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From Pattaya News Bangkok, April 9, 2025 — Thailand’s Cabinet has greenlit two groundbreaking draft laws aimed at tackling the rising tide of cybercrime and bringing order to the digital asset sector, with both expected to take effect possibly even before the Songkran holidays this weekend. Announced by Digital Economy and Society Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong, the Royal Decree on Measures to Prevent and Suppress Technology-Related Crimes and the Royal Decree on Digital Asset Business Operations are set to be published in the Royal Gazette soon. The first decree targets cybercrime head-on, addressing issues like online scams, fraud, and data breaches that have hurt Thai citizens and businesses. Under the new provisions, financial institutions, telecom operators, and digital platforms will share accountability for preventing such crimes. A key feature is the empowerment of the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) to oversee swift reimbursement for victims, bypassing lengthy court processes if the financial trail is clear. The law also cracks down on personal data violations, introducing penalties of up to five years in prison or fines reaching 5 million baht for those caught selling sensitive information without consent. To ensure urgency, the decree will take effect immediately upon publication, skipping the standard 30-day delay. Continues at https://thepattayanews.com/2025/04/09/thailand-approves-new-laws-to-combat-cybercrime-and-regulate-digital-assets/

From Pattaya Mail Craft beers, which mean smaller breweries and expanding tastes, are spreading throughout the world. The latest addition, through the trade-name Beertique, is located on Pattaya’s breezy beach road in between the Tahitian Queen and Soi Post Office. Opened last month in a partnership by Pattaya businessman and investor Jessataporn Bunnag (Chang), the open frontage is proving a popular meeting ground for craft beer lovers. It’s familiar territory for Chang. “Over thirty years ago I opened Right Spot Bar at the very same location and before it became Hooters,” he says. “But the covid pandemic later closed Hooters, so we decided to expand Beertique in Pattaya with this great location facing the sea.” Apart from draught and bottled beers from across the globe, there’s a food menu with specialty pizzas and Thai or international choices. Chang acknowledges the customer base has changed dramatically over the years. “Right Spot mostly attracted British male vacationers on their own, but Beertique caters for today’s international travellers, often with families,” he says. “Beach Road with its neon signs is no longer a dark area after sundown and Beertique offers live music in the evenings from 8 pm.” https://www.pattayamail.com/latestnews/news/pattaya-beertique-beer-garden-takes-over-hooters-site-496937

Trying to make mathematical sense of Trump's tariff formula left me scratching my head because it was so easy to get lost in the weeds. This morning I came across this CNN piece which makes what I believe is the best attempt to do something logical with a seemingly illogical process. ====== Breaking out whiteboard to explain Trump’s tariff math https://edition.cnn.com/2025/04/08/politics/video/trump-tariff-math-digvid

Not since the days of Moonlight's Babe has one guy generated so much attention in a relatively short time than Max. By any measure, he's incredibly handsome, sexy and talented. I tip my cap to all of the above who shared their personal encounters.

From CNN Editor’s note: CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta and writer Sandee LaMotte are part of the study covered in this story and have written about their experiences. CNN — When Penny Ashford’s father was diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease at age 62, she knew the devastating brain disorder might one day steal her memory. In her late 50s, her free-floating anxiety turned to outright panic when she began struggling to find words. “I couldn’t tell a story. I couldn’t get my words out,” said Ashford, now 61. “I remember sitting at a dinner party one time, and I couldn’t finish my thoughts. It was the most unbelievable moment. “I came home and sobbed and told my husband, ‘Something is wrong with me. I can’t talk,’” she said. “I was petrified.” Today, after a complete revamp of her lifestyle and overall health, Ashford’s struggles with retrieving words have eased, while measures of amyloid and tau proteins and neuroinflammation — all hallmark signs of Alzheimer’s — have fallen. Ashford knows about these improvements because she’s part of a unique study tracking her progress via key blood biomarkers now being used to help diagnose early dementia. Instead of relying on painful spinal taps and expensive brain scans, these blood tests are heralded as a new, less invasive and time-consuming way to determine risk and aid in an earlier diagnosis of Alzheimer’s. The preliminary data, presented Monday at the American Academy of Neurology annual meeting in San Diego, analyzed biomarkers on 54 participants in an ongoing preventive neurology study called the Biorepository Study for Neurodegenerative Diseases, or BioRAND. Continues at ‘Amazing’ reduction in Alzheimer’s risk verified by blood markers, study says | CNN

