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From The Nation A 40-year-old Chinese man was found dead on a beach behind a hotel in South Pattaya, Bang Lamung district of Chonburi province, on Saturday morning, local police said. The body of Ronghua Qiu, a Chinese national, was discovered lying face down on Yinyom Beach with both arms buried in the sand, according to a police report. At the scene, officials also found a mobile phone, a slipper, the deceased’s passport, and a passbook for a bank in Chiang Rai province. Medical officers conducted an initial autopsy and found abrasions on the deceased’s body, including on the forehead and neck, as well as a split wound above his right eyebrow. There was also blood coming from his nostrils. It is estimated that the victim had been dead for approximately 6-12 hours. A hotel employee reported finding the body face down while cleaning the beach in the morning, adding that the deceased was not a guest staying at the hotel. Continues with photos https://www.nationthailand.com/news/general/40048382

From The Nation Vietnam offers 0% US import tax; Cambodia cuts to 5% Vietnam's leader called Donald Trump, offered to cut import tariffs on US goods to 0% in a bid to ease heavy reciprocal tariffs from the US. Meanwhile, Cambodia's leader sent a letter proposing a 5% import tariff on US products. US President Donald Trump and Vietnam's leader To Lam agreed on Friday to discuss a deal to remove tariffs, both leaders said after a phone call that Trump said was "very productive", as Hanoi escalated its campaign to dodge duties of 46%. Days before Trump's announcement on reciprocal tariffs that hit Vietnam hard, the country had already cut several duties as part of a series of concessions to the US, which also included pledges to buy more American goods such as planes and agricultural products. Continues at https://www.nationthailand.com/blogs/news/asean/40048383

From The Thaiger Tourists in Thailand’s popular northern getaway Pai woke up to an unexpected jolt after a mild earthquake struck the area early this morning, April 5—part of a cluster of tremors shaking nearby Myanmar. At around 6am, a 2.1-magnitude earthquake was recorded in Pai district, Mae Hong Son province, at a shallow depth of just 1 kilometre. While the quake was minor, it added to a series of seismic events recorded in the region over a nine-hour span. According to the Earthquake Observation Division of the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD), “a total of eight earthquakes were recorded in Myanmar from midnight Friday to 9am Saturday.” The quakes ranged from magnitudes 1.7 to 3.8, with epicentres located between 353 to 40 kilometres northeast of Mae Hong Son. “The several earthquakes recorded on Saturday had no effect on Thailand,” the division reassured. However, they confirmed that officials are continuing to monitor the situation closely due to the close proximity of the epicentres. https://thethaiger.com/news/national/mild-earthquake-shakes-pai-as-myanmar-tremors-surge-nearby

From Pattaya News Chatchawan Prommoratham, Acting President of the Transport Company Limited (BorKorSor), announced a major upgrade to the Bangkok Bus Terminal (Chatuchak), commonly known as Mo Chit 2, to improve convenience, speed, and safety for passengers. The renovation is part of efforts to modernize the public transport system and support seamless connectivity. Just in time for the upcoming Songkran holiday—Thailand’s biggest annual travel period—the company has completed renovations to the passenger ticketing areas. A total of 107 new ticket counters are now in service: 38 on the first floor and 69 on the third floor of the terminal. These counters serve both Transport Co. buses and affiliated private operators on all domestic and cross-border routes. The new booths are equipped with clear glass panels and 50-inch LED screens displaying bus company names, routes, service standards, and fare rates—designed to improve transparency and ease of use. https://thepattayanews.com/2025/04/05/bangkok-bus-terminal-unveils-107-new-ticket-counters-to-support-songkran-travel-surge/

The Pattaya Mail has added this photo to above article that clarifies issue under discussion. https://www.pattayamail.com/news/foreign-couples-explicit-public-display-on-pattaya-beach-causes-outrage-locals-demand-action-496519

