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From CNBC President Donald Trump is registering the worst economic approval numbers of his presidential career amid broad discontent over his handling of tariffs, inflation and government spending, according to the latest CNBC All-America Economic Survey. The survey found that the boost in economic optimism that accompanied Trump’s reelection has disappeared, with more Americans now believing the economy will get worse than at any time since 2023 and with a sharp turn toward pessimism about the stock market. The survey of 1,000 Americans across the country showed 44% approving of Trump’s handling of the presidency and 51% disapproving, slightly better than CNBC’s final reading when the president left office in 2020. On the economy, however, the survey showed Trump with 43% approval and 55% disapproval, the first time in any CNBC poll that he has been net negative on the economy while president. Trump’s Republican base remains solidly behind him, but Democrats, at -90 net economic approval, are 30 points more negative than their average during his first term, and independents are 23 points more negative. Blue collar workers, who were key to the president’s election victory, remain positive on the Trump’s handling of the economy, but their disapproval numbers have shot up by 14 points compared to their average for his first term. https://www.cnbc.com/2025/04/19/trumps-approval-rating-on-economy-drops-to-lowest-of-his-presidential-careerat-.html

From Khmer Times Artist's impression courtesy of Ministry of Information Stretching 151.6 kilometers from the Bassac River near Phnom Penh to the coastal province of Kep, the canal will create a new inland waterway-maritime corridor capable of handling vessels up to 3,000 deadweight tons (DWT). The project will involve canal excavation, construction of ship locks and supporting navigation and logistics infrastructure. https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501671800/cambodia-china-sign-1-2-billion-deal-for-funan-techo-canal-project/

From Bangkok Post A new generation of ecstasy pills embossed with the Labubu cartoon, seized in July last year. (Photo supplied) The Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) has issued a nationwide warning following the deaths of two individuals and the hospitalisation of another due to a suspected drug cocktail known on the streets as “Kanom” or “Labubu,” which circulated during the recent Songkran festival. Pol Lt Gen Panurat Lakboon, ONCB Secretary-General, said the agency received reports from Ramathibodi Poison Center about three individuals who collapsed after participating in water festivities in Bangkok. The victims reportedly suffered seizures, stopped breathing, and went into cardiac arrest. Two later died, while the third remains in intensive care. All the patients were linked to the use of the new drug cocktail. The centre’s initial findings suggest the drug may be a potent mix of stimulants and depressants, similar to the deadly "k-powdered milk" drug cocktail (a combination of ketamine and diazepam--an anti-anxiety medication) that made headlines in 2022. The drug, sold in tablet form resembling the popular rabbit-like cartoon character 'Labubu', is classified as a type of ecstasy containing a high concentration of MDMA — well above the typical 40–50% found in standard ecstasy pills. The mind-altering MDMA drug is used to produce euphoria. The Labubu tablets are also mixed with other active substances, including ketamine and caffeine, which intensify the drug’s effects and make it significantly more dangerous. Pol Lt Gen Panurat said that the exact composition of the pills involved in the recent cases is still under laboratory analysis. He urged the public to remain vigilant, avoid unknown substances, and report any drug-related activity to ONCB’s 24-hour hotline at 1386. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/3006992/public-warning-issued-after-deadly-drug-cocktail-linked-to-songkran-deaths

Dreamboys on Soi Twlight.

@Olddaddy may fly business class but he really doesn't intend to chase the world's cheapest mb's. Actually he's as smitten with Thailand as the rest of us and takes enormous delight in

From Bangkok Post The Department of Special Investigation has arrested a Chinese executive of the construction company that was building the State Audit Office tower in Bangkok, where dozens of people died when it collapsed during the March 28 earthquake. Zhang Chuanling was taken into custody at a hotel in the Ratchadaphisek area of the capital on Saturday, the DSI announced. He is one of four people sought on arrest warrants for being nominees of China Railway No.10 (Thailand) Co (CREC). The three others are Thai nationals: Manas Sri-anan, Prachuap Sirikhet and Sophon Meechai, according to the DSI. The four were listed as executives of the Thai subsidiary of the Chinese state-owned construction firm, which was in a joint venture with SET-listed Italian-Thai Development Plc. The two contractors formed the ITD-CREC consortium that was building the 30-storey State Audit Office headquarters in Chatuchak district of Bangkok. Continues at https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/3006494/executive-of-contractor-for-doomed-bangkok-building-arrested

For some reason I've seen "white" transliterated to "red" more than a few times. I'm not a linguist and can't explain it. Even a VN guy I know well will say red when it's clear to me he means white.