NOTE -- What struck me about the following article is what information it omitted. None of the unstable buildings are identified. Information about hotels and apartment buildings would be a major consideration in public awareness. From The Thaiger The Department of Public Works and Town & Country Planning announced the results of building inspections following a recent earthquake. Some 55 buildings have been deemed severely damaged and are prohibited from use. Meanwhile, 6,487 buildings remain operational, and 361 have moderate damage. Yesterday, April 7, the Building Damage Inspection Centre, in collaboration with various engineering bodies including the Council of Engineers, Engineering Institute of Thailand, Building Inspectors Association, and private sector volunteer engineers, conducted inspections on buildings reported damaged. The buildings were categorised into three groups for inspection and results were reported accordingly. The first group included public buildings such as hospitals, schools, and government offices in Bangkok. The inspections, coordinated by the Department of Public Works and Town & Country Planning, found that out of 559 buildings inspected between March 28 and April 6, 511 were safe for use (green), 46 had moderate damage (yellow), and two were severely damaged and closed (red). The second group involved private sector buildings such as high-rises, large-scale buildings, hotels, condominiums, dormitories, and shopping malls, which require annual inspections under building control laws. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is responsible for notifying building owners to conduct inspections as per orders issued on March 31 by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul. This includes structures like high-rise buildings, large complexes, entertainment venues, and residential blocks over specific size thresholds. Continues at https://thethaiger.com/news/bangkok/earthquake-leaves-55-buildings-unusable-inspections-continue

From Thai Enquirer Economists in agreement on strategy Economists are unanimous in their call that the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) is likely to lower the interest rates during its next meeting this month as the Bank of Thailand could be one of the key agencies that would need to put its best foot forward to help rescue the possible impact of the ‘reciprocal tariff’ that was announced in the wee hours of April 3. “We now view that the central bank may potentially respond with further easing of the policy rate further to support growth, given the immediate and significant downside risks on growth” Enrico Tanuwidjaja, economist at UOB in Singapore said. Enrico says that given the uncertainties surrounding the tariff negotiations, weaker near-term outlook, exacerbated by the recent earthquake and low credit growth, he expects 2 (not just 1) additional 25 basis points (bps) rate cuts to be delivered each in April and June. He says that by lowering the policy rate to 1.50% by the 2nd quarter 2025 is something he expects, and additional cuts may follow if the growth outlook continues to deteriorate. Other economists were in agreement that the central bank would need to take the lead in pushing for an economic recovery. Pipat Luengnaruemitchai, economist at Kiatnakin Phatra Securities, came out to say that there is a higher risk from the US trade policy is another headwind to the broker’s baseline growth forecast. “We continue to expect 2 more rate cuts in 2025 and another cut in 2026, with risk of further cuts, considering the downside risk from slower tourism, earthquake, and the US tariffs,” Pipat said. Pipat said that he now thinks the MPC will cut rates in its April meeting after this tariff announcement due to rising uncertainties which could have a negative impact on growth. Notably, the MPC no longer expressed concerns about household debt, which had been the key reason not to cut. Enrico of UOB says that on the monetary policy front, he believes there is still room for the central bank to further ease the policy rate to support growth and the broader economy, given the BoT’s recent policy stance, which prioritizes growth. Continues at https://www.thaienquirer.com/54060/analysis-economists-are-unanimous-that-monetary-policy-could-be-key-to-mitigating-impact-from-trumps-tariff/

