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Trump Delays Tariff Hikes on Furniture and Cabinets for One Year

  President Donald Trump has postponed planned tariff increases on imported upholstered furniture, kitchen cabinets, and bathroom vanities, granting a one‑year extension before higher duties take effect. The tariffs were originally scheduled to rise at the start of 2026, with rates on upholstered furniture set to increase from 25% to 30%, and duties on kitchen cabinets and vanities slated to jump from 25% to 50%. Under the new timeline, the current 25% rate will remain in place through 2026. The administration said the delay is intended to provide additional time for ongoing trade negotiations with countries that export these products to the United States. Officials have argued that the tariff increases are part of a broader effort to bolster domestic manufacturing and address long‑standing trade imbalances. The postponement offers temporary relief to importers, retailers, and builders who had been preparing for higher costs. Unless further action is taken, the increased tariff...

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Songkran: Thailand’s Splendid New Year Celebration

Thailand’s New Year festivities are a vibrant blend of tradition and joy, with the Songkran Festival standing at its heart. Celebrated annually from April 13 to 15, Songkran marks the start of the Buddhist New Year. The festival is famed for its jubilant water fights that splash across streets and towns, drawing both locals and tourists into a dazzling melee of fun. 

Traditionally, Songkran is a time to honor ancestors, visit temples, and cleanse Buddha statues with scented water—a ritual believed to bring good luck and blessings. The water element holds deep symbolism, representing purification and renewal as individuals metaphorically wash away past misfortunes.

Over the years, Songkran has evolved into an exhilarating cultural event that highlights Thailand’s charm. Streets transform into battlegrounds for water pistol wars, buckets fly, and hoses unleash cascades of joy. Cities like Chiang Mai and Bangkok host lively parades, music, and traditional dances that enliven the festival further.

Songkran is much more than a celebration—it’s a reflection of Thailand’s warm spirit, creating unforgettable memories of connection and laughter. It’s safe to say that in Thailand, the New Year doesn’t just start; it splashes its way in!

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