From The BBC The US Supreme Court has ordered the Trump administration to pause the deportation of a group of alleged Venezuelan gang members. The men are being held in detention in north Texas under an 18th-Century wartime law, and a civil liberties group has sued the government saying they have not had a change to contest their case in court. Donald Trump has sent accused Venezuelan gang members to a notorious mega-jail in El Salvador, invoking the 1798 Alien Enemies Act which gives the president power to order the detention and deportation of natives or citizens of "enemy" nations without usual processes. The act had previously been used only three times, all during war. It was last invoked in World War Two, when people of Japanese descent were imprisoned without trial and thousands sent to internment camps. Since taking office in January, Trump's hard-line immigration policies have encountered a number of legal hurdles. Trump had accused Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua of "perpetrating, attempting, and threatening an invasion or predatory incursion" on US territory. Out of 261 Venezuelans deported to El Salvador as of 8 April, 137 were removed under the Alien Enemies Act, a senior administration official told CBS News, the BBC's US news partner. A lower court temporarily blocked these deportations on 15 March. The Supreme Court initially ruled on 8 April that Trump could use the Alien Enemies Act to deport alleged gang members, but deportees must be given a chance to challenge their removal. The lawsuit that resulted in Saturday's order said the Venezuelans detained in north Texas had been given notices about their imminent deportation in English, despite one detainee only speaking Spanish. The challenge by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) also said the men had not been told they had a right to contest the decision in court. "Without this Court's intervention, dozens or hundreds of proposed class members may be removed to a possible life sentence in El Salvador with no real opportunity to contest their designation or removal," the lawsuit read. Supreme Court Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito dissented on Saturday. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/czd3rdjn81lo

From Khaosod English BANGKOK — The son of a Thai politician is under fire after he drove a BMW recklessly and rammed into another vehicle. This sparked public outrage and drew comparisons to the infamous 2012 hit-and-run case involving Red Bull heir Vorayuth “Boss” Yoovidhya, who fled the country to avoid prosecution. However, the national police chief insists that this case will not go the same way. On April 17, Pol. Gen. Kittirat Phanphet, commissioner-general of the Royal Thai Police, responded to a viral clip showing a red-painted BMW swerving in front of a pickup truck on the highway near the Rangsit–Nakhon Nayok exit late on April 16. The pickup lost control and crashed into the roadside. The elderly driver, 65, suffered broken ribs and remains in intensive care, while a female passenger, 64, sustained minor injuries. The incident sparked a wave of public criticism after it was revealed that the BMW driver was a local council candidate with close ties to a well-known local politician. Pol. Gen. Kittirat, who had seen the video, condemned the BMW driver’s behavior as “disgusting” and unacceptable in society. Continues with video https://www.khaosodenglish.com/news/2025/04/17/police-chief-orders-action-against-politicians-son-in-bmw-crash/

From The Nation The official Facebook page of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, in his role as ASEAN Chair, recently posted a video summarising his official visit to Thailand from April 17 to 18. During the visit, he met with Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. The video quickly gained attention—not for its diplomatic content, but for its background music: the Thai song “Om Phra Ma Phut” (“Swear on Buddha’s Name”), a rock ballad famously performed by Sek Loso (Seksan Sukpimai) and Bird Thongchai McIntyre, two of Thailand’s most iconic artists. As of 12 pm on Saturday, April 19, the video was quietly removed from the page, fueling public speculation over the song’s inclusion. Some observers believe the track may have been selected by the Malaysian media team without fully grasping its cultural and linguistic nuances. Others argue that such a misstep in an official communication from a head of government is improbable. The phrase “Om Phra Ma Phut” is commonly used in Thai to emphasise sincerity, akin to saying “I swear to God.” However, in the song’s context, it is used sarcastically, with the narrator expressing deep scepticism toward a partner's repeated lies—even swearing on Buddha’s name is no longer enough to regain trust. The video was later reuploaded, but this time the song “Om Phra Ma Phut” was replaced with “Yarm Yen” (Love at Sundown),” a royal composition by His Majesty King Rama IX. https://www.nationthailand.com/blogs/news/asean/40048977

