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The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration estimated that over 167,00 took part in Songkran activities in the Silom area on the weekend (April 12 and 13) while over 197,000 visited Khao San Road during the same period. From what I am told by friends in the bars, Raposa's report and the photo above, it's been a young Asian crowd. (photo credit Bangkok Post).

You are correct that a four-story building is not considered a conventional high rise. But your criticism is so typical because you look to find fault in reporting anywhere--anywhere except in Russia where everything is gospel truth, of course.

From The Nation The Bank of Thailand (BOT) plans to introduce regulations this month making financial institutions and payment providers liable for losses from call centre scams. Roong Mallikamas, Deputy Governor for Financial Institutions Stability, made the announcement following the publication of the Royal Decree on Measures for the Prevention and Suppression of Technology Crimes (No. 2) BE 2568 (2025) in the Royal Gazette on Saturday (April 12). The BOT supports the principles outlined in the Royal Decree and has collaborated with relevant agencies to provide input and improve the content to strengthen measures for combating technology-related crimes, she said. A key provision of the Royal Decree is the establishment of a framework requiring relevant service providers — including financial institutions, payment service providers, telecommunications companies, social media platforms and digital asset businesses — to enhance customer protection and share responsibility for damages if they fail to meet regulatory standards. https://www.nationthailand.com/business/banking-finance/40048761

From The Nation Aftershock triggers collapse of high-rise building in Mandalay A high-rise building in Mandalay Region collapsed due to an aftershock that followed an earlier earthquake on the morning of April 13, the day before the Myanmar New Year (Thingyan). The incident occurred in the afternoon, following the morning earthquake that struck the city. According to locals, tremors continued throughout the day. “There was another tremor this morning—we heard it was magnitude 5.5. Around 1pm., a high-rise building located between 26th and 76th × 77th Streets collapsed forward. The building housed a private medical clinic and health supplies store. It was a four-story structure, and the ground floor was buried. Although the building sustained damage during the initial March quake, it wasn’t this severe until now,” said a resident. https://www.nationthailand.com/blogs/news/asean/40048782

If Roy Cohn had survived, he'd be Trump's attorney general today. No one had more influence in Trump's political life than Cohn. Trump's father instilled the need to win at all costs but it was Cohn who showed him how it's done in day-to-day practice.

For lawyers...and anyone who enjoys satire. From NPR Judges and Supreme Court Justices trade topical jokes in annual D.C. mock trial https://www.wbur.org/hereandnow/2025/04/11/mock-trial-frankenstein

From Bangkok Post A former chief of the National Office of Buddhism (NOB) accused of embezzling temple funds has been arrested in Texas, according to a source. Nopparat Benjawattananan, who fled overseas after the scandal surfaced in 2017, was detained on April 11 at a hospital by the US Marshals Service ahead of a formal extradition request expected from the Thai government. His arrest follows a request by Thai officials who want him extradited to face charges related to the alleged embezzlement. The extradition process could take some time. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/3002391/former-chief-of-national-office-of-buddhism-held-in-us

From Vietnam News When exports of goods are subject to high tariffs, Indonesia must look to other sectors that can serve as a balance for its economy, she stressed, adding that tourism is a form of service export that is not impacted by trade tariff policies. HÀ NỘI — Tourism industry can serve as an economic defence tool helping Indonesia mitigate negative impacts caused by US reciprocal tariffs, Indonesian Minister of Tourism Widiyanti Putri Wardhana has said. According to the minister, the tourism sector, classified as a service industry, is not subject to such tariffs and continues to generate foreign exchange. Widiyanti made the statement in response to experts' concerns that barriers to Indonesia's exports to the US can accelerate the weakening of the IDR against the US dollar. When exports of goods are subject to high tariffs, Indonesia must look to other sectors that can serve as a balance for its economy, she stressed, adding that tourism is a form of service export that is not impacted by trade tariff policies. The minister noted that the Southeast Asian nation can optimise the enormous potential of the tourism sector as a major source of foreign exchange that is free from trade barriers. By attracting more foreign visitors, the country will be able to maintain the stability of the IDR and foreign exchange reserve, she said. To promote tourism development, the Ministry of Tourism is encouraging businesses across the country to take advantage of opportunities arising from shifting global dynamics to promote Indonesia as a world-class tourist destination. Continues at https://vietnamnews.vn/world/1695342/indonesia-tourism-viewed-as-economic-shield-against-us-new-tariffs.html

