TorquayFan

The 'bonus' paid to Cohen was simply to cover the taxes that would arise and that would have to be paid by Cohen under the arrangements. The 'catch and kill' scheme disclosed by Pecker and the 'National Enquirer' was truly shocking and this evidence has so far been damning for Trump. The indictment covers 34 (?) felonies regarding falsifying business records which would be otherwise regarded as misdemeanours were it not for the fact that it was all done for the purpose of hiding truths from USA voters at a time when hackles were up about attitudes to women. Clearly a scheme for electoral manipulation. I'm glad to have read the 'other side' of the argument in that piece from 'The Hill' but for me it was just, 'huffing and puffing'. It's amazing to me that a sordid and unstable character like Trump can be taken seriously, by anyone at all.

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

George good post. We just had a week 100km south west of CM - even there, the air looks fuggy and the views across the valley to other mountains is hazy. Evening time we sit on the roof of 'home' in the foothills and have a beer. Only a few stars can be seen but just a few years ago, it seemed like you could see thousands. Not too much evidence of crop waste being burnt but in 10km walks around the foothills, the low grass has burnt or is burning and much smoke results. I did see a team of 8 on 4 mbikes coming up the track and they put out a low grass fire - I guess. It was not burning the next day. Returning yesterday on H106 from Lee to Thoen, there were many 'low grass' fires but the mountains were so steep, you can't put them out. And Thoen was smoky. To limit this damage, hard to know how to tackle it. Not applicable to this area, but easy to control, it should be a criminal offence for a sugar mill to accept burnt cane. To be enforced. For other crops, there must be solutions too. Cheers.

(Technical hitch there ! Post just repeated ?) Thaibeachlovers - if Trump is seen to be heading for jail by November he won't win the election. There may yet be new twists to come in this tale. Quoting from your reply to mine earlier . . . "The elephant in the room if he is locked up is the reaction of his base. IMO it'd be a brave judge that locks him up, unless they want to spend the rest of their lives in protective custody, or go into witness protection. If anyone thinks the Capitol invasion was bad, they ain't seen anything yet, if Trump is actually incarcerated, and they must know that." Tbl, for you to be exhalting these fears is IMO, inappropriate in any discussions of these Elections. You should be hoping that NOTHING like this occurs again. As the year progresses, and 'supporters' see their contributions to Trump's cause swallowed up by legal fees incurred recklessly and their investments in Truth Social plummet, Old Don may lose some of his gloss. Re. Frank's earlier comment, the Jan 6th insurrection was murderous - a fair adjective IMO. Absolutely shameful behaviour - that's why many have been jailed.

Sorry TBL. That's an empty statement. Watching Trump this year, it's evident that he lives in a world of his own. Trump is under the same illusions that you are. Trump is subject to the Law and the Law Establishment, (of whichever hue), will make sure that Trump learns that in these 4 indictments. They WILL lock him up if he doesn't grow up fast but they will do so slowly, carefully and with unquestionable integrity. In the Florida case, Trump appointee Judge Cannon is quite possibly going to be replaced as her rulings are clearly bizarre. And Judge

Sorry TBL. That's an empty statement. Watching Trump this year, it's evident that he lives in a world of his own. Trump is under the same illusions that you are. Trump is subject to the Law and the Law Establishment, (of whichever hue), will make sure that Trump learns that in these 4 indictments. They WILL lock him up if he doesn't grow up fast but they will do so slowly, carefully and with unquestionable integrity. In the Florida case, Trump appointee Judge Cannon is quite possibly going to be replaced as her rulings are clearly biased. And In the 'Hush Money' case proceeding in just over 1 week, Judge Merchan will be quite willing to confine Trump if he continues to defy. Trump is childlike in his self-obsession and believes he is above all else. I actually feel sorry for him but he IS going to find out that other Authorities exist. Have a good day.

Danderman - I agree with you. Polls at this stage are interesting of course, but not really indicative of where things will be come November. It's too early by far.

I don't think Biden should be standing either, he is too old. But he is clearly the more suitable personality to be President of the USA. Biden also has the advantage of NOT facing 91 criminal charges in 4 indictments.

I'm preparing to be called a 'hater' but this is really not so. It's just that I do find it amazing that a fantastic Nation like the USA, could have chosen this Guy as a President and now as a Candidate for re-election. All those amazing Folks in the USA but Trump for President ???? I've had a look around and this seems to be the list of his current woes . . . 1. Recently found guilty of defaming E Jean Carroll a second time and being ordered to pay $83.3 million following an earlier payment of $5 million for defamation and sexual abuse. Trial completed. 2. Hush money trial in NY re. $130,000 paid to Stormy Daniels. 34 felonies for falsifying business records. Trial scheduled for April 15th. Judge Merchan 3. Under appeal atm - Trump organisation found guilty of repeated lies exaggerating property and asset values to obtain favourable loans and also underdeclaring property values for tax purposes. Penalties of $464 million including interest awarded but deferred on appeal with a bond being lodged for $175 million. If the appeal fails, $464 million will be liable plus more interest. Judge AG Letitia James. 4. Scheduled for May atm Classified documents case in Florida. 40 counts of wilful retention of documents under the Espionage Act and conspiracy to obstruct justice. Judge Aileen Cannon, who was appointed by Trump, is being very cooperative in fielding delays and for me, it's a very much, 'watch this space'. 5. Tentative date for trial August 5th - the Georgia votes conspiracy. Under the 'Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act' - 13 counts including racketeering, forgery, perjury, filing false documents, false statements and others. Judge Fani Willis, Fulton County DA. 6. Awaiting a decision from the Supreme Court on the question of possible immunity. On 6th January 2021, Trump’s supporters "staged a violent attack on the US Capitol in an effort to disrupt the congressional certification of Joe Biden’s victory in the 2020 election. A bipartisan Senate report later concluded that seven people died in connection to the insurrection". Four counts of conspiracy. 7. Legal costs. Reputedly, donations from Trump supporters are directed to paying his enormous and increasing legal fees. 8. Truth Social - there is widespread incredulity at the Stock Market valuation of Truth Social. Trump has not tried to realise any value by divesting as it would be likely to collapse the share price. Worth noting for Trump supporters, that he has vowed as his first action if he regains the Presidency, to pardon all the convicted rioters on that murderous January 6th. Just for the record, I was getting confused by all these different cases - this is my effort to get it clear for myself. Good Luck to the USA. E. & O. E.

That's 'up to' 150 million visitors, which if I recall correctly, would be almost 4 times the present maximum achieved. Just imagine the chaos at Airports and in Pattaya, Phuket and Bangkok. And the effect on pollution levels in BKK and CM. It's good to have ambition but this is OTT and no more than a dream . . .

Skip - a required 'Power of Attorney' was also missing and is needed.