Seek arrest warrants for collapse culprits From Bangkok Post Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra will expedite the issuing of arrest warrants for those involved in the collapse of the new State Audit Office (SAO) building once sufficient evidence is found. Ms Paetongtarn on Friday convened a meeting to receive updates on the investigation with national police chief Pol Gen Kittharath Punpetch and Department of Special Investigation (DSI) director-general Pol Maj Yutthana Praedam among those in attendance. Following the meeting, the prime minister said the Comptroller General's Department (CGD) would be enlisted to inspect construction material standards, as it has the authority to cancel contracts. Ms Paetongtarn said the DSI is investigating possible violations involving substandard steel, poor concrete quality and the lack of steel reinforcement in the lift shaft. Additional concerns include foreign shareholders and bid collusion. Continues at https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/3006216/pm-wants-collapse-culprits-charged

From Bangkok Post Marine police have seized eight unlicensed jet-skis and arrested five operators in Phuket during a crackdown on scam gangs preying on tourists. Visitors to the resort island have long complained about some operators charging unusually high rental fees for jet-skis, police said. The same operators often accused their customers of damaging the units and forced them to pay exorbitant amounts of money for repairs. The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) in Bangkok assigned the Marine Police Division to carry out the crackdown on Friday, said Pol Lt Gen Jirabhop Bhuridej, the CIB commissioner. Marine police arrested four men and one woman for renting out jet-skis without operating licences, in violation of the Navigation in Thai Waters Act, and related offences. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/3006402/police-bust-phuket-jet-ski-scammers

Trump relishes any opportunity to display ignorance of nations in which he has no interest for two reasons: he gets just the reaction in the media that he craves (any thing as long as it contains his name) and it plays well with his MAGA core.

From Bangkok Post Two Indian men abducted for ransom by a gang led by their compatriots were rescued on Friday in Samut Prakan, along with a third intended victim. Thai police have seven suspects in custody. Police arrested Deep Sandhu, a 32-year-old Indian national, and six other male suspects — five Indians and one Pakistani — at a house in tambon Samrong Nua of Muang district in Samut Prakan, Pol Lt Gen Sayam Boonsom, commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, said on Friday. The officers also rescued three Indian men from the house. Two of them had been abducted by the suspects who demanded a ransom of 2.5 million rupees (977,000 baht). The third had been lured to the house from Suvarnabhumi airport. Earlier, Sanjeev Kumar filed a complaint with police that his two friends — Ramesh Sharma, 48, and Anandeep Kajal, 27 — had been abducted by Mr Sandhu, who picked them up from a hotel in the Silom area of Bangkok on April 14. Mr Sandhu contacted Mr Sharma’s younger sister via WhatsApp on April 16, saying he had detained the two men and demanded a ransom of 2.5 million rupees. If she did not pay, the two men would be in danger, he threatened. Continues at https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/3006071/indian-men-rescued-from-kidnapping-gang-in-samut-prakan

It's most convenient market open at that time. Next closest would be Big C at Samyan Mitrtown.

You'll get no help from Trump... From MSN While speaking to reporters today, President Donald Trump admitted that he has doesn't know where the African nation of the Republic of the Congo is. The President admitted that he has no knowledge of the nation's existence.

NOTE -- If you're flying between HCMC and Hanoi, check your flight information for what terminal you'll be departing from. The new domestic terminal (Termina 3) will soon be opening and some carriers will be switching from Terminal 1 to Terminal 3). From Vietnam News Starting from 00:00 on April 19, all Vietnam Airlines flights between HCM City and Hà Nội will operate from the newly opened Terminal T3 at Tân Sơn Nhất International Airport. Beginning April 28, the airline will gradually move all remaining domestic flights to Terminal T3, except for those between HCM City and Côn Đảo, Rạch Giá and Cà Mau, which will continue to operate at Terminal T1. Continues at https://vietnamnews.vn/economy/1716126/vietnam-airlines-to-shift-hcm-city-ha-noi-flights-to-tan-son-nhat-airport-s-terminal-t3-on-april-19.html

