Lacessit

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-04-13/trumps-tariffs-destroying-americas-exorbitant-privilege/105164676

It shows how low you have sunk as a poster when you attack the messenger. On ignore.

The US has been able to sustain its debt levels due to trust in the USD as a reserve currency, and the safe haven of US Treasury bonds. It was servicing said debts at lower than market interest rates, compared to other countries. That trust has evaporated in just two months of a Trump presidency. Investors are seeking other safe havens. China is selling off its US bonds. Countries that were allies have been alienated. Why deal with a country that puts tariffs on you, when there are tariff-free markets elsewhere? The problem with trust is it takes much longer to get it back than it does to lose it.

The USA produced about 680,000 tonnes of aluminium in 2024. Demand for aluminium in the same year was 5 million tonnes. Trump's tariff of 25% on imported aluminium commenced early in March. Aluminium production needs bauxite, and cheap electricity. The US has limited supplies of bauxite, and expensive electricity. The bauxite it has is used in making abrasives. So a US manufacturer of aircraft, or pots and pans, can swallow the cost of the tariffs, or pass those costs on to end users. As an example of sheer economic dumbf***kery, that takes some beating. I just wonder how the MAGA's on ASEAN justify this BS.

The floggings will continue until morale improves.....

What's your perspective? Who is stupid, China or Trump?

Gold is not an investment, it's a currency hedge. Investments give a regular income, gold only makes a profit ( or loss ) when sold. Mind you, I can remember a time when I held ten baht of Thai gold, cost 180,000 baht. Sold out at 260,000 baht. Yesterday, that same ten baht was listed at 510,000 baht.

I suspect if nobody says anything, no-one will care. I go down to Chiang Mai every few months to stay with a friend for a few days. I've been doing it for years. I very much doubt Immigration has the manpower to go around policing TM30's.

Wearing a helmet reduces the risk of head injury on a scooter by 60%. 90 % of fatalities on two wheels are caused by head injuries. Denial of statistical reality is an invitation to Darwin. It's blind luck you and your kids have got this far.

It was an arson attempt which put him and his entire family at risk. Are you in a competition for the most abjectly moronic post of the month?

Given what comes out of the White House is mostly lies, it's difficult to discern any kernels of truth. Perhaps Trump had a wake-up call. Weight loss is the first thing doctors recommend for diabetics. Nothing in the article mentioned his blood sugar or hBa1C. Like it or not, everything Trump does affects people globally. Cost of living, pensions, return on investments, share prices. Why wouldn't I be interested? I am down in the village, hiding out until another madness called Songkhran passes. I am doing more than just posting on ASEAN, thanks for your concern.

IIRC there is a poster who was screeching about a teenager wanting to assassinate Trump. I wonder if he has the same level of indignation when it's a Democrat.

Alternative perspectives are useless if they have no foundation in reality.

Thai condos can generate a 6-8% return. However, they need careful research. I would not consider buying a condo in Bangkok.

Acquire a debit card with a PIN on the emergency account. Keep the card with you at all times. Note: A government hospital is cheaper than the private ones, and IME just as effective with emergency admissions.

According to his White House doctor, Trump is in very good health for his age. Whether the doctor has the same credibility as Trump's golf championships is a different question. https://www.thenewdaily.com.au/news/world/us-news/trump-news/2025/04/14/trump-health?

We had about 6 hours of heavy rain in the village, south of Chiang Rai. Our big mango tree is relishing the drink, fruiting abundantly.

Not just the money, although it is nice to be saving money in retirement. I would be bored out of my skull in Australia. Two abodes, two cars, two scooters. No way I would have that in Oz. A Thai GF 23 years younger than me. Good luck finding one of those in Oz. When I am drooling in a wheelchair, my GF and her family will take care of me. In Oz, an aged care facility where I am fed dog food by an overworked carer too busy to change my adult diapers. I am betting your Thai wife/nurse is a fair bit younger than you. Good planning on your part.

China is smart enough to know an embargo on rare earth exports will cripple what's left of America's auto manufacturing, plus its military capabilities. Oopsie indeed. How predictable a cult worshipper could try to put a positive slant on Trump's abject stupidity.

Australia has been doing business with China for decades. China is our largest trading partner. Get a grip.

I wonder how many Americans are familiar with the expression " Biting off more than you can chew".

A cult is a group of people sharing a belief. Making a cult out of one teenager is called extrapolation. The OP should have a Bex, a cup of tea, and a good lie down. He has obviously consumed too many Ford pills.

Classic Trump, attack the messenger and ignore the message. Sounds to me like you are the hater.

Please explain what you find contradictory/ meaningless statements. Perhaps try again in the morning, when your brain is not fogged by alcohol.

In what can be only termed supreme irony, American beef exports to China are now history. Trump railed against Australia for not buying US beef for biosecurity reasons. So who is China turning to for beef that is BSE-free? Abattoirs all over Australia are ramping up production. The Law of Unintended Consequences.