Mitch Connor

Mitch is a Bangkok resident, having relocated from Southern California, via Florida in 2022. He studied journalism before dropping out of college to teach English in South America. After returning to the US, he spent 4 years working for various online publishers before moving to Thailand.
  • Politics NewsTorsak Sukvimol approved as Thailand’s new national police chief

    Torsak Sukvimol approved as Thailand’s new national police chief

    The Police Commission officially approved the appointment of Deputy National Police Chief General Torsak Sukvimol to the position of national police chief. Torsak will take over from Police General Damrongsak Kittiprapas, who is set to retire on Saturday, September 30. The decision was made during a meeting of the Police Commission, chaired by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, at the Royal…

  • Thailand Weather UpdatesDams draining, Ubon drowning: PM voices dual flooding woes in Thailand

    Dams draining, Ubon drowning: PM voices dual flooding woes in Thailand

    Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin voiced concerns regarding the diminishing water levels in major reservoirs and dams across the nation, even as the province of Ubon Ratchathani endures severe flooding. The prime minister, accompanied by the agriculture minister, Captain Thammanat Prompow, was apprised of the situation at the Royal Irrigation Department (RID) on Wednesday. In the briefing, the 61 year old…

  • Thailand NewsThai woman linked to fatal scam arrested at Cambodia border

    Thai woman linked to fatal scam arrested at Cambodia border

    A 22 year old woman was apprehended at the Aranyaprathet immigration checkpoint in Sa Kaeo while returning from Cambodia for her involvement in a fatal scam. The arrest was made yesterday, September 27, shortly after the woman, Jirapinya Naeyued, crossed the border through the Ban Khlong Luk checkpoint from Poipet town in Cambodia. The woman was arrested on charges of…

  • Crime NewsCentral Thailand’s ‘high’ note: Historic drug bust lands four in cuffs

    Central Thailand’s ‘high’ note: Historic drug bust lands four in cuffs

    A significant drug bust occurred in Nakhon Pathom province late last night, resulting in the arrest of four suspects and the seizure of the largest amount of narcotics ever recorded in a single operation in Thailand. The operation, part of an ongoing drug suppression mission, took place at a house in the Mueang district of Nakhon Pathom, where yesterday, September…

  • Transport NewsBridging the gap: DRR lays tracks for Kui Buri railway safety and progress

    Bridging the gap: DRR lays tracks for Kui Buri railway safety and progress

    The Department of Rural Roads (DRR) has completed two rail crossing bridges in the Kui Buri district, as part of safety measures to prevent road accidents. The bridges, located between the fourth intersection of Highway No 1003 and Baan Pho Riang, are expected to support the Transport Ministry’s future double-track railway projects. This initiative comes in response to the State…

  • Politics NewsBorder Banter: Thai and Cambodian PMs tackle disputes and scams in talks

    Border Banter: Thai and Cambodian PMs tackle disputes and scams in talks

    The discussion between Srettha Thavisin, the Prime Minister of Thailand, and his Cambodian counterpart, Hun Manet, will primarily revolve around the issues of Thai-Cambodia border disputes and call centre scams. The meeting is regarded as a significant move towards strengthening the bilateral ties between the two nations, as this is the Thai PM’s first visit to an Association of Southeast…

  • Thailand NewsPermit panic: Thailand spots 3,000+ migrant workers in hot water

    Permit panic: Thailand spots 3,000+ migrant workers in hot water

    The Department of Employment in Thailand identified over 3,000 migrant workers operating without required permits. This discovery was part of an ongoing clampdown on migrants engaged in jobs deemed off-limits for foreign workers. Between October of the previous year and yesterday, the department conducted random checks on 53,732 workplaces across the country that employ migrant labourers. These investigations revealed that…

  • Thailand NewsThailand’s education minister takes ‘no-conflict’ stance to school corruption

    Thailand’s education minister takes ‘no-conflict’ stance to school corruption

    In a bold move against corruption, Police General Permpoon Chidchob, Thailand’s Education Minister, issued directives to all education officials, mandating the avoidance of potential conflicts of interest. This action aims to eradicate graft, corruption, and fraud which can stem from such conflicts. Concerning this, Pol. Gen. Permpoon stated that all agencies must strive for total transparency and accountability. He believes,…

  • Thailand NewsTourist surge at Si Thep sparks concerns over sacred site damage

    Tourist surge at Si Thep sparks concerns over sacred site damage

    An unexpected surge in tourists at Si Thep Historical Park, recently declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO on September 19, sparked concerns among locals in Phetchabun. The locals are worried about the increasing number of visitors scaling Khao Klang Nok, a historical site within the park. The site, considered sacred and located approximately 2 kilometres from the old city…

  • Thailand NewsSrettha Thavisin to bolster ASEAN ties, attract Saudi investment

    Srettha Thavisin to bolster ASEAN ties, attract Saudi investment

    Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is preparing to bolster Thailand and Cambodia’s relationship with his upcoming visit tomorrow, as announced by Panpree Bahiddha-Nukara, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister. This visit marks PM Srettha’s first trip to an ASEAN country since his initiation as prime minister, with Cambodia being one of Thailand’s nearest neighbours to strengthen ASEAN ties. Panpree…

