TorquayFan

TBL - "Perhaps the judge doesn't fancy having to go into witness protection." IMO it's dangerous to make points like that. However, IMO Judge Merchan won't have to go into protection and anyway he'd stand up to any threats. Thankfully, protests so far have been limited. Here lies the USA's hopes for a more orderly future. Go USA !

TBL - we'll have to agree to disagree on that. Trump's Lawyers from the start have been acting under his instruction to delay, delay, delay and this explains the very long time it's taken to get these indictments into Court. These tactics continue even in the current case but Judge Merchand is standing up to the prevarication. Time will tell. SYL - driving to Korat to watch the Swatcats !

Jury of 12 and the 6 alternates ready to sit on Monday. In Trump's Day 4 exit speech, his mantra, 'Witch Hunt' is a misnomer . . . . rather call it a 'Law Hunt'. Apparently at the end, Trump got up to go before the Judge's direction and was corrected. The Judge seems fair but firm in these difficult circumstances and the many gross Contempts committed by Trump have, as yet, gone unpunished - any other Defendant would have been looking at a barred window by now. Sad to see it all. But come on USA !

Ric - with all respect - Democracy has a meaning in it's own right. Irrespective of Political Parties, the USA has a Constitution AND Laws - under which, for offences against, Trump has been caught out by acts he made and the events he created. Trump recognises no higher Authority than himself and will as a result of his hubris, fail in his endeavours. Which WILL be for the greater benefit of the USA and the World. IMHO ! I wanted to reply to points in your posts l but could find only blind stuff. If you think this is some kind of conspiracy or plot, lets see how it goes in this NY trial, Florida, Georgia and Washington DC. And the 'Class Action' about 'Truth Social". Future happenings there will be based in FACTS and LAW. GN

Dream on Big Star - let's not quibble - let's see how it turns out . . .

Earlin - thanks I'd seen that 'exit' speech earlier and I have to say that Trump cuts a particularly pathetic figure again and again and it's sad to see. There's a lot of stuff around the 'Tubes'. IMO we are not seeing a great political conspiracy against Trump, but simply, the Law and Order of the USA being reasserted by the Establishment, the Law, against a monumental rascal - it's all catching up with him. And thank the Lord for that! I wonder if Judge Merchan is going to pick up on the 8 contempts that have been widely spotted - or will he stick with an April 23rd review as noted.

This 'criminal case' targets "34 criminal charges of falsifying business records in the first degree" (WikiP). A case of massive importance - in the weeks after the Hollywood scandals, Trump paid and concealed, illegal hush monies, to influence voters prior to the 2016 election. One of 4 damning indictments across the USA, with Florida, Georgia and Washington DC re. the Jan 6th debacle. I hear that there's a possibility that the Florida 'documents' case could actually proceed even before this one is completed. Difficult days for Donald. Not helped by by the TMTG share price - which actually recovered a little yesterday to $33.18 but TMTG is mired in legal disputes from other Founding shareholders. Truth Social network owned by TMTG had sales of $4 million last year with losses, unbelievably, of $58 million - I mean, how exactly does a Company do that !!! Apparently, (we shall have to see), razor sharp 'class action' Lawyers in NY are looking at putting together a 'class action' against Trump for many of his statements about the financials of TMTG. That could cost Trump a lot - there is nothing in Truth Social to justify these TMTG valuations, except, the inexplicable faith that some have in Trump, despite all the evidence to the contrary. You have to feel as sorry for him as he seems to feel for himself, but let's hope that justice will be done in the end. Hard times for Donald.

Yes it looks good but Friday morning some of the 12 Jurors might fall away as happened yesterday - but they'd soon be replaced one hopes. It's progressing much faster than expected. The quota for 6 alternates has to be completed too. 'Swearing in' and a Trial commencement Monday would be good. Trump's disgusting behaviour out of Court should be rewarded with a night or two in jail.

Danderman - "Trump could argue that Michael Cohen paid off the ladies without Trump's knowledge, to help win the 2016 election" . . . . except that Trump repaid Cohen with a series of CQ's bearing his signature. Trump is due in Court this morning so that'll be interesting - unless he can contain his naturally abusive nature, he might be spending tonight behind bars. Trump is in for a hard time - I understand there are many witnesses for the prosecution including some from Trump's own camp !

Walker - a step too far methinks. But I get it. Trump's behaviour is seditious and treasonous but even so . . . . . better not to create a Martyr?

A dear Friend of mine, now passed, recounted to me, I think a year before the pandemic, that JL and CT, had flown into Korat by private jet from Singapore, and after meeting the Governor, stayed in Korat for a few days. Later they went down to area Phuket, (with my Pal and his wife and many others) and rented a resort with 10 luxury bungalows at enormous cost for a week and then flew back to the States. I had never then heard of JL. It seems he can sing and has obviously done well but his Wife, CT, seems to me the worst kind of self-publicising 'influencer'. I'm trying to be polite but in the UK papers, if she has a headache, we all have to suffer it. They seem to be a prosperous couple and I wish they would quietly enjoy it. CT in particular.

TBL - "He knows that going to jail will just make him more popular". Oh he 'knows' that does he ? BUT is he right ? Surveys show that he'll lose lots of republican support, except of course, from MAGA fanatics. I'm glad that he is looking forward to going to jail, because that is very likely indeed to be his fate. Trump's problem is he sees no greater Authority than himself. A 'great honour' ? Yes dopey Donald - the 'great honour' will be for all law abiding USA citizens. Nelson Mandela - ha ha !!

The 'HENG BAND' lately of the 'Check In' now the Monkey Bar in Korat. They played western rock, 2 lead guitars at one stage and better than the originals. Estranged - Guns and Roses Rock and Roll - Led Zeppelin Yellow - Cold play Creep - Radiohead etc.etc. That was a great night out. Thanks Guys !

Rabbit you're rampant. Your minus 3 - "they should have invested it , the system is ****. Yes they should have invested it but no they didn't AND if they had they would have had to UP other taxes which you would have whinged about too. The UK Govt has spent your State Pensions on us already M8 and that's that ! The workforce in 7 years time will have to pay yours THAT'S WHY we shouldn't indulge the 'triple lock at their expense . . . . Your last - again I'm not talking about means testing everyone, just using tax returns to determine which retirees have so much wealth and money that the State Pension will be pin money. And for all, increasing pensions by RPI is more than enough.

Thanks NR - an interesting insight. I wondered how these fires start ? Yes some nutters but . . . . In the Ban Pang area I report from, i see fires way upon the mountains where no one go to or access. Some start naturally and are inaccessible. Let's not forget the ICE fumes contributing, and the current blistering temperatures. Just that Thailand should do what they can. ATB