Matt Owens Rees

Today’s main topic centres on what President Trump intends to do in his new administration. He has signed 200 executive orders on his first day as America’s 47th president. Many of these orders will have an effect globally.

Before discussing the main orders that Trump signed, I confirm the new format for my posts. I’m working on bringing some of the strong features of Substack.com into the MattOwensRees website, while avoiding some of the bugs and problems of that platform.

As well as a regular Newsletter every Tuesday and Thursday mornings on topics of interest to readers (not only Thai related), we will develop something similar to Substack’s chat facility where readers and writers can communicate with one another.

Unlike other platforms, we allow free speech with no censorship from algorithms or biased human invigilators. You’ll be able to add to the conversation freely, developing the topic for the benefit of all other readers and encouraging them to also have their say.

Donald Trump’s constant mantra is to Make America Great Again.

The most important Executive Orders

Trump is reversing many of Biden’s policies and putting in place some of the policies he enacted during his 45th term.

Applying tariffs on a large variety of goods entering the United States.
Tougher rules on immigration, closing the loopholes allowing children born to illegal immigrants to obtain citizenship.
Appeal hearings for Mexicans claiming asylum to be held in Mexico, and not on American soil.
Completing the border wall with Mexico and positioning armed forces and the National Guard along the perimeter.
Stopping smuggling and human trafficking.
No more refugee settlement for the next few months.

During his speech, President Trump said, “We will be the envy of every nation and we will not allow ourselves to be taken advantage of any longer”.

Working on eventually closing the border completely to illegals, with no possibility for asylum.
Making it easier to deport people.
Capital punishment for murder of law enforcement officers and capital crimes committed by illegals.
Confirming there are only 2 sexes. male or female.
Meritocracy will replace DEI, Diversity, Equality, Inclusion.
Build up coal and natural resources.
Cancelling the requirement for all vehicles to eventually be electric.
To loud applause, Trump said, “You’ll be able to buy the car of your choice”.
We will defend our own borders, not those of other countries, referring to Ukraine.

Will England’s Labour Prime Minister Survive

Cutting out global trade will not be good for economic growth. And without growth, UK’s Prime Minister Starmer is f***ed. He has already lost 2 prominent people from his front bench but believes his big majority allows him to act dictatorially and pass any legislation he sees fit.

Trump did not invited Starmer to his inauguration. Any thoughts on that?

Nigel Farage, a successfully rich businessman who is charismatic and influential, has got the backing of most ordinary citizens of the UK. He attended the events of 20 January, but not in an official government capacity. Opinion polls suggest his ideas on “stopping the boats”, resonates with the population. Over 20,000 foreigners have crossed the English Channel in small boats since Labour won the election on 4 July 2024.

Starmer has used 3 line whips, (where Labour MPS are obliged to vote for government motions whatever their conscience dictates). Interestingly though, he himself and his deputy Angela Rayner, abstained from one such vote. That was the vote on whether a General Election be called given the missteps of his government during his first 6 month in office.

During that debate, the need for an independent enquiry into the continued grooming of white teenagers by Pakistani grooming gangs came up. The leader of His Majesty’s Loyal Opposition, Kemi Badenoch, pointed out quite forcibly that over 50 towns and cities in England and Scotland are reporting horrific gang rapes and coercing children into prostitution while the police and welfare services are afraid to act for fear of being called racist.

Thailand’s Stock Market

Thailand’s stock market continues to fall, though giving buy opportunities to some of the bigger Thai investors. The main reasons are a strong dollar causing funds to move out of Thailand, higher bond yields attracting money out of the stock market, investors are selling tourist stocks through lack of confidence in Thailand’s ability to attract tourism in the future.

The value of Thailand’s stock market index has dropped for 2 consecutive years — the first time this has happened in 20 years.

Your Voice Counts

So, what do YOU think about these current events? The electorate has historically shown they’re not that interested in politics. Most believe no party ever keeps its promises once in government. Does that explain their lack of interest? Or, have they had enough of governments that seem not to care for the general population?

We’ve seen riots in the north of England over Pakistani rape gangs, peaceful protesters being jailed by Starmer because they dare to disagree with him. Will the charismatic (but like Trump, an extremist right-wing figure) Nigel Farage stir up enough people to make a fundamental change in world politics?

Photos of Thais and Thailand

For professional images of Thailand and its people, I recommend http://www.lodeengelen.be
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