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 NewsBoeing 737 loses wheel mid-flight in South Africa (video)

    Boeing 737 loses wheel mid-flight in South Africa (video)

    In the latest hair-raising near-miss involving a Boeing 737 aircraft, a FlySafair jet had a miraculous escape from catastrophe after losing a wheel shortly following takeoff from OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, South Africa. Eyewitnesses described a tense scene as ground staff spotted damage to the aircraft’s undercarriage, prompting a swift decision to return to the airport. The nerve-wracking…

  • Thailand NewsFree online therapy for Bangkok’s teenagers launched by DMH

    Free online therapy for Bangkok’s teenagers launched by DMH

    The Department of Mental Health (DMH) has initiated a campaign offering free online therapy sessions to Bangkok’s teenagers. This decision comes in the wake of data revealing a significant prevalence of mental health risks in teenagers. The campaign, christened the Wall of Sharing for Teens, is a brainchild of a joint effort between the Wall of Sharing Foundation, the National…

  • Phuket NewsDrunk driver strikes police officer in early morning Patong collision

    Drunk driver strikes police officer in early morning Patong collision

    A drunk driver in Patong, Phuket, collided with a police officer on patrol early this morning. The incident occurred near Patong Hospital at the intersection of Phra Mettha Road and Sai Nam Yen Road. Patong Police Station officers were informed of the incident around 4.30am, today, April 23. The drunk driver was identified as 21 year old Amornlak Bunsiri from…

  • Thailand NewsChicken factory extortion scandal rocks Thai police force

    Chicken factory extortion scandal rocks Thai police force

    A scandal erupted in Nakhon Pathom as eight officers from Samkwaipuak Police Station face suspension over allegations of extortion totalling 200,000 baht. Eight police officers in Nakhon Pathom have been suspended from the force following accusations of attempting to extort 200,000 baht from the owner of a chicken processing factory. The scandalous affair unfolded when the factory owner, enraged by…

  • Thailand NewsLop Buri’s growing macaque population to be relocated by DNP

    Lop Buri’s growing macaque population to be relocated by DNP

    An increasing macaque population has taken over downtown Lop Buri, prompting the Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation (DNP) to intervene. Athapol Charoenshunsa, the department chief, has unveiled plans to relocate these monkeys once their new holding facility is ready. Currently, an estimated 2,200 macaques are roaming freely within the city’s bounds, causing disruptions to local businesses and…

  • Thailand NewsPM Srettha aims to boost Asia-Pacific’s sustainable development

    PM Srettha aims to boost Asia-Pacific’s sustainable development

    PM Srettha charged the United Nations’ Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) to assist in identifying innovative solutions to promote sustainable development across the Asia-Pacific region. This appeal was part of his address at the 80th ESCAP session, themed Leveraging Digital Innovation for Sustainable Development in Asia and the Pacific, held in Bangkok yesterday, April 22.…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket seeks special administrative zone status for tourism boost

    Phuket seeks special administrative zone status for tourism boost

    Phuket’s Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT) Region 11 branch, led by Wirintra Paphakityotphat, has made four formal requests to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. The topmost request is to elevate Phuket to a Special Administrative Zone. The requests were submitted to PM Srettha during his visit to Phuket on Friday, April 19. The purpose of these requests, presented at the Heroines…

  • Thailand NewsDeputy police chief charges Thai prime minister with malfeasance

    Deputy police chief charges Thai prime minister with malfeasance

    Thailand Deputy National Police Chief Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn charged Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin with malfeasance, claiming that the prime minister’s actions led to his suspension and thwarted his path to becoming the next national police chief. Big Joke took his complaint to the Office of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) and addressed it to its secretary-general, Niwatchai Kasemmongkol. He…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket car rentals must verify tourist driving licenses

    Phuket car rentals must verify tourist driving licenses

    Phuket’s vehicle rental businesses received a first-hand reminder about the importance of verifying tourists’ driving licenses. The National Tourist Police Commander, Lieutenant General Saksira Phueakam, paid them a visit on Saturday, April 20. This personal visit was part of an initiative to regulate the growing vehicle rental industry in the popular tourist destination of Phuket. Lt. Gen. Saksira embarked on…

  • Thailand NewsOver 5 million senior Thais still working without formal education

    Over 5 million senior Thais still working without formal education

    The National Statistical Office (NSO) reveals that over 5 million senior Thais, with the majority lacking formal education, continue to work to sustain their livelihoods. This demographic represents approximately 19.5% of the nation’s 66 million population, or 13.64 million individuals aged 60 and above, according to the NSO’s annual survey conducted in July and August of the previous year. Suwannee…

  • Thailand NewsChinese woman reunites with Thai rescuers after surviving cliff fall

    Chinese woman reunites with Thai rescuers after surviving cliff fall

    A heartfelt reunion occurred at Pha Taem National Park‘s office in Kong Chiam district, Ubon Ratchathani. Wang Nan, a 37 year old Chinese woman, met the four national park officials who rescued her after she was pushed off a cliff by her husband in 2019. Wang’s tears were shed in gratitude as she embraced each of the four rescuers, Pairote…

  • Crime NewsTeenager detained following stabbing at Patong’s OTOP Market

    Teenager detained following stabbing at Patong’s OTOP Market

    A 17 year old man is in police custody following a stabbing incident at OTOP Market in Patong that left a 20 year old injured. The event took place just past 1am on April 19. The 20 year old victim, Ariyath Kaewnao, suffered an abdominal injury during an altercation between two local youth groups. Immediately after the incident, Ariyath was…

  • Thailand NewsThai-Lao project conducts heart surgeries on 30 children

    Thai-Lao project conducts heart surgeries on 30 children

    A collaborative medical project between Thailand and Laos has successfully conducted heart surgeries on 30 children, illustrating a significant step towards combating heart-related diseases in young individuals. This initiative, aptly named Saving Young’s Heart Crossing Mekong River, is a combined effort involving the Thai Red Cross, Chulalongkorn Hospital, Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Medicine, the Pediatric Cardiac Surgery Foundation, the Thai…

  • Thailand NewsThai Labour Minister aims to boost Social Security Fund

    Thai Labour Minister aims to boost Social Security Fund

    Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, the Labour Minister, announced plans to improve the profitability of the Social Security Fund by investing in international private firms, including some in Japan. The effort is aimed at increasing the fund’s revenue to 2.7 trillion baht and achieving a growth rate of 5% in the coming year. During a trip from April 5 to April 13, ministry…

  • Thailand NewsThai woman found dead at Phuket’s Kalim seaside

    Thai woman found dead at Phuket’s Kalim seaside

    A tragic event unfolded in Phuket yesterday afternoon as a 23 year old Thai woman from the Isaan region lost her life by drowning. The unfortunate incident took place on the seaside rocks in Kalim, a northernmost part of Patong. The Kusoldharm Rescue Foundation of Patong branch received a call at around 5.40pm. The foundation’s rescue workers promptly responded, rushing…

  • Thailand NewsSenators’ lavish overseas jaunts spark outrage

    Senators’ lavish overseas jaunts spark outrage

    Former Deputy Prime Minister Plodprasop Suraswadi has launched a scathing attack on a cohort of senators set to embark on overseas study trips, labelling their plans a disgrace to their dignity. In a fiery Facebook post today, Plodprasop condemned the European excursions planned by several Senate committees, whose terms are set to conclude on May 10, citing the hefty 81…

  • Thailand NewsBangkok e-cigarette raid seizes 10,000 products

    Bangkok e-cigarette raid seizes 10,000 products

    Thai authorities have swooped on five e-cigarette outlets in the vicinity of Bangkok’s universities and residential properties, confiscating 10,000 e-cigarette products valued at 3 million baht. The operation was headed by Puangpet Chunlaiad, a minister from the Prime Minister’s Office yesterday in collaboration with the Office of the Consumer Protection Board (OCPB) and officers of Lat Phrao Police Station. The…

  • Thailand NewsBYD electric bus charges Thong Lo roads in Bangkok

    BYD electric bus charges Thong Lo roads in Bangkok

    In a move towards eco-friendly commuting, BYD, the leading electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer from China, has unleashed its electric bus onto the bustling streets of Bangkok. Offering complimentary rides to commuters in the vibrant Thong Lo area until April 30, this trial run marks a pivotal moment in Thailand’s transportation landscape. Under the auspices of Rever Commercial Vehicles Ltd, the…

  • Thailand NewsTAT to launch Nihao Festival in October to woo Chinese tourists

    TAT to launch