That's why Singaporeans come to Bangkok. 😊

From The BBC Sri Lanka's capital is transforming floating garbage patches into biodiverse wetlands which are teeming with life. Pay Drechsel is going for his daily morning walk around Thalangama Wetland, in Sri Lanka's capital Colombo. The Sun casts a warm glow over flowering pink water lilies as a farmer scrubs down his water buffalo. A kingfisher hovers nearby. Soon, photographers will arrive to capture curved-necked egrets, waders probing for crawling worms, and little cormorants diving for freshwater fish. Thalangama Wetland and its surrounding swamps, reedbeds, canals and rice fields teem with life. But this hasn't always been the case. About 15 years ago, these ecosystems were degraded and filled with rubbish. They were "dirty, very dirty", says Drechsel, interim country manager at the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) in Colombo. He recalls how he spent one Christmas almost a decade ago cleaning the lake, scouring for piles of rotting garbage leaking contaminants into the water, and sorting waste for recycling. To his surprise, passersby stopped and started helping him. "I realised it's not only me, locals also appreciate it," he says. "But like me over all the years, they may have been waiting for someone to take the lead." The community came together to keep the massive wetland complex clean, forming the Thalangama Wetland Watch. Residents organise weekly collection runs, piling up sorted waste at a small collection unit which the municipality sends off for recycling. School kids volunteer, kayaking through the lake to dig up invasive water hyacinth. Home to over two million residents, Colombo is built on and around a massive network of wetlands. In 2018, Colombo became one of the 18 Ramsar wetland cities in the world – an accreditation which recognises cities for their commitment to restore, safeguard and value wetlands, with 25 new cities added to the list in 2022. As Colombo is located in a river basin, the city is naturally prone to floods. Colombo's wetlands act as a flood buffer, with 40% of floodwaters draining into wetland areas. They also sink carbon, purify the air and control temperatures. As temperatures warm and rains become more erratic, "wetlands are important to the city to mitigate climate change impacts", says Chethika Gunasiri, an environmental scientist at the University of Tokyo who was part of Colombo's Ramsar application. "Wetlands help Colombo mitigate pollution and natural disasters. They help reduce human stress as more and more people are now living in high rise buildings," she adds. Continues with photos https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20240917-how-sri-lanka-is-cleaning-up-wastelands-and-reviving-colombos-wetlands

The Santa Cruz Church is located in Kudi Chin, a neighborhood in Bangkok that's also known as "Little Portugal." From National Geographic Bangkok’s Kudi Chin neighborhood, in Thonburi on the western bank of the Chao Praya river, is a sleepy one; a jumble of narrow alleys and old houses, some on stilts. It is sometimes called Little Portugal, as it is home to a number of Thais descended from the Portuguese, who had settled here in the late 18th century. The Portuguese were the first Western nation to contact the ancient Thai kingdom of Ayutthaya in 1511. They soon became a prominent trading partner, and introduced a number of fruits and vegetables, which are now staples in Thai cuisine. As Edward Van Roy writes in Siamese Melting Pot, tomatoes, chillies, peanuts, potatoes, and maize came to Thailand via Portugal. Some of the Thai names for vegetables reflect their imported origin; for example, potatoes are called man farang, or Western tubers, while the Thai name for papaya, malakor, is derived from Malacca, the Portuguese trading outpost from where they first traveled to Thai shores. The Portuguese also introduced new cooking techniques. “They taught Thais their sauces and stews,” says Navinee Pongthai, who runs Bangkok’s Baan Kudichin Museum about Thailand’s Portuguese history. “Meat stew, chicken stew, these are dishes that came from the Portuguese. The Portuguese-inspired Thai stews often have more sauce and stew compared to the Chinese style stews.” Baking, deep-frying, roasting, and stuffing were also introduced, all of which are now part of Thai cooking. Thai dessert-making was also transformed by the Portuguese. At the time, Thai desserts were mainly made of rice flour, palm sugar, and grated coconut, perfumed with jasmine blossoms or pandan leaves. Eggs were introduced in desserts by the Portuguese, as was the use of coconut cream to substitute for dairy, as cows were considered sacred. Continues at https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/best-portuguese-food-in-bangkok?utm_source=firefox-newtab-en-us

