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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

There's also the Louis Tavern Transit hotel (in Concourse G) that rents in 4 and 6 hour blocks. https://www.bkkairporthotel.com/bangkok-airport-transit-hotel-louis-tavern-dayrooms/

Enjoyed the video but after hearing about his cave explorations I'm glad as hell I'm gay. 😊

Photo shows Trump pulling into his golf club in Florida Friday, oblivious to the plummeting stock market. To me, the photo captured the sheer absurdity of the moment.

No business person inright mind would bring family to sin city.

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?