  • Thailand NewsTHAI’S high-flying ambition: Soaring to new heights in tourist traffic

    THAI’S high-flying ambition: Soaring to new heights in tourist traffic

    Thai Airways International (THAI) unveiled an ambitious plan to expand its international flight offerings in the forthcoming high season. The airline’s primary focus is to draw in a higher number of tourists. A notable feature of this expansion is the airline’s decision to recommence flights to Istanbul, Turkey, which is a significant aviation hub for Asia, Europe, and Africa. This…

  • Tourism NewsClimbing restrictions loom for tourists at sacred Khao Klang Nok

    Climbing restrictions loom for tourists at sacred Khao Klang Nok

    Phetchabun’s Si Thep Historical Park may soon restrict tourists from climbing Khao Klang Nok, a ruin considered sacred by locals. The move comes in response to the increasing number of visitors following the park’s declaration as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO on September 19. Locals expressed concerns about the influx of tourists, many of whom have been climbing Khao…

  • Thailand NewsUNESCO’s recognition triggers visitor surge at Si Thep Historical Park in northern Thailand

    UNESCO’s recognition triggers visitor surge at Si Thep Historical Park in northern Thailand

    Si Thep Historical Park in Phetchabun experienced an unexpected surge in visitor numbers over the weekend, following its announcement as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO on September 19. The ensuing tourism influx prompted local agencies to call on the government for increased accommodation and facilities for the increasing number of tourists. Sittichai Poodee, the director of Si Thep Historical…

  • Thailand NewsFDA confirms Japanese seafood imports safe from Fukushima radioactivity

    FDA confirms Japanese seafood imports safe from Fukushima radioactivity

    Seafood imported from Japan is free of harmful radioactivity levels, as confirmed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This comes in response to global worries about the potential contamination of marine life following the discharge of wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear power plant that was devastated by a tsunami. Lertchai Lertvut, the FDA’s deputy secretary-general, detailed yesterday that rigorous…

  • Crime NewsThailand’s DoPA cracks down on ‘influential figures’ in nationwide crime hunt

    Thailand’s DoPA cracks down on ‘influential figures’ in nationwide crime hunt

    The Department of Provincial Administration (DoPA) in Thailand is vigorously working to identify individuals linked to criminal activities across the nation, revealed Deputy Interior Minister Chada Thaiset. These individuals, referred to as “influential figures,” are purportedly involved in 16 distinct criminal offences. These include predatory lending, bid collusion, bribery from public transport vehicles, smuggling of untaxed goods, both online and…

  • Thailand NewsThailand’s State Railway seeks 50 billion baht for expansions

    Thailand’s State Railway seeks 50 billion baht for expansions

    Thailand’s State Railway (SRT) is planning to request Cabinet approval for a funding amount exceeding 50 billion baht. This hefty sum is aimed at financing the construction of a double-track railway stretch from Khon Kaen to Nong Khai and the expansion of Red Line electric train routes. The announcement follows a directive from Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit, who instructed the…

  • Thailand NewsThailand’s fisheries law amendment to ease fishermen’s concerns

    Thailand’s fisheries law amendment to ease fishermen’s concerns

    A proposed amendment to the fisheries law by the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives is underway, designed to alleviate the economic issues plaguing fishermen who assert that their livelihoods are compromised by stringent regulations. Thammanat Prompow, the Minister, acknowledges the concerns raised by fishing communities, who claim to be adversely impacted by the Fisheries Act. This fisheries law, originally instituted…

  • Thailand NewsThai health minister backs cannabis ban, citing surge in teen usage

    Thai health minister backs cannabis ban, citing surge in teen usage

    Cannabis and its high tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) variants should be entirely prohibited for leisure use and return to the narcotics list, says Dr Rasmon Kalayasiri, the Centre of Addiction Studies director. This statement was a show of support for Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew’s proposed changes to the Cannabis and Hemp bill, initially proposed by former minister Anutin Charnvirakul and rejected…

  • Thailand NewsArmy investigates mysterious disappearance of 200,000 litres of diesel in Saraburi

    Army investigates mysterious disappearance of 200,000 litres of diesel in Saraburi

    An ongoing probe is being conducted by the army headquarters into the mysterious disappearance of over 200,000 litres of diesel from the Ordnance Materiel Rebuild Center situated in Saraburi province last year, as disclosed by a representative of the army. Deputy spokesperson of the army, Major General Sirichan Ngathong, stated that an internal army audit team noted potential irregularities in…

  • Road deathsThree killed in Nang Rong district motorcycle accident, including child

    Three killed in Nang Rong district motorcycle accident, including child

    A tragic accident in Nang Rong district, Buriram, claimed the lives of three individuals, including a four year old girl, her mother and stepfather, when the family was travelling by motorcycle and it collided with a pickup truck leading to an immediate fire. The unfortunate event unfolded on the Sa Pradu-Thung Saeng Thong rural road in Tambon Thung Saeng Thong,…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket hotels collaborate with ONWR to tackle water crisis and boost sustainable tourism

