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.
  • Crime NewsThree arrest warrants issued in Thai 140 million baht online gambling extortion case

    Three arrest warrants issued in Thai 140 million baht online gambling extortion case

    Arrest warrants have been issued for three individuals believed to be involved in the extortion of six suspects connected to an online gambling case. Deputy national police chief, Surachate Hakparn, confirmed the issuance of the warrants for Veera Nasab, his spouse, and Phisit Nakhisornpanee, on charges of bribery and theft. Veera and Phisit are suspected to have fled to a…

  • Crime NewsMae Sot officials probed for 30m baht bribes in migrant ID scandal

    Mae Sot officials probed for 30m baht bribes in migrant ID scandal

    In Mae Sot district, Tak province, three Registration Department officials have come under scrutiny for allegedly accepting 30 million baht in bribes to issue identification cards to 700 Myanmar migrants over the last three months. Mae Sot’s mayor, Prasert Puanglakorn, has signed an order temporarily reassigning the implicated officials to non-active posts in other departments while the municipality conducts an…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket vies for hosting Specialised Expo 2028, promising sustainability and harmony

    Phuket vies for hosting Specialised Expo 2028, promising sustainability and harmony

    The world awaits the anticipated announcement on Wednesday (June 21), revealing which country has been chosen to host the prestigious Specialised Expo 2028. Among the five finalists is Phuket, Thailand, fuelling great expectations for the nation in this international competition. The Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) oversees the selection process for the honour of organising the Specialised Expo 2028. The…

  • Thailand NewsThai school aids 11 year old’s return amid pandemic-driven dropout crisis

    Thai school aids 11 year old’s return amid pandemic-driven dropout crisis

    An 11-year-old Thai boy, Anirut Thongdech, also known as Saming, has been given the opportunity to return to school after being forced to leave when his family could no longer afford his education. Saming’s family struggled financially due to the Covid-19 pandemic, which caused his parents to become unemployed and resort to collecting recyclables for a living. Wat Trangkhapum Putthawat…

  • South Thailand NewsViolent attacks in southern Thailand leave one dead, two injured

    Violent attacks in southern Thailand leave one dead, two injured

    Separate incidents of violent attacks occurred yesterday in Thailand’s southern provinces of Pattani and Narathiwat, resulting in one death and two injuries. Armed gunmen targeted a police operations base in Muang district, Pattani province, while a pickup truck carrying villagers was ambushed in Narathiwat province. The attack on the police base in Pattani took place at around 7am in Ban…

  • South Thailand NewsPhased withdrawal of Thai soldiers from southern border planned for 2027

    Phased withdrawal of Thai soldiers from southern border planned for 2027

    A phased withdrawal of soldiers on a special security mission is planned for 2027 in the conflict-ridden southern border regions of Thailand, as reported by the 4th Region Army. The special mission involves troops deployed to counter insurgents, who will continuously reduce in number until none remain, leaving only soldiers in routine operations stationed at permanent locations. In the meantime,…

  • World NewsIllegal gambling activity leads to forced power cut in Shwe Kokko

    Illegal gambling activity leads to forced power cut in Shwe Kokko

    Those living in Thailand, depending on the town and province, may be well accustomed to power outages for various reasons. With older-style power grids and connections, some areas buckle under a load of increased usage or simply have failures more often due to older, failing infrastructure. But the news of power cuts in Skwe Kokko is different, and for people…

  • Phuket NewsWorld blood donor day celebrated at Phuket Red Cross

    World blood donor day celebrated at Phuket Red Cross

    Phuket’s branch of the Red Cross Society of Thailand and associated authorities recently organised a World Blood Donor Day event to express their gratitude to blood donors. This global event on Wednesday (June 14) recognised the importance of donating blood, ensuring that life-saving medical procedures can be performed when required. Taking place at the Royal Phuket City Hotel, Vice President…

  • Crime NewsIllegal oil transport scandal leads to excise director’s suspension in Thailand

    Illegal oil transport scandal leads to excise director’s suspension in Thailand

    A recent internal investigation revealed the involvement of the Excise Department’s Prevention and Suppression Bureau director in a case regarding illegal oil transportation, intercepted by the Highway Police on June 7. The unnamed director’s alleged involvement came to light when he reportedly contacted the Highway Police Department (HPD) in an attempt to secure the release of a detained driver and…

  • Environment NewsASEAN centre initiative proposed by MFP leader to tackle Chiang Mai PM2.5

    ASEAN centre initiative proposed by MFP leader to tackle Chiang Mai PM2.5

    The Move Forward Party (MFP) has expressed interest in creating an ASEAN centre for combatting PM2.5 pollution in Chiang Mai. Pita Limjaroenrat, the prime ministerial candidate, elaborated on the proposal during a meeting yesterday with representatives from civil society, private industries, and businesses severely impacted by the province’s pollution crisis. Pita stressed the need for cooperation at the local, national,…