From Pattaya News On April 7, at 4:00 PM, Police Lieutenant Janda Dermphan, Deputy Inspector of Banglamung Police Station, along with investigative officers, Pattaya tourist police, and rescue personnel from the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation, responded to a report of a foreigner falling to their death from a high-rise building. The incident occurred at a condominium in Soi Naklua 16.The scene unfolded at a 40-story condominium complex, where authorities discovered the body of a 26-year-old Russian woman, identified only as Ms. K, lying lifeless in a garden area below. The deceased was found face down, naked, with a green towel draped over her lower body.Initial investigations revealed that the woman resided alone on the 14th floor of the condo. However, over the past two to three days, a Russian man, whom she had recently met, had been visiting her room daily and was present at the time of the incident.The man claimed that while he was using his laptop with his back to the balcony, the woman was in the bathroom. He overheard her speaking on the phone, possibly arguing with someone he believed to be her boyfriend. Shortly afterward, she emerged from the bathroom in a hurry and allegedly ran and immediately leapt from the balcony.Police have sent the body to the Forensic Institute at the Police Hospital for an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death. Authorities are coordinating with the Russian Embassy and proceeding with legal protocols as the investigation continues. https://thepattayanews.com/2025/04/08/russian-woman-mysteriously-falls-to-death-from-the-14th-floor-of-pattaya-condo-police-investigate-fellow-countryman/

Monday was last night before Songkran that Freshboy guys could take day off so only about 20 reported for work. As luck would have it, customers were in an offing mood. By 12:30 a.m. there were only four boys left on stage and at least one of them got called down and offed before closing. According to my informant, this was a first in quite a while.

I. too, travel with portable smoke detector. Not unusual for older hotels and Airbnb's to have inoperative or disconnected hard-wired detectors.

NOTE -- If there's any good news on airfare front it may be that lower ticket prices maybe in the offing. From CNBC Airlines are expected to cut 2025 outlooks when they report earnings starting this week. Wall Street analysts have slashed their price targets for U.S. airlines and downgraded ratings as concerns about travel demand grow. Consumers had been willing to pay for travel and experiences over goods despite years of inflation, but the industry has seen a stark turn in sentiment. Continues at https://www.cnbc.com/2025/04/07/airlines-expected-to-cut-2025-outlooks-as-travel-demand-falters.html

Young men gather for first day of military draft selection in Nongprue district of Chon Buri. (photo credit TMN Cable, Pattaya)

Actually I’m not required to understand or accept anything of the sort. That’s the difference between US and glorious Russia. But I do accept that he doesn’t care.

Maybe this will prove of some assistance, @Olddaddy

From Full Measure website Odds are, you’ve heard of “Low T.” That’s the pharmaceutical industry’s name for testosterone deficiency in men. There’s a lot of attention given to treating it, but far less emphasis on a national health crisis: mysteriously declining testosterone levels in American men population-wide. They’ve been losing an alarming amount of the crucial hormone that quite literally makes them men. And nobody has identified exactly why. https://fullmeasure.news/

I believe it was ear wax containing coal dust. Don't know if I missed it but didn't see htem eat anything.

From PBS A scene from the film Viet and Nam. The film hit select U.S. theaters on March 28, 2025. (Strand Releasing USA) Some of the most touching scenes in Việt and Nam happen underground, when the two young coal miners at the center of the film embrace each other in silence. Those are moments when they can love each other freely. But their relationship almost takes a backseat in the film, which will hit select theaters in the U.S. on Friday. Set in 2001, it follows the lovers' quest to find the body of Nam's father — a soldier who died during wartime in Vietnam — and Nam's decision to leave the country for a better life. Read more about the film and watch the trailer at links below. https://www.npr.org/2025/03/27/nx-s1-5309796/film-viet-and-nam-interview-truong-minh-quy https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2025-04-04/viet-and-nam-review-vietnam-truong-minh-quy https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/viet-and-nam-film-review-2025