From The Nation A five-day celebration across Bangkok will mark 243 years since the founding of the Thai capital, showcasing the nation's rich heritage and artistic traditions The Thai Ministry of Culture has announced a collaborative effort with both public and private organisations, alongside a network of religious, artistic, and cultural bodies, to stage a grand commemoration entitled "Under the Royal Auspices: 243 Years of Rattanakosin City". The festivities are set to unfold across three key locations in Bangkok from the 23rd to the 27th of April, 2025. Culture Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol detailed that the Ministry is working in concert with government departments, businesses, and various faith-based, artistic, and cultural groups to deliver this significant event. The "Under the Royal Auspices: 243 Years of Rattanakosin City" celebration will take place at Chulalongkorn University's Centenary Park, the National Museum Bangkok, and Wat Prayurawongsawat Worawihan. The aim is to mark the 243rd anniversary of the establishment of Rattanakosin as Thailand's capital and to pay homage to the profound benevolence and honour of His Majesty King Phra Phutthayotfa Chulalok the Great, the inaugural monarch of the Chakri Dynasty, who founded the city on the 21st of April, 1782 – a milestone now over two centuries past. Throughout the Chakri Dynasty, Thai monarchs have consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, undertaking numerous royal duties to forge a robust and stable nation, underpinned by their considerable wisdom and foresight. They have also diligently fostered the country's religious, artistic, and cultural landscape, ensuring its flourishing continuation to the present day. Continues with schedule of events at https://www.nationthailand.com/life/art-culture/40048931

From The Thaiger Is Bangkok finally getting the makeover it desperately needs? The capital is set for a long-overdue shake-up, as officials prepare to modernise the decades-old law that governs the city, and it could change how Bangkok is run for generations to come. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) announced plans to revise the BMA Act 1985, a 40 year old law that city leaders say no longer meets the needs of a bustling 21st-century metropolis. Aekwaranyu Amrapal, BMA spokesperson, said yesterday, April 17, that the proposed amendments aim to “enhance efficiency in line with the challenges facing a modern city.” “After nearly three years of work and gathering public feedback from various communities, it has become clear that Bangkok still struggles with structural issues, such as repeated pavement excavation, severe traffic congestion, under-utilised areas beneath expressways, and messy overhead cables. These issues stem from the limitations within our current administrative system.” Continues at https://thethaiger.com/news/bangkok/bangkok-set-for-major-law-shake-up-after-40-years

From Pattaya Mail At the Multi-Purpose Hall in Laem Bali Hai Pier, South Pattaya, a coordinated effort to ensure the safety and well-being of both locals and tourists during the Songkran festival took place. The operation was led by Pol. Gen. Saksira Phuakam, the Commander of the Tourist Police, who was joined by key personnel including Pol. Lt. Col. Torlap Tinamat, Inspector of the Tourist Police Division 4, and various officers from the Pattaya Police, Chonburi Immigration, Pattaya City Municipality, and the Marine Department. The primary goal of this collaborative operation was to ensure that tourists who were traveling to Koh Larn for Songkran were provided with both safety and convenience. Officers were seen conducting thorough checks at the pier, closely monitoring the flow of tourists who were using the ferry service to cross to the island. In an effort to enhance the holiday experience, water-resistant envelopes were distributed to tourists to help protect their belongings from the water fights that are synonymous with Songkran celebrations. Furthermore, the authorities took the opportunity to promote the use of the “TPB” (Thailand Tourist Police Application), a mobile app designed to assist tourists by providing a quick and easy way to reach out for help from the Tourist Police. The app, available in 8 languages, offers round-the-clock support for tourists who may need assistance or encounter any issues during their travels. https://www.pattayamail.com/latestnews/news/four-agencies-collaborate-to-ensure-safety-for-tourists-crossing-to-koh-larn-distribute-water-resistant-envelopes-498051