  • Crime NewsPhuket firm probed for illegal foreign business operations worth 440m baht

    Phuket firm probed for illegal foreign business operations worth 440m baht

    A legal accounting firm in Chalong, Phuket, faces an investigation by the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) for its involvement with nearly 70 foreigners illegally operating companies with an estimated total value of 440 million baht. The firm is suspected of leveraging nominee shareholders to allow foreigners to control several companies unlawfully. DSI Director-General Major Suriya Singhakamol led the raid…

  • Thailand NewsDry spell dilemma: Thai researchers sound the alarm over El Nino’s thirsty forecast

    Dry spell dilemma: Thai researchers sound the alarm over El Nino’s thirsty forecast

    Thai researchers are currently raising the alarm as they predict a potential drought crisis in the coming years, due to the El Nino weather pattern causing lower than average rainfall. Consequently, proactive measures and comprehensive water management plans are urgently needed to mitigate the impact of the impending water scarcity. A conference discussing climate change, water resource management, and strategies…

  • Thailand NewsAn evolving sporting landscape: The rise of digital engagement in Thailand

    An evolving sporting landscape: The rise of digital engagement in Thailand

    As the digital age continues to evolve globally, Thailand is no exception. The Thai landscape is experiencing a paradigm shift as various sectors embrace and capitalise on digital innovation. One such sector bearing witness to this transformative journey is sports, an industry integral to the socio-cultural fabric of Thai society. Unleashing Thailand’s Sporting Passion Thailand’s rich sporting culture spans traditional…

  • Thailand NewsASEAN membership: Roadmap endorsed for Timor-Leste’s inclusion and Thai trade

    ASEAN membership: Roadmap endorsed for Timor-Leste’s inclusion and Thai trade

    Yesterday, a senior official at the Ministry of Foreign affairs announced that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has recently endorsed a roadmap that outlines the steps for Timor-Leste becoming its 11th member. This ASEAN membership move is expected to benefit Thailand economically by expanding trade and investment opportunities between the two nations. Timor-Leste initially submitted its request for…

  • Politics NewsThai election concerns rise due to prolonged ballot box transport in Buri Ram

    Thai election concerns rise due to prolonged ballot box transport in Buri Ram

    Concerns have been raised over the prolonged transportation time of ballot boxes in Buri Ram, following the recent general Thai election. A group of ten complainants from Non Suwan and Nong Ki districts filed a request with the Election Commission’s Buri Ram office, questioning why it took four and a half hours to transport the ballot boxes across a 20-kilometre…

  • Crime NewsNACC investigation targets ex-House secretary over 15.4 million baht clock scandal

    NACC investigation targets ex-House secretary over 15.4 million baht clock scandal

    The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) investigation is preparing to take legal action against Suwichak Nakwatcharachai, the former secretary-general of the House of Representatives, over allegations of his involvement in the irregular procurement of overpriced clocks worth 15.4 million baht for the parliament back in 2013. An inside source at the NACC revealed that a recent board meeting provided evidence supporting…

  • Thailand NewsThailand embraces nuclear fusion tech with Tokamak I milestone

    Thailand embraces nuclear fusion tech with Tokamak I milestone

    Thailand Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha expressed satisfaction with the progress of the country’s Tokamak I (TT-1) nuclear fusion energy technology, stating its significance in achieving sustainable energy goals. The 69 year old prime minister’s comments came during a presentation on the development of nuclear fusion energy in Thailand, given by Anek Laothamatas, Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI),…

  • Phuket NewsMotorcyclist injured in accident near notorious Phuket black spot

    Motorcyclist injured in accident near notorious Phuket black spot

    A motorcyclist is recovering at Thalang Hospital after a crash with a pickup truck outside Tha Ruea Shrine, Phuket earlier today. The woman, 28 year old Soolfa Taemtophol from Kamala, sustained a facial cut and several abrasions on her body. Following initial reports, care providers and local law enforcement responded just before 11am, finding the motorcyclist injured on Thepkrasattri Road…

  • Thailand NewsThai elephant’s fate hangs on flight fitness decision

    Thai elephant’s fate hangs on flight fitness decision

    The fate of an ailing Thai elephant residing in Sri Lanka will be determined on June 28, as the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment decides if the animal is fit enough to endure a six-hour flight to Chiang Mai. Minister Varawut Silpa-archa explained that a Thai caretaker team, consisting of veterinarians and two mahouts, has been preparing the elephant…

  • Thailand NewsRoyal Thai Air Force defends 50 million South Korean guidance kit acquisition

    Royal Thai Air Force defends 50 million South Korean guidance kit acquisition

    The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) yesterday defended its purchase of guidance-extended range kits from South Korea, worth 50 million baht, asserting that the acquisition adheres to regulations. RTAF spokesperson AVM Prapas Sornchaidee explained that the kits will be utilised with 500-pound air-dropped bombs to improve the air force’s long-range air strike capabilities, in line with the country’s defence preparation…