From The Nation Bangkok is known for its vibrant street food scene, but if you’re looking for affordable, delicious and clean dining in an air-conditioned setting, Pier 21 Food Court at the Terminal 21 shopping mall is the ultimate spot. Bangkok is known for its vibrant street food scene, but if you’re looking for affordable, delicious and clean dining in an air-conditioned setting, Pier 21 Food Court at the Terminal 21 shopping mall is the ultimate spot. Located on the fifth floor of Terminal 21, near the vibrant Asok-Sukhumvit intersection, this food court offers a vast selection of Thai and international dishes at unbeatable prices. Whether you’re a local foodie or a tourist exploring Bangkok, this hidden gem is a must-visit. Continues with photos at https://www.nationthailand.com/life/food/40048381 ============== Bangkok’s fresh market: Where the city’s top restaurants get their be |By Tammy Tameryn Somhar Bangkok enjoys a reputation as a paradise for food lovers. At the heart of its vibrant culinary scene is Khlong Toei Market, the city’s biggest and busiest fresh market. Open 24 hours a day, this chaotic yet captivating marketplace is the source of the freshest ingredients for Bangkok’s top restaurants and street food vendors. If you want to experience the city like a true local, Khlong Toei Market is the place to be. Seafood lovers will be amazed at the selection. The fish and prawns are so fresh, they might still be moving! Meat lovers will find everything from local pork cuts to free-range chicken. And if you’re in the mood for farm-fresh tropical fruits, you won’t be disappointed. Juicy mangos, coconuts, lychees and rambutans are ready to snack on as you browse. It’s no surprise that CNN once called it one of the most “authentic” markets in Bangkok— this is where you see real Thai culinary traditions in action. Continues with photos https://www.nationthailand.com/life/food/40048374

PM sending team to US to negotiate over tariffs From The Nation The Thai delegation, led by Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira, will hold discussions with the US next week on mitigating the impact of US trade policies on Thai exports. This move follows US President Donald Trump’s announcement on Wednesday (April 2) of reciprocal tariffs on several countries, with Thailand facing a 37% reciprocal tariff on export goods to the US. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said in a statement on Sunday that Pichai will travel to the US for talks with various sectors, including government bodies, the private sector and other stakeholders, concerning the significant changes in US trade policy, she explained. “The Thai government will make it clear to its US counterparts that Thailand is not only an exporter, but also a reliable ally and long-term economic partner,” she said. She explained that many other countries are in a similar position and are taking steps to lessen the impact. She expressed concern about the potential for a global trade war driven by tax mechanisms. She added that numerous countries have chosen to enter negotiations with the US government. She said the policies would affect Thai exports, particularly electronics, processed foods and agricultural products. Paetongtarn said Thai government has prepared proposals such as increasing imports of energy, aircraft, and agricultural products from the US, and initiating greater cooperation in agriculture, industry and other sectors. Additionally, Thailand will seek to promote Thai investment in the US and reduce import barriers, including addressing the misuse of Thailand as a transit point for false origin claims, she said. She also mentioned that Thailand’s team working to mitigate the impact of US trade policies will hold discussions on Tuesday, April 8. Continues at https://www.nationthailand.com/business/economy/40048405

This is inaccurate and exemplifies lack of understanding of the US electorate. The Democrats' biggest error was framing Trump supporters as ignorant and poorly educated. This created just the opening that Trump could easily exploit. To this day, the MAGA minority of the GOP moves the needle because they hate the Democrats (who they feel look down upon the working class) more than they like Trump. They see it as an "us against them" war. Fast forward to today. Trump is presiding over the the destruction of everyone's savings while at same time raising the price of food. These are two horrendous tactical errors. Whether the Democrats can in turn exploit that remains debatable.

I don't believe it's wise to pursue this line of thought to its logical conclusion. 😊

Discord erupts in Trump Camp From The Wall Street Journal Elon Musk on Saturday criticized the White House trade and manufacturing adviser on X, posting that Peter Navarro’s PhD from Harvard is a “bad thing,” and slamming his “ego/brains.” The dustup came after an account called Insurrection Barbie posted a video of Navarro and lauded his comments on tariffs along with his economics degree. Musk replied that a “A PhD in Econ from Harvard is a bad thing, not a good thing.” Navarro has been one of the most aggressive proponents of Trump’s tariffs, including the Wednesday reciprocal trade action, while Musk has extensive business interests in China, a country hit hard by Trump’s tariffs. It remains unclear, however, what prompted Musk’s posts. https://www.wsj.com/livecoverage/trump-tariffs-trade-war-markets-04-05-25/card/musk-slams-navarro-over-economics-7ALGBkDqFwpOfCzwVKlg Elon Musk, who lost billions in the market crash triggered b .. Read more at: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/120022016.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst Elon Musk, who lost billions in the market crash triggered b .. Read more at: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/120022016.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst