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.
  • Thailand NewsNACC requires political parties to submit policy corruption risk assessments to EC

    NACC requires political parties to submit policy corruption risk assessments to EC

    The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has announced that it requires every political party to submit their policy corruption risk assessment criteria reports to the Election Commission (EC) urgently as the EC will forward the findings to the NACC after this Sunday’s election. The NACC stated that it wanted to clarify the urgent letter issued on May 3 to all political…

  • Thailand NewsLegal action against violent demonstrators at Samran Rat police station

    Legal action against violent demonstrators at Samran Rat police station

    Authorities have confirmed their intentions to take legal action against a group of demonstrators involved in a violent protest at Samran Rat police station. The demonstration occurred on Wednesday night and saw nine protesters arrested for their alleged role in leading about 20 people to spray paint the station in the Phra Nakhon district. The Metropolitan Police Division 6’s commander,…

  • Thailand NewsCampaign urges senators to back winning party in forming Thai government

    Campaign urges senators to back winning party in forming Thai government

    A campaign led by a group of academics is calling for the support of senators for the political party that secures the most House seats in Sunday’s election, in hopes to establish a new government efficiently. The public can contribute their views on this initiative from midday on Monday until midday Wednesday by voting through the QR code provided by…

  • Thailand NewsElection Commission to reveal unofficial results by 11pm on Sunday

    Election Commission to reveal unofficial results by 11pm on Sunday

    The Election Commission (EC) anticipates that unofficial General Election results will be available by 11pm on Sunday. Results from ballot counts at polling stations across the nation will be compiled, verified, and subsequently published via the EC’s internet-based system called ECT Report starting at 7pm. The unofficial results will be published on a designated website, which can accommodate up to…

  • Thailand NewsChartthaipattana Party aims for 25 parliamentary seats and support of monarchy in election

    Chartthaipattana Party aims for 25 parliamentary seats and support of monarchy in election

    The leader of the Chartthaipattana Party, Varawut Silpa-archa, said yesterday that his party would obtain at least 25 Parliamentary seats in the upcoming General Election on Sunday. He expressed the party’s desire to form a government with other parties supporting the monarchy. Varawut assigned all candidates from the party to participate in on-site campaign rallies. He commented on the complexities…

  • Thailand NewsRTA army chief assures there’ll be ‘no coups on his watch’

    RTA army chief assures there’ll be ‘no coups on his watch’

    Royal Thai Army (RTA) Chief General Narongpan Jittkaewtae assured the Thai public yesterday that there would be no coups on his watch, stating that the term should not exist in anyone’s vocabulary. General Narongpan is set to retire on September 30 and provided reassurances in the lead-up to the elections on Sunday. There have been concerns about possible unrest following…

  • Thailand NewsThailand Consumers Council urges government to lower fuel tariff and promote home solar panels use

    Thailand Consumers Council urges government to lower fuel tariff and promote home solar panels use

    The Thailand Consumers Council (TCC) is urging the government to consider lowering the fuel tariff (Ft) amid mounting complaints about high electricity bills while suggesting that the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) promote the use of domestic solar panels to help address the problem. Itthaboon Onwongsa, TCC deputy secretary, noted during a seminar discussing recent increases in power costs, that the…

  • Thailand NewsThai police warn against political party clothing during election weekend

    Thai police warn against political party clothing during election weekend

    The Royal Thai Police have issued a warning to the public, stating that wearing clothing with political party logos or names of candidates during the upcoming general election on May 13 and 14 could be considered illegal campaigning, leading to hefty fines or even imprisonment. According to election law, all political campaigns should be concluded by 6pm on the day…

  • Thailand NewsMove Forward Party leader faces scrutiny over media company shares ownership

    Move Forward Party leader faces scrutiny over media company shares ownership

    Pita Limjaroenrat, the leader of the Move Forward Party (MFP), is facing increased scrutiny over claims that he owns shares in a now-defunct media company. Ruangkrai Leekitwattana, a Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) list-MP candidate, recently petitioned the Election Commission (EC) and the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) to investigate Pita, who is also the party’s prime ministerial candidate. This follows Pita’s…

  • Thailand NewsElection commission sets up cyber threat surveillance centre to ensure transparency

    Election commission sets up cyber threat surveillance centre to ensure transparency

    The Election Commission (EC) has established a Cyber Threat Surveillance and Response Operations Centre to ensure transparency in elections, according to EC Secretary-general Sawaeng Boonmee. This development comes in partnership with the National Cyber Security Agency, Office of the Personal Data Protection Commission, Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau, the Bureau of Registration Administration, and National Telecom Public Co Ltd. Sawaeng, aged…

  • Thailand NewsNine arrested after violent confrontation at Bangkok police station over detained teen

