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.
  • Phuket NewsPhuket governor takes action to solve out of school children crisis

    Phuket governor takes action to solve out of school children crisis

    In a decisive step towards ensuring all children in Phuket receive a formal education, Narong Woonciew, the Governor of Phuket, convened a meeting at the Phuket Provincial Hall. The gathering focused squarely on the thousands of children on the island who are not currently registered at any educational institution. Also in attendance were Vice Governor, Amnuay Pinsuwan, MP Thitikan Thitipruethikul,…

  • Thailand NewsThai engineer confirms the safety of Phra Nang Klao bridge

    Thai engineer confirms the safety of Phra Nang Klao bridge

    In response to buzzing speculation concerning the slim pillars of Phra Nang Klao Bridge, a key project engineer confirmed that the bridge is indeed designed to global engineering standards. The suspicion arose last Thursday when a Japanese holidaymaker posted a photo of the bridge on Twitter, voicing fears about the slender columns. The post sent ripples through the online community,…

  • Phuket NewsHigh hopes: Phuket Cannabis Association rolls towards streamlined weed trade on the island

    High hopes: Phuket Cannabis Association rolls towards streamlined weed trade on the island

    The Phuket Cannabis Association, in a recent display of solidarity and commitment towards refined weed business practices, expressed its intention to streamline the cannabis trade across the island. This pledge, it believes, will enhance overall consumer safety as well as the quality standards of cannabis goods. An official meeting took place yesterday at the Andaman Conference Room, the strategic hub…

  • Phuket NewsElderly man and young woman severely injured in Phuket accident

    Elderly man and young woman severely injured in Phuket accident

    A tragic biking accident occurred yesterday on Thepkrasattri Road in Phuket involving an elderly man and a young woman. Seventy-three year old Anek Amnuaychokchai was eagerly boarding a songthaew when he was struck by a motorbike riding at high speed. The 25 year old woman operating the motorbike, identified as Acting Sub Lieutenant Fadiya Munoh, was hurled into the back…

  • Thailand NewsBangkok intersection project expedited for August completion amid safety concerns

    Bangkok intersection project expedited for August completion amid safety concerns

    The Bangkok City Administration, led by Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, has instructed the contracting company of the Na Ranong Bangkok intersection flyover project to expedite the delayed construction and ensure its completion by the end of this month. Pedestrians have been faced with risk by an unfinished footbridge under the flyover. The previous infrastructure was removed, leading pedestrians to risk their…

  • Phuket NewsEndangered hawksbill turtle saved at Patong Beach now rehabilitating

    Endangered hawksbill turtle saved at Patong Beach now rehabilitating

    An endangered hawksbill turtle, found stranded at Patong Beach earlier this week, has been taken into the care of the Siritharn Rare Marine Life Rescue Centre, at Ao Makham on the eastern coast of Phuket. Responding to an alert by the beach lifeguards, officials from the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) quickly arrived on the scene. Marine biologists…

  • Thailand NewsBangkok’s Green Line railway debt passed onto incoming government

    Bangkok’s Green Line railway debt passed onto incoming government

    Citing a Government House authority, it was disclosed yesterday that the existing Thai Cabinet has chosen to pass the responsibility of resolving the debt affiliated with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s (BMA) contract with Bangkok Mass Transit System Plc (BTSC) onto the incoming government. The obligation arose from assigning BTSC to oversee the operations of the Green Line extension. Interior Minister…

  • Crime NewsPattani conflict escalates: Negotiator killed

    Pattani conflict escalates: Negotiator killed

    An escalation in the conflict between armed militia and security forces in Pattani province yesterday saw two fatalities and one arrest. In a coordinated operation, government forces succeeded in fatally shooting an armed militant and detaining a woman. The unfortunate loss of a local official, who was involved in peaceful negotiations, also transpired amidst the crossfire. The incident took place…

  • Phuket NewsVerbal abuse of Singaporean tourist leads to Phuket van driver being fined 1,000 baht

    Verbal abuse of Singaporean tourist leads to Phuket van driver being fined 1,000 baht

    In a show of justice for tourists in Phuket, a 47 year old van driver who verbally abused a tourist last Sunday has been legally reprimanded. The driver was imposed with a fine of 1,000 baht by the local court for frightening others with the use of threat (intimidation). In an online statement, Phuket Provincial Police revealed that the driver, Poramet,…

  • Thailand NewsEmergency services funding delay leads to Thai rescue groups suspending operations

    Emergency services funding delay leads to Thai rescue groups suspending operations

    In the northeast of Thailand, numerous rescue organisations have decided to halt their complimentary emergency services, attributing this drastic measure to the absence of financial backing from the National Institute for Emergency Medicine (Niem). The organisations report that they have been unable to access emergency services funding for a continuous span of eight months. Pisit Pongsirisupakul, the vice-chairman and secretary-general…

  • Thailand NewsThai rainfall faces below-average levels as El Niño prompts dry spell

    Thai rainfall faces below-average levels as El Niño prompts dry spell

    The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) indicated a below-average rainfall across several regions of the country due in part to the El Nino phenomenon. This unusual weather pattern, the department warns, is expected to intensify throughout November, potentially persisting into the early months of the upcoming year, severely impacting the levels of Thai rainfall. Chomparee Chompurat, TMD director-general, announced that despite…

  • Thailand NewsElephant repatriation: Thai king funds medical treatment for Sak Surin

    Elephant repatriation: Thai king funds medical treatment for Sak Surin

    Thailand’s Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Varawut Silpa-archa, yesterday announced the King’s financial support for the medical treatment of Sak Surin, a 30 year old elephant recently repatriated. The jumbo is presently receiving care at the Thai Elephant Conservation Centre’s Elephant Hospital in Lampang province. The elephant repatriation took place on Sunday in Sri Lanka where it was airlifted…

  • Thailand NewsCanal revitalisation: Bangkok’s waterfront upgrade to boost touristic activities

    Canal revitalisation: Bangkok’s waterfront upgrade to boost touristic activities

    The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is implementing a strategic canal revitalisation to improve the walkways flanking Klong Phadung Krung Kasem. This canal is one of the three waterways that flow through the heart of Rattanakosin Island. Deputy Governor Wisanu Sapsompol yesterday stated that the refurbished pedestrian path would build a connection between Klong Phadung Krung Kasem and the two neighbouring canals…

  • Thailand NewsEarthquake investigation uncovers overlooked fault line behind 4.5 magnitude tremor in northern Thailand

    Earthquake investigation uncovers overlooked fault line behind 4.5 magnitude tremor in northern Thailand

    Phitsanulok and Pichit provinces, situated in the north of Thailand, were recently shaken by a significant earthquake, rated 4.5 on the Richter scale. The tremors caused noticeable damage to various buildings, including residences, religious sites, schools, and a hospital. As the earthquake investigation progresses, the fault line is currently under scrutiny by the Department of Mineral Resources and is suspected…

  • Thailand NewsKing inaugurates new Thai Parliament, urges officials to serve national interest

    King inaugurates new Thai Parliament, urges officials to serve national interest

    His Majesty the King yesterday marked the official commencement of the new Thai Parliament. Delivering a call to duty, the King asked parliamentarians to perform with the nation’s best interests in mind. The high-profile event took place for the first time at the Sappaya Sapasathan, the new seat of Parliament located in the Dusit district’s Kiakkai vicinity. Arriving at the…

  • Thailand NewsToll evasion leads to Cambodian driver’s arrest, charges totalling 71,580 baht

    Toll evasion leads to Cambodian driver’s arrest, charges totalling 71,580 baht

    A Cambodian driver was apprehended by Highway Police yesterday after driving through a tollgate in Chon Buri’s Bang Lamung district without settling accrued toll charges totalling over 70,000 baht. The toll evasion arrest took place at 1.30am, led by the acting chief of Highway Police, Pol. Maj. Gen. Jaroonkiat Pankaew. In recent years, an effort was made to improve traffic flow…

  • Thailand NewsBangkok demands 16.5 million baht fire extinguisher overhaul to promote fire safety after fatality

    Bangkok demands 16.5 million baht fire extinguisher overhaul to promote fire safety after fatality

    The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) reported that almost 10,000 firewall safety units across 50 districts in Bangkok are in dire need of replacement. The fire safety inspections were ordered after a fatal incident at Rajavinit Mathayom School where a student lost his life and 10 other individuals sustained injuries due to an exploding fire extinguisher during an emergency procedure on…

  • Economy NewsThai tourism surge: 25 million visitors forecasted, boosting economy

    Thai tourism surge: 25 million visitors forecasted, boosting economy

    In a recent announcement, the Thailand is on track to welcome a staggering 25 million tourists by the year end, offering a much-needed booster to the economy. This follows a significant surge in Thai tourism, exceeding 12 million arrivals recorded late last month, as relayed by deputy government spokesperson Traisuree Taisaranakul. Between January and June 25 of this year, the…

  • Thailand NewsThai healthcare crisis: Overworked medics spark reform debate as state hospitals struggle

    Thai healthcare crisis: Overworked medics spark reform debate as state hospitals struggle

    In a stark representation of the nationwide Thai healthcare concern regarding overburdened medical staff in Thailand’s public hospitals, a doctor-turned-actress recently utilised her social media platform to highlight her struggle with the strenuous work environment. Ultimately, she found the situation so unmanageable that she felt compelled to leave her public service role. Amidst this, the National Public Health Ministry faces…

  • Thailand NewsThai elephant Sak Surin safely repatriated after 22 years in Sri Lanka

    Thai elephant Sak Surin safely repatriated after 22 years in Sri Lanka

    The enduring odyssey of Sak Surin, an elephant initially gifted by Thailand to Sri Lanka, took a homeward trajectory as the elephant touched down in Chiang Mai yesterday, ending a 22 year long overseas sojourn. Sak Surin’s journey back to Chiang Mai was an elaborate endeavour. Encased within a specially designed cage that was placed in the cargo hold of…

  • Thailand NewsMonkeypox outbreak: Thailand witnesses spike in cases within the LGBTQ+ community

    Monkeypox outbreak: Thailand witnesses spike in cases within the LGBTQ+ community

    A significant rise in monkeypox cases within Thailand was reported by health officials this week, issuing a stern warning for men within the gay community, who seemed to be at an increased risk, to exercise necessary precautions amidst the ongoing monkeypox outbreak. Dr Tares Krassanairawiwong, heading the Department of Disease Control, disclosed in today’s press conference that, following the occurrence…

  • Phuket NewsThalang crash: Drunken driver miraculously survives collision despite wreckage

    Thalang crash: Drunken driver miraculously survives collision despite wreckage

    A roadside dwelling in Thepkrasattri, Thalang, was destroyed as the result of an out-of-control Isuzu pickup truck veering off the Don Jom Thao Road. Thalang Police have yet to announce any charges against the driver who miraculously survived unscathed in this severe Thalang crash. The Thalang crash incident occurred in the wee hours of the morning, around 2.10am, near the…

  • Crime NewsDating app crimes: Bangkok police warn against predator with extensive criminal record

    Dating app crimes: Bangkok police warn against predator with extensive criminal record

    A public alert regarding an increase in dating app crimes has been issued by the Metropolitan Police Bureau. Vigilance has been urged due to a man capitalising on a dating application to lure in, rape, and subsequently rob women. The individual has a criminal record spanning 15 years. The man, known under the pseudonym “Tum Chonburi,” but legally named Wattana…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket infrastructure projects face potential delays after expo bid loss

    Phuket infrastructure projects face potential delays after expo bid loss

    Delays are predicted for the initiation of several significant infrastructure projects in Phuket, including the much-anticipated Patong Tunnel. Local authorities concede that these plans may not manifest as swiftly as planned following the province’s failure to secure hosting rights for the Specialised Expo 2027/28. Governor Narong Woonciew voiced this concern, despite Phuket demonstrating strong prospects during the bidding process. Governor…

  • Thailand NewsPlant-based immunotherapy: Thai scientists derive anti cancer antibodies from tobacco

    Plant-based immunotherapy: Thai scientists derive anti cancer antibodies from tobacco

    In a groundbreaking plant-based immunotherapy development in the field of oncology, a start-up pharmaceutical firm in Thailand, Baiya Phytopharm, proclaimed the successful creation of anti-cancer antibodies derived from tobacco plants. The company announced these results in the wake of effectively conducting experiential trials on lab animals. Operating under the umbrella of Chulalongkorn University, Baiya Phytopharm is recognised for its accomplishments…

  • Thailand NewsSRT relocation: Thai railway plans 200km move amid billion baht overhaul

    SRT relocation: Thai railway plans 200km move amid billion baht overhaul

    The Thai State Railway (SRT) is shifting gears, planning to relocate its locomotive maintenance and production facilities closer to Bangkok, within a distance of 200 kilometres. The SRT relocation move is sparked by the forthcoming transformation of their current premises in Makkasan into a bustling, mixed-use space which will host a public park, an SRT historical exhibit, and a city…

  • Thailand NewsBlind ex-Thai embassy employee alleges neglect, seeks compensation

    Blind ex-Thai embassy employee alleges neglect, seeks compensation

    Countering accusations made by a former member of staff at the Thai embassy in Paris, the Foreign Affairs Ministry has refuted claims of embassy neglect following the irreversible loss of her eyesight. Previously employed as part of the embassy service team from 2009 until 2012, Rattanaporn Saeng-on, aged 45, was found by authorities trying to deliberately endanger herself in moving…

  • Thailand NewsWater crisis grapples Koh Samui as rising tourist demands amplify freshwater shortage

    Water crisis grapples Koh Samui as rising tourist demands amplify freshwater shortage

    Koh Samui, a popular tourist resort island in Surat Thani province, is grappling with a significant water crisis as declining rainfall and amplified water demands take their toll. Many of the water reserves on the island, such as the district’s Phru Na Mueang and Phru Krajud reservoirs, along with the renowned Hin Lard waterfall, have seen their water levels drop…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket’s Wichit Municipality launches free mobile rabies vaccinations for animals

    Phuket’s Wichit Municipality launches free mobile rabies vaccinations for animals

    Phuket‘s Wichit Municipality unveiled a series of mobile centres tailored to offer free rabies vaccinations for cats and dogs. This manoeuvre is an effort led by the Division of Public Health and Environment of Wichit Municipality. Cats and dogs can get free vaccinations from 8.30am until 12pm, starting on July 10 and concluding on July 14, The Phuket News reported.…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket airport escalators declared safe after alarming accident at Don Mueang

    Phuket airport escalators declared safe after alarming accident at Don Mueang

    Phuket International Airport recently completed safety checks on all escalators, following a disturbing accident at Don Mueang Airport. The General Manager of the Phuket branch of the Airports of Thailand (AoT Phuket), Monchai Tanode, confirmed that the airport’s 31 escalators and 27 elevators had been thoroughly inspected by certified technicians, and found to be safe for public use. In an…