From Pattaya Mail Digital arrival bureaucracy spreading throughout Asia By Barry Kenyon Foreign travellers to south east Asian countries by land, sea or air will need to get used to electronic e-Arrival systems no matter whether they are tourists or business people or long stayers. In most cases, the bureaucracy needs to be completed online prior to arrival and applies to visa and non-visa holders alike. Thailand’s few exceptions, apart from Thai passport holders, are diplomats and official guests of the government, those transferring without going through immigration and “border pass” holders. The latter are local traders who pass regularly through Thai land borders to buy and sell. They are decidedly not visa runners or border hoppers seeking more time in Thailand. Malaysia and Cambodia already have e-Arrival cards in operation which are similar to Thailand’s which begins on May 1. But Malaysia exempts Singaporean citizens and certain longterm residents. Cambodia allows online registration up to 7 days (not 3) in advance. South Korea is introducing e-Arrival, but a paper option remains possible until 2026. Thailand’s spokesperson for the foreign affairs ministry, Nikorndej Balankura, said that passengers who fail to complete the online application in advance of travel will be able to do so at entry points, but warned that delays for individuals would be unavoidable. He stressed that only emergency cases should delay online registration in advance of travel. Continues at https://www.pattayamail.com/latestnews/news/digital-arrival-bureaucracy-spreading-throughout-asia-498065

From Bangkok Post A structural imbalance in a lift shaft may have contributed to the collapse of the State Audit Office (SAO) building during last month's earthquake, says Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. Mr Anutin, who doubles as deputy prime minister, said initial findings point to structural issues contributing to the collapse, particularly those surrounding an asymmetrical lift shaft, as previously theorised by engineering expert Worasak Kanok-Nukulchai. The minister emphasised the need to focus on in-depth engineering calculations to ensure the findings are indisputable and scientifically sound. The minister also addressed reports the project's contractors had allegedly forged signatures of a senior engineer who claimed to have no involvement in the project. Continues at https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/3005452/lift-flaw-tied-to-sao-building-fate

We don't have responsibility for fixing these problems. If we opt to do so, we do so out out of charity--not as a reciprocal response to solidify a relationship. Not at all. Buddhists do not have a monopoly on irresponsible behavior.

NOTE -- What was shaping up as a spat over tariffs between the US and China is now being felt elsewhere. From CNBC Turkey’s central bank surprised markets on Thursday when it raised its key interest rate, the one-week repurchase rate, from 42.5% to 46%, ending the easing cycle it began in December of last year. The decision comes on the back of economic disruption due to U.S. tariffs and major political unheaval and investor flight following the arrest of Istanbul mayor and opposition leader Ekrem Imamoglu in March. “The decisiveness regarding tight monetary stance is strengthening the disinflation process through moderation in domestic demand, real appreciation in Turkish lira, and improvement in inflation expectations,” Turkey’s Monetary Policy Committee wrote in the statement accompanying its decision. The committee cited “potential effects of the rising protectionism in global trade on the disinflation process through global economic activity, commodity prices and capital flows,” and said “the tight monetary stance will be maintained until price stability is achieved via a sustained decline in inflation.” Annual inflation in Turkey came in at 38.1% in March. The rate hike comes in the face of significant foreign currency depletion, as the Turkish central bank spent as much as $25 billion in three days following the arrest of Imamoglu and ensuing protests on March 19 to defend the lira, which briefly ropped to a record low of more 40 to the U.S. dollar. Turkish markets initially plunged on news of the arrest, and the country’s government on March 23 banned short selling and relaxed buyback rules in an effort to bolster stocks. https://www.cnbc.com/2025/04/17/turkeys-central-bank-surprises-with-350-basis-point-rate-hike.html

NOTE -- Is anyone aware of current availability of Covid vaccines in Bangkok or Pattaya that is available to non-Thais? From The Nation A respected virologist from Chulalongkorn University on Monday warned individuals with comorbidities to brace themselves for a possible Covid-19 infection, stating that a surge is highly likely during the long Songkran holidays. Professor Yong Poovorawan, head of the Centre of Excellence in Clinical Virology at CU’s Faculty of Medicine, posted on his Facebook page that a study conducted by his centre showed a spike in Covid cases following last year’s Songkran celebrations. He explained that the SARS-CoV-2 virus is likely to spread when large groups of people gather for water-splashing activities during the Songkran holidays. As a result, unlike influenza, which tends to spread at the start of the new school year or during the rainy season, the Covid virus tends to spread during Songkran, when many people travel to the provinces and perform the traditional water-pouring ritual for their respected elderly relatives. https://www.nationthailand.com/health-wellness/40048767