NOTE -- I think Barry is giving Trump far too much credit. Pattaya will survive quite well and sea will remain blue--well, brown. From Pattaya Mail By Barry Kenyon The first reaction in Bangkok to Trump’s new international tariffs was to assume they were an April Fool’s joke delivered a day late. The United States is Thailand’s biggest export market and, if a deal can’t be reached, billions of cash income in any currency you care to mention is at potential risk. The 36 percent tariff on imports to the US was much bigger than the Federation of Thai Industries predicted, but China, India, Vietnam and Cambodia amongst other Asian countries were also singled out. One consequence, if the world chooses to retreat into 19th century trade wars, will be to send shocks to Asia’s international travel ecosystem which leaves tourist cities such as Pattaya exposed. If world trade shrinks, business travel declines as reflected in Thailand’s MICE conventions and exhibitions initiative which has to date been very successful in Pattaya. Then global mobility is suppressed as airlines reduce routes, the market for longterm visas becomes smaller and hotels see vacancies mushroom. The worldwide holiday market also shrinks as it depends on discretionary income, that is what people have to spend after paying their bills. Tariff wars are usually accompanied by both unemployment and inflation, both of which discourage vacations abroad. Travel and Tour World is already predicting a negative impact on Asian beach resorts in Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines and Cambodia as international numbers shrink. Cruises are another likely victim as cabins become harder to fill. Pattaya may not be an industrial hub, but it is adjacent to the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), the advanced manufacturing and export base with infrastructure designed to attract international investors from many countries. In the past, the United States and the EEC have been linked through US investment in areas such as renewable energy and other strategic industries. US vice-president JD Vance has already ruled out that kind of international cooperation in future. Continues at https://www.pattayamail.com/latestnews/news/donald-trump-could-determine-the-future-of-pattaya-496453

NOTE -- Anything that's so simple should not take so long to explain how simple it is. From Bangkok Post Ease Fears Over Digital Arrival Form As Thailand gears up to welcome what they hope is an ambitious proposal for 40 million tourists in 2025, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is rolling out a big update to its immigration process: the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC), which we covered in detail here previously. Set to become mandatory for all foreign visitors starting May 1st, 2025, this shift from the traditional paper-based TM6 form to a fully digital system has sparked many concerns online, with some travelers afraid it will cause possible problems or delays to their trips. In response, the TAT is stepping up efforts to ease concerns, stating that the TDAC will be, according to them, a painless, user-friendly process designed to enhance—not hinder—the travel experience. Despite the promised benefits, the announcement of the TDAC has stirred some unease online as we have covered here, with travelers voicing worries about technical difficulties, accessibility, and potential delays. Posts on platforms like X and Facebook have highlighted fears of a cumbersome process or penalties for those unfamiliar with digital systems. The TAT is quick to counter these concerns, stressing that the transition will be straightforward and supported at every step. “There’s no need to panic,” the TAT reassured in a recent statement. “This isn’t a complex application or a barrier to entry—it’s just the paper form you already know, now online.” The process is free, takes only a few minutes, and can be completed on any smartphone, tablet, or computer. For those less tech-savvy, the TAT is working with airlines, embassies, and tourism operators to provide assistance, including on-the-ground support at major entry points like Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai. The TAT also points out that the TDAC is mandatory only for foreign nationals entering Thailand by air, land, or sea, with exceptions for those transiting without passing immigration or using a Border Pass. Thai nationals are also exempt, but not expats on various types of visas. Once submitted, travelers receive a confirmation—either digital or printable—to present at immigration, ensuring a seamless check-in. To further calm nerves, the TAT is launching an international awareness campaign ahead of the May 1 deadline. This includes informational guides distributed at airports, partnerships with airlines to notify passengers, and multilingual resources online. The official TDAC website will open for submissions starting April 28, 2025, giving travelers ample time to familiarize themselves with the system. It is currently in beta mode and the TAT has stressed that certain features missing currently, like identifying Thailand as an expat’s place of residence, will be added. For travelers planning a trip to Thailand after May 1, the advice is simple: log on, fill out the form which is estimated to take less than a minute for most users, and enjoy your journey. The Tourism Authority of Thailand is determined to prove that this digital shift will be as painless as promised. https://thepattayanews.com/2025/04/05/thailand-tourism-authority-moves-to-ease-concerns-and-fears-over-upcoming-mandatory-digital-arrival-form/

Many good points made above. In the end--if there is one--it will be settled in the age honored custom: on the trading floors around the globe. There's only one motive there: maximize profits. Unlike in the news media, it's non-political or idealistic. It's greed on steroids but the only way to take the other even less altruistic motives out of the equation.

