later lives here. But they consume a great deal of Revenue and police time.” Continues at https://www.pattayamail.com/business/thai-lawyer-downplays-expat-visa-awards-versus-personal-taxation-worries-495793