From ScienceFriday.com Researchers have discovered that the artificial sweetener saccharin has powerful antimicrobial properties. A new study published in EMBO Molecular Medicine suggests that saccharin can actually kill antibiotic resistant bacteria by interfering with DNA replication and cell division. The researchers also concluded that, with the help of traditional antibiotics, saccharin could even be used as an effective wound treatment. Host Ira Flatow talks with study author Dr. Ronan McCarthy, professor in biomedical sciences and director of the Antimicrobial Innovations Centre at Brunel University of London. Listen to the podcast at https://www.sciencefriday.com/segments/saccharin-antibiotic-resistant-infections/#segment-transcript

I know and agree.

Phones, computers, chips exempt from new tariffs From CNBC Smartphones and computers are among many tech devices and components that will be exempted from reciprocal tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump, according to new guidance from U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The guidance, issued late Friday evening, comes after Trump earlier this month imposed 145% tariffs on products from China, a move that threatened to take a toll on tech giants like Apple, which makes iPhones and most of its other products in China. The guidance also includes exclusions for other electronic devices and components, including semiconductors, solar cells, flat panel TV displays, flash drives, and memory cards. The exemptions are a win for tech companies like Apple, which makes the majority of its products in China. The country manufactures 80% of iPads and more than half of Mac computers produced, according to Evercore ISI. “This is the dream scenario for tech investors,” Dan Ives, global head of technology research at Wedbush Securities, told CNBC. “Smartphones, chips being excluded is a game changer scenario when it comes to China tariffs.” He added that the tariffs have been a “black cloud over tech since the day of liberation, because no sector was going to be more hurt than big tech.” “I think ultimately big tech CEOs spoke loudly, and the White House had to understand and listen to the situation that this would have been Armageddon for big tech if were implemented,” Ives said. https://www.cnbc.com/2025/04/12/trump-exempts-phones-computers-chips-tariffs-apple-dell.html

Adding to his resume, Navarro spent March 19–July 17, 2024, incarcerated in the elderly prisoner unit of a U.S. Federal penitentiary for charges related to Contempt of Congress.

Long arrival or departure queues can give even otherwise good airports poor marks, and deservedly so. On my last three flights out of US, luggage inspection has been speeded up noticeably at locations where TSA has installed new explosive detection screeners. No longer have to remove anything from carry-on bags. These are same machines used to scan bags going into luggage compartments.

It all comes down to individual physiology, I guess. Some guys can quickly reload while others can not. That's why it's wise to get that question answered after you call boy down for a drink. To me it's a priority. I wouldn't off guy who didn't give me some assurance that he could cum. If you're a regular customer at any bar, your preferences and tipping practices are very likely already common knowledge among many of the boys.

Just found article from last Sept. 30, announcing that foreign seniors no longer eligible for discount. Must be part of amazing Thailand promotion. 🙁 Got my card 18 months ago.

From National Public Radio Here and Now podcast There were more than 3,000 data breaches in the U.S. alone last year, according to the Identity Theft Resource Center. Here & Now's Peter O'Dowd talks with Joseph Cox, investigative journalist at 404 Media, about how easy it is to hack a password these days. Listen to podcast at https://www.wbur.org/hereandnow/2025/04/11/password-manager-data

Agree. All standard fares are bargain when compared to most other major cities. And all seniors are eligible for 50% discount fare on the MRT.

Agree that Changi deserves top spot. I most frequently transit Narita and find it efficient and easy to navigate due to good signage. Doha is a sleek airport but I've gone to bus gates there too often.

Would you have the media ignore these events?