    Nine arrested after violent confrontation at Bangkok police station over detained teen

    Nine individuals found themselves under arrest following a brutal clash outside a police station in Bangkok involving law enforcement and a group supporting a 15-year-old girl detained for over 40 days on allegations of royal defamation. The arrestees, comprising seven men and two women, included Tantawan “Tawan” Tuatulanon and Orawan “Bam” Phuphong. Earlier this year, the two individuals had engaged…

  • Thailand NewsMixed responses to calls for ending compulsory military service in Thailand

    Mixed responses to calls for ending compulsory military service in Thailand

    Academics and human rights defenders have provided mixed responses to the increasing calls to end compulsory military service in Thailand, intensifying as the May 14 polls approach. The Move Forward Party and the Pheu Thai Party have both pledged they will terminate compulsory service in favor of voluntary enlistment if they win the elections and form the next government. These…

  • Thailand NewsPheu Thai sets conditions for coalition government formation

    Pheu Thai sets conditions for coalition government formation

    Pheu Thai Family leader and prime ministerial candidate Paetongtarn “Ung Ing” Shinawatra has revealed three conditions for the party to form a coalition government, with one condition being that Pheu Thai must manage all major ministries. During an hour-long interview published on TikTok and Instagram Live, which was hosted by celebrity Kachapa “Mod Dam” Tancharoen on Monday night, Paetongtarn maintained…

  • Thailand NewsEastern economic corridor barely accessible to small businesses

    Eastern economic corridor barely accessible to small businesses

    The Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) project in Thailand is falling short of its intended purpose, as only a few small local businesses are able to access and benefit from it, according to the Thai Sang Thai (TST) Party. Prime ministerial candidate for the TST, Supan Mongkolsutee, stated that the EEC scheme is predominantly aimed at larger companies, leaving small businesses…

  • Thailand NewsRoyal guard dismissed for misconduct without pension

    Royal guard dismissed for misconduct without pension

    A recent royal command has resulted in the dismissal of a Royal Security Command officer from military service and the royal guard, without a pension, due to severe misconduct. The order, which became effective on May 5, was announced in the Royal Gazette yesterday. The officer in question is Colonel Chaimethi Phubodiwarochuphan, who served in the office of the deputy…

  • Phuket NewsChumphon man shoots girlfriend and kills himself in Phuket

    Chumphon man shoots girlfriend and kills himself in Phuket

    A 56 year old man from Chumphon shot his girlfriend, resulting in her injury, following their breakup in a house in Wichit on a recent night, before taking his own life with a gunshot to the head. The violence occurred at a home in Wichit, where local police were called to respond at around 10pm. Upon their arrival along with…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket officials target motorbike rental shops to reduce road accidents

    Phuket officials target motorbike rental shops to reduce road accidents

    Phuket authorities have decided to implement inspections of motorbike rental shops in an effort to decrease the number of deaths and injuries from accidents on the popular island’s roads. The decision was announced at a special meeting, chaired by Phuket Vice Governor Anupap Rodkwan Yodrabam, which was organised to discuss and draft guidelines for controlling and organising motorcycle rentals in…

  • Thailand NewsPig farmers raise a stink outside Government House, demanding to ham-mer out solutions against pork smuggling

    Pig farmers raise a stink outside Government House, demanding to ham-mer out solutions against pork smuggling

    An estimated 1,000 pig farmers gathered outside Government House yesterday, demanding action against the smuggling of foreign pork and the high cost of feed. They claim both issues are driving up pork prices and threatening the livelihood of local farmers. The group’s representatives submitted their complaint to Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, stating that both problems are causing serious harm to…

  • Thailand NewsThailand’s struggle with high household debt and political promises

    Thailand’s struggle with high household debt and political promises

    Kavita Wongyakasem, a 48-year-old business owner in Bangkok, struggles daily to keep her household afloat. Running a company that provides services for a major energy firm, she owns a house in Nonthaburi, drives a pickup truck, and sends her two daughters to good schools. But beneath the surface, she is eight million baht in debt and lacks any cash savings.…

  • Crime NewsPhuket police arrest 15 gamblers in underground casino at abandoned mall

    Phuket police arrest 15 gamblers in underground casino at abandoned mall

    In Phuket Town, an underground casino located in the basement of an abandoned shopping centre has been raided by police, resulting in the arrest of 15 gamblers. Officers executed the raid on Tilok-U-Thit 1 Road at approximately 10:50pm after receiving a tip-off about illegal gambling activities taking place beneath a snooker venue operating at street level. Upon entering the premises,…

  • Thailand NewsFire at electrical appliance store in Korat causes 50 million baht in damage