Can you think of bigger joke?

From The BBC A Thai court has issued an arrest warrant for an American academic under Thailand's lese-majeste law that forbids insulting the monarchy. The army filed a complaint against Paul Chambers, a lecturer at Naresuan University in central Thailand, under lese-majeste and computer crime laws, according to his legal representation. Mr Chambers and his lawyer are due to report to police on Tuesday, where charges are expected to be filed. Akarachai Chaimaneekarakate, advocacy lead for the Thai Lawyers for Human Rights Centre representing Mr Chambers, told the BBC he did not know the reason for the complaint. If convicted, Mr Chambers could face three to 15 years in prison for each lese-majeste count. Continues at https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cqx48egpgq1o

Don't believe the couple was identified as lesbians. The photo (showing two females) may have well been two onlookers as they are fully clothed.

From Bangkok Post Multiple human skeletons have been found at the construction site of a commuter rail station in Bangkok, and experts say they may be linked to a mass execution about 250 years ago. The discovery was made recently by a team doing survey work at the site of the Siriraj Station on the MRT Orange Line, which runs from Bang Khun Non to the Thailand Cultural Centre. The Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand said the find is now being investigated under the supervision of Fine Arts Department officials. Continues at https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2995977/old-bones-at-mrt-station-site-hint-at-ancient-executions

From Pattaya News A foreign couple stunned beachgoers in Pattaya after being caught having sex in the sea in front of dozens of tourists. At 3:06 AM on April 4th, The Pattaya News reporters were alerted by the public after a foreign couple were caught having sex on Pattaya Beach. Upon arrival, reporters found over 50 Thai and foreign tourists gathered along the beach and sidewalk, watching the couple—believed to be Russian—engaged in intercourse in the sea by the Walking Street area. Some onlookers even sat down as if watching an outdoor movie, while others loudly cheered them on. Despite the commotion, the couple showed no shame and continued their act openly without any sign of stopping. One of the onlookers told reporters that the couple had been at it for quite some time and that what they witnessed was actually their second round. Each time, large crowds gathered to watch and record videos, which were then widely shared on social media. Despite some people shouting at them to stop, the couple completely ignored the warnings and continued their actions proudly in front of the cameras. https://thepattayanews.com/2025/04/04/foreign-couple-caught-having-sex-in-pattaya-sea-shocks-tourists/

One Spa in Saphan Kwai is open 24/7.

From The Nation Bangkok is gearing up to host its most ambitious Pride festival yet, with organisers aiming to establish the city as a global hub for LGBTQ+ rights and culture. The "Bangkok Pride Festival 2025," themed "Born This Way," will see Rama 1 Road transformed into a vibrant rainbow-coloured celebration of equality on June 1st. Naruemit Pride, in partnership with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and various civil society and private sector allies, is planning a spectacular event. A 200-metre identity flag, billed as the longest of its kind, will make history alongside the city's iconic rainbow flags, signalling Thailand's commitment to gender diversity. The festival aims to attract LGBTQ+ individuals and allies from around the world, positioning Bangkok as a key destination for the "rainbow community" and bolstering its bid to host World Pride 2030. https://www.nationthailand.com/news/tourism/40048346

Schedule of Thailand tariffs on US imports: https://th.usembassy.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/90/Import-Tariff-Table_Thailand-Update-June-2024.pdf

From The Star BANGKOK: Apple has confirmed it will unlock its cell broadcast system in Thailand, enabling the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) to send emergency alerts directly to 50 million mobile phone users, the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has announced. The move comes as part of a broader effort to enhance the nation's disaster warning capabilities. Trairat Viriyasirikul (pic), acting secretary-general and deputy secretary-general of the NBTC, revealed that Apple has responded positively to the DDPM’s request, pledging to complete the system activation within five days. SMS alerts will follow within two weeks. Cell broadcast, capable of sending 30 million messages per hour via 4G and 5G networks, will significantly bolster the country's emergency communication infrastructure. "SMS was never designed for disaster warnings," Trairat explained. "SMS was never designed for disaster warnings," Trairat explained. "It’s primarily a commercial tool. In the event of a disaster, like the recent earthquake, we need a more robust and immediate system. That's why we're implementing cell broadcast, alongside other measures." In addition to Apple's system activation, the NBTC is also expanding its LINE ALERT warning service, which currently reaches 200,000 users, and launching a dedicated National Disaster Warning Television Channel 1. A special hotline, 1531, has also been established for reporting earthquake-related building damage. https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2025/04/02/apple-to-unlock-cell-broadcast-for-thailand039s-disaster-warnings-national-broadcasting-and-telecommunications-commission-announces#goog_rewarded

Where are all the old timers? Some nights they can be found on the terrace at G's. Other evenings on the stools at Midnight.

Beginning to sound like formula for creating strong passwords. Perhaps less frequent classifications should be in lower case.

What are the actual numbers and goods that Thailand applies to US imports?

From VN Express The Sathorn Unique Tower, a 49-story building abandoned for decades in Thailand's Bangkok, recently went viral on social media after miraculously surviving a 7.7-magnitude earthquake in Myanmar that shook Southeast Asia. However, the Sathorn Unique Tower, located in Bangkok's Sathon District and abandoned for more than 30 years, remained standing, surprising many. On social media, numerous users shared images of the building, questioning how such an abandoned structure could withstand the powerful earthquake. Originally conceived in the 1990s as a luxury residential and office complex, the tower was designed to be a 49-story high-rise offering stunning views of the Chao Phraya River. However, as construction neared its midpoint, the Asian financial crisis hit in 1997, devastating the Thai economy, The Telegraph reported. Many real estate projects, including the tower, were abandoned due to a lack of funding. With its incomplete state and eerie, skeletal appearance, the building was dubbed as the "Ghost Tower," with the eerie allure making it an ideal destination for daredevil tourists. A tourist shared on Travelfreak that he paid 200 baht (US$5.84) to a security guard to gain access for 15 minutes. https://www.msn.com/en-xl/lifestyle/other/49-storey-ghost-tower-in-bangkok-goes-viral-after-surviving-powerful-earthquake/ar-AA1CbeNQ

From Pattaya New Tattoo enthusiasts and top artists from around the world are gearing up for the highly anticipated Pattaya International Tattoo Convention 2025, taking place on April 5th-6th on Pattaya Beach in front of Pattaya Klang from 10 AM to 10 PM daily. The two-day event will feature live tattooing competitions, music performances, and artistic showcases. The convention will highlight a wide range of tattoo styles, including minimal, realistic portrait, old school, Japanese, and geometric mandala designs. Competitions will be held in various categories, from junior artists working on small pieces to open-class professionals creating large-scale tattoos. Notably, hand poke and bamboo tattooing—a traditional method—will also be featured. Throughout the event, attendees can enjoy live music during scheduled breaks, adding to the festival atmosphere. The final competitions will determine the best tattoos of the day and the prestigious Best of the Show awards in both black & grey and color categories. The event will conclude with unique contests, including the Sexy Lady Tattoo and Coolest Guys categories. https://thepattayanews.com/2025/04/04/pattaya-international-tattoo-convention-2025-set-to-showcase-global-tattoo-artistry/

TIT. If you don't rig a bid when you get the chance you're deemed unfit for office. Vietnam not much different. Only real difference is that in VN they take it more seriously and rigger actually loses job and gets jail time. Example from today VN Express: A former chairman of An Giang Province was sentenced to jail on Wednesday for taking a US$300,000 bribe and allowing a company tomine sand illegally. The Ho Chi Minh City People's Court awarded Nguyen Thanh Binh a sentence of eight and a half years. https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/crime/province-leader-jailed-for-taking-300-000-bribe-to-let-company-mine-sand-illegally-4869367.html

I count myself among JJ's satisfied customers. Keep our eye out for his pal, Ole. I usually schedule him for a 9pm session and he's always proven very "productive."