Don't sell yourself short. I think @Olddaddy has you on his dance card. 😊

From Khaosod English SUVARNABHUMI — The Suvarnabhumi Airport Tourist Police investigation team apprehended two Chinese suspects for in-flight theft. An American witness and several victims confirmed seeing the theft, with substantial evidence securing the case. At 10:30 a.m. on April 10, Tourist Police at Suvarnabhumi Airport were notified by Air Macau staff on flight NX996 about a theft incident on the aircraft. They coordinated with Suvarnabhumi Airport security and airport police to investigate. Upon arrival, they met Mr. Tang a 45-year-old Chinese national (from Macau) who was the victim. He informed police that while the plane was preparing to land at Suvarnabhumi Airport, he was alerted by Mr. Ruggles, a 67-year-old American witness seated nearby, who saw a bespectacled Chinese man searching through a black backpack in the overhead compartment during the flight. Mr. Ruggles observed the suspect remove a plastic bag from the backpack. After the plane arrived at Suvarnabhumi Airport, it was discovered that the suspect was not the owner of the bag, but rather Tang was. Ruggles quickly advised Tang to check if his belongings were intact, and it was found that 30,000 Thai baht ($886) had disappeared from the bag. Tang then notified the airline staff onboard. Airline staff investigated and identified Mr. Han, 54, and Mr. Wang 46, both Chinese nationals, behaving suspiciously. When Mr. Wang noticed the staff’s suspicion, he placed the 30,000 Thai baht in a plastic bag, threw it on the aircraft floor, and attempted to persuade airline staff not to inform the police. Several other passengers also confirmed seeing both men get up from their seats to search through passengers’ belongings on the flight. Airline staff coordinated with Suvarnabhumi Tourist Police to inspect and detain both suspects, bringing them in for questioning at Division 3, Tourist Police Bureau 1, Suvarnabhumi Airport. Later, Miss Ding, a 29-year-old Chinese national who traveled on the same flight, reported to Tourist Police at Suvarnabhumi Airport that upon reaching her hotel, she discovered her bag had been tampered with and 50,000 baht in cash was missing. She immediately returned to Suvarnabhumi Airport to report to police. During questioning, Miss Ding confirmed that one of the two suspects had been seated next to her on the flight. Police conducted a thorough search of the suspects and their belongings, eventually finding the missing 50,000 baht ($1,477) hidden on one of them. Additionally, they discovered various foreign currencies, believed to be stolen from victims on other flights. These items were seized for further investigation to identify additional victims. Both suspects denied all charges during the arrest. Background checks revealed that both suspects were on a watchlist of individuals with high-risk behaviors for theft on aircraft, monitored by the Division 3, Tourist Police Bureau 1 investigation team. The arresting officers charged both suspects with theft on public transport and recorded witness statements from passengers on the flight as evidence before proceeding to return all stolen property to the affected tourists. https://www.khaosodenglish.com/news/2025/04/11/mid-air-theft-chinese-duo-caught-after-american-spots-crime/

I've used three different entrances and Khlong Toei I found to be most direct. Very different environment than Lumpinee (it was once tobacco fields) but well worth visit when sun is low or sky overcast.

From Bangkok Post Two Chinese passengers have been arrested and charged for stealing cash from other travellers on a flight from Macao to Bangkok. The two men, identified only as Han, 54, and Wang, 46, were detained after Air Macau flight NX996 landed at Suvarnabhumi airport on Thursday, according to Pol Col Seksan Thiraruangrit of the Tourist Police Bureau. Pol Col Seksan said a passenger saw Mr Wang searching a backpack of another traveller, named only as Trang, placed in the overhead bin and stealing a plastic bag containing Thai baht. Other passengers also noticed Mr Wang and Mr Han leaving their seats to look for bags belonging to others. Police asked Mr Wang and Mr Han for a search after they appeared suspicious upon exiting the aircraft, discovering 30,000 baht in cash belonging to Mr Trang. Another passenger, Ding, also from China, later reported losing 50,000 baht during the flight. The money was found in the possession of the two men. They were charged for thefts in public places. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/3001144/two-chinese-arrested-for-thefts-on-plane-to-bangkok

From The Thaiger The factory at the centre of Thailand’s latest construction scandal was raided today as investigators ramped up scrutiny into the supplier linked to the catastrophic collapse of the State Audit Office (SAO) building in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district. The Department of Industrial Works’ “Sud Soi” team, under the Industry Ministry, stormed the Xin Ke Yuan (SKY) Steel Ltd facility in Rayong’s Ban Khai district after the company failed to meet the April 10 deadline to submit documentation detailing its steel production process. Their visit follows alarming test results from the Iron and Steel Institute of Thailand, which revealed that SKY’s 32mm and 20mm deformed steel bars used in the collapsed SAO structure did not meet national safety standards. Xin Ke Yuan has disputed the findings, but government officials are pressing ahead with their investigation. Industry Minister Akanat Promphan confirmed that the raid was carried out in coordination with the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) and the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB). https://thethaiger.com/news/bangkok/chinese-steel-factory-raided-over-bangkok-building-collapse