    Fire at electrical appliance store in Korat causes 50 million baht in damage

    A fire broke out at a large electrical appliance store in downtown Korat City, situated in Nakhon Ratchasima, causing an estimated US$1.5 million worth of damage. Fortunately, no casualties were reported. The incident occurred today at the Tai Fa Universe store on Chom Surangyat Road in Mueng district. The fire was reported to have started around 7:30am. Local residents claim…

  • Thailand NewsPolice arrest suspect in Cabine gang related shooting of father in trang, Thailand

    Police arrest suspect in Cabine gang related shooting of father in trang, Thailand

    Police yesterday arrested Akradej Numark, who is suspected of being involved in the Cabine gang responsible for the deadly shooting of a father in Trang province earlier this year. The arrest of the 35 year old was confirmed by Crime Suppression Sub-division 6 commander, Pongpanot Chukaew. Akradej Numark, also known as Tia Carbine, was apprehended by Crime Suppression Division (CSD) police…

  • Thailand NewsAncient dinosaur footprints discovered in Phetchabun’s Nam Nao district

    Ancient dinosaur footprints discovered in Phetchabun’s Nam Nao district

    In Phetchabun’s Nam Nao district, a set of ancient dinosaur footprints believed to be about 225 million years old have been uncovered, according to the Department of Mineral Resources. The ancient footprints were discovered in a dried-up creek at the Huai Hin Lat rock formation, sparking interest among experts. Upon the discovery, staff from the Mineral Resources Office Region 1…

  • Thailand NewsFormer monk denies embezzling 180 million baht from Nakhon Ratchasima temple

    Former monk denies embezzling 180 million baht from Nakhon Ratchasima temple

    A former monk and two other individuals have been arrested on suspicion of embezzling 180 million baht from Wat Pha Dhammakiri in Nakhon Ratchasima. The accused ex-monk, Khom Khongkeaw, previously known as Phra Ajarn Khom Abhivaro, denies the allegations. During police questioning, Khom and his sister claimed that the money was used for “other purposes,” and that they had no…

  • Thailand Election NewsHuge turnout for advance voting as election nears

    Huge turnout for advance voting as election nears

    Yesterday, advance voting saw a large turnout across the nation, with citizens keen to exercise their democratic rights following a four-year wait. The Election Commission (EC) reported that 2,235,830 individuals registered for early voting yesterday, ahead of the May 14 election. Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt stated that the process went smoothly, with only a few minor issues emerging at polling…

  • Bangkok NewsOver 800,000 registered for early voting in Bangkok

    Over 800,000 registered for early voting in Bangkok

    Over 800,000 individuals have registered for early voting in Bangkok, and authorities are taking security seriously. Nearly 3,000 security officers deployed to maintain order, Bangkok Post reported. A deputy commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB), Pol. Maj. Gen. Jirasant Kaewsaeng-ek, stated yesterday that security measures are in place for today’s voting. A total of 1,421 polling stations have been…

  • Covid-19 NewsHong Kong sees almost double fatal and severe Covid-19 cases in a week

    Hong Kong sees almost double fatal and severe Covid-19 cases in a week

    The number of fatal and severe Covid-19 cases in Hong Kong saw a significant increase last week, nearly double the amount of the previous week, according to health authorities. Despite the rise, experts emphasised that the death rate remains small when compared to the potential daily number of infections. The news coincided with the death of a 13 year old…

  • Crime NewsWoman arrested in Phuket over boyfriend’s drug business

    Woman arrested in Phuket over boyfriend’s drug business

    A woman was arrested due to her connections with her boyfriend’s illicit drug business. The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of the Royal Thai Police confirmed the arrest of 24 year old Jaruwan Sriwilas in connection with her boyfriend’s illicit drug business. Jaruwan’s boyfriend was discovered one year ago with 4 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine (‘ya ice’), and over 400,000 methamphetamine…

  • Phuket NewsTurtle nest discovered on Koh Phra Thong beach, Phang Nga

    Turtle nest discovered on Koh Phra Thong beach, Phang Nga

    The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) Region 6 office in Thailand has reported the discovery of a turtle nest on Koh Phra Thong island, located off the coast of Kuraburi District in Phang Nga province. Yesterday, a team of DMCR officials, along with a village chief assistant from Moo 3 Baan Koh Ra, inspected the turtle nest situated…

  • Phuket NewsMai Khao authorities in Phuket enforce removal of illegally posted signs

    Mai Khao authorities in Phuket enforce removal of illegally posted signs

    Efforts to remove illegal roadside signs throughout the Mai Khao area have been ramped up, following orders given by Sarawut Srisakukham, the Chief of the Mai Khao Tambon Administration Organisation (OrBorTor). As part of the ongoing crackdown, officials have been tasked with identifying and dismantling any unauthorised signage, to help maintain order and cleanliness in the region. The campaign commenced…