    Phuket hotels collaborate with ONWR to tackle water crisis and boost sustainable tourism

    Facing a critical water shortage, the Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR) devised a strategy to collaborate with Phuket hotels, launching an initiative to decrease water utilisation in the tourism industry. Surasee Kittimonthon, the ONWR secretary-general, highlighted the escalating water crisis in the popular Thai resort island, marked by inadequate water supply and treatment issues. With the tourist count…

  • Thailand NewsThailand signals reopening for foreign investment at UNGA78, says PM Srettha

    Thailand signals reopening for foreign investment at UNGA78, says PM Srettha

    Srettha Thavisin, the Prime Minister of Thailand, declared his attendance at the 78th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA78) session in New York a triumph, as it signalled that Thailand is reopening its doors to foreign investment. PM Srettha, who also holds the position of finance minister, shared this positive outlook with the press following his address at the UNGA78 general…

  • Thailand NewsThailand joins Cambodia and Vietnam to combat call centre scams, fake news

    Thailand joins Cambodia and Vietnam to combat call centre scams, fake news

    Thailand is set to collaborate with Cambodia and Vietnam in a bid to curb the menace of call centre scams and fake news, as part of a recent regional initiative. This development was made known by Puangpet Chunlaiad, a minister linked to the prime minister’s office, following discussions with her Cambodian and Vietnamese counterparts. On her recent visit to Vietnam,…

  • Thailand NewsSwiss tourist falls to death at Phuket airport raising safety concerns

    Swiss tourist falls to death at Phuket airport raising safety concerns

    A 53 year old Swiss tourist met a tragic end last night, plunging from a parking structure at Phuket International Airport. The Sakhu Police Station’s chief, Police Colonel Salan Santisatsanakul, reported that the police were alerted about the foreigner’s fall around 7.30pm. The officers on arriving at the scene discovered blood traces on the ground floor of the parking building. The…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket’s 191 hotline control room gets ‘ready to dial’

    Phuket’s 191 hotline control room gets ‘ready to dial’

    The Phuket control room, part of the National Emergency Notification Center and commonly referred to as the 191 police hotline, yesterday underwent an operational readiness inspection. Police Major General Saksira Phueakam, the Deputy Commander of Region 8 Police, conducted the assessment. This control room serves as a crucial hub for receiving reports from both Thai and foreign tourists, as well…

  • Economy NewsThai-US relations: Strengthening trade ties with Estonian E-Government expertise

    Thai-US relations: Strengthening trade ties with Estonian E-Government expertise

    The Prime Minister of Thailand announced that he has plans to bolster trade relations with the United States. This comes as the two nations observe their 190th anniversary of diplomatic ties. The announcement was made following a meeting between Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, and US President Joe Biden during a gala dinner, organised by the US-ASEAN Business Council and…

  • Thailand NewsRTN dives deep into China’s embrace with submarine deal

    RTN dives deep into China’s embrace with submarine deal

    The Royal Thai Navy (RTN), under the command of Navy Chief Admiral Choengchai Chomchoengpaet, confirmed plans to seek governmental approval for the purchase of a Chinese submarine, equipped with a Chinese-made engine. This decision was announced yesterday, following the navy’s agreement to install a CHD620 Chinese engine in the S26T Yuan-class submarine currently being constructed by China Shipbuilding & Offshore…

  • Thailand NewsThailand’s 1 trillion baht land bridge project seeks foreign investors

    Thailand’s 1 trillion baht land bridge project seeks foreign investors

    Thailand’s Transport Ministry is actively seeking investors for a megaproject, dubbed the land bridge, which aims to connect Chumphon on the Gulf of Thailand’s eastern coastline to Ranong along the Andaman Sea. The mission to attract funds will involve roadshows in China, Europe, and the United States. Suriya Jungrungreangkit, the Transport Minister, shared these updates on the project’s progress in…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket’s vice: Island faces rising tide in drug woes

    Phuket’s vice: Island faces rising tide in drug woes

    Phuket’s Vice Governor acknowledged there is an escalating drug crisis on the island, with surging narcotics use and a growing number of dealer arrests. The revelation was made during the Phuket Provincial Narcotics Prevention and Suppression Center Committee meeting at the Provincial Hall. The meeting was attended by Phuket Provincial Police Deputy Commander, Police Colonel Kitipong Klaikaew, Thongchai Somkiatkul from…

  • Crime NewsPolice officer fatally shot by colleague at Thai ops base

    Police officer fatally shot by colleague at Thai ops base

    A terrifying incident unfolded when a police officer from a special operations unit was brutally gunned down by a fellow officer at their operations base in Rangae district, Narathiwat, southern Thailand. The victim was on guard duty when his colleague unleashed a hail of bullets from an M16 rifle, instantly killing him. National Police Chief Police General Damrongsak Kittiprapas promptly…