  • Bangkok NewsBangkok governor self-rates 5/10, admits undelivered policies in first year

    Bangkok governor self-rates 5/10, admits undelivered policies in first year

    Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt has rated his performance as five out of 10 after completing his first year in office. Despite facing criticism for his lack of achievements, Chadchart, who won the election by a landslide on May 22 last year, said it was a matter of opinion. During an announcement at City Hall yesterday, Chadchart admitted that he had…

  • World NewsAndrew Tate’s first serious interview since his release racks up 5 million views in just 24 hours

    Andrew Tate’s first serious interview since his release racks up 5 million views in just 24 hours

    Internet personality Andrew Tate, known for his controversial statements and actions, has blown up YouTube with his first ‘proper’ interview since being released on house arrest alongside his brother, Tristan. And who better to conduct the interview, none other than the rising media superstar, Patrick Bet-David. Patrick and his Valuetainment media company were the first to interview Tate after being…

  • Thailand NewsReeling it in: Fisheries Dept hooks attention with temporary fishing ban in Gulf of Thailand’s Tua Kor area

    Reeling it in: Fisheries Dept hooks attention with temporary fishing ban in Gulf of Thailand’s Tua Kor area

    The Fisheries Department announced there will be a temporary fishing ban implemented in the Tua Kor area of the Gulf of Thailand. The decision was made as a direct result of the substantial rise in the amount of fish caught for commercial purposes in the area. The amount of fish that was caught each day in 2022 averaged out to…

  • Thailand NewsMyawaddy suffers as Thailand ceases electricity supply

    Myawaddy suffers as Thailand ceases electricity supply

    Myawaddy has experienced a significant impact on its electricity supply after Thailand’s Provincial Electricity Authority ceased providing power on June 6, following the expiration of a contract with the Myanmar government. While the border in the Mae Sot district of Tak remains open for people and cargo, the electricity cut has had varying effects on different groups within Myawaddy. Chinese…

  • Phuket NewsTragic twist in paradise: Belarusian man found ‘hanging’ from a tree near Thai dam

    Tragic twist in paradise: Belarusian man found ‘hanging’ from a tree near Thai dam

    A 26 year old Belarusian man was found dead hanging from a tree near a dam in Karon, West Thailand. The man, identified as Alexander Zapronenko, had been staying with a friend in a nearby rented accommodation at Moo1, Patak Soi 20. His body was discovered after he had been missing for two days when a local stray dog appeared…

  • Thailand NewsSenate proposes Section 112 debate amid Thai tensions

    Senate proposes Section 112 debate amid Thai tensions

    In an effort to seek a political compromise, the Senate has put forth a proposition for a deliberation on Section 112 of the Criminal Code, commonly referred to as the lese majeste law. This move comes in response to a petition submitted by a pro-royalist group advocating for the preservation of the existing law. However, apprehensions have arisen within the…

  • Thailand NewsThai police chief revamps recruitment after promotion scandal

    Thai police chief revamps recruitment after promotion scandal

    In response to concerns over the rapid promotion of a young female police officer and the involvement of high-profile individuals and celebrities in the commissioned officer application process, Thailand’s national police chief, General Damrongsak Kittiprapas, ordered amendments to the recruitment procedure. National police spokesperson Lieutenant General Archayon Kraithong stated that General Damrongsak has instructed Lieutenant General Kittirat Phanphet to establish…

  • Politics NewsNACC warns over 100 MPs yet to submit wealth declaration

    NACC warns over 100 MPs yet to submit wealth declaration

    According to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), over 100 current and former MPs, including Move Forward Party (MFP) leader Pita Limjaroenrat, have not yet submitted their wealth declaration following the House dissolution in March, as mandated by law. Since the House was dissolved on March 20, approximately 70% of the 500 MPs, or 384 members, have submitted their assets and…

  • South Thailand NewsThailand investigates activists seeking Muslim Patani State referendum

    Thailand investigates activists seeking Muslim Patani State referendum

    Security agencies in Thailand are investigating a group of activists advocating for a public referendum on the creation of an independent Muslim “Patani State” in the country’s southern region. The National Security Council (NSC) stated that the Internal Security Operation Command (Isoc) Region 4 Forward Office and Provincial Police Region 9 are examining the group’s activities and monitoring its social…

  • Thailand NewsStepping for a cause: Brit expat’s 1,050km stroll from Pattaya to Phuket raises 1 million baht for abused children

    Stepping for a cause: Brit expat’s 1,050km stroll from Pattaya to Phuket raises 1 million baht for abused children

    British expat James Lee Valentine demonstrated the power of determination and charity by completing a 1,050 kilometre walk from Pattaya to Phuket in Thailand. The walk aimed to raise 1 million baht for Take Care Kids, a children’s foundation based in Pattaya that supports underprivileged children who have suffered abuse. The 59 year old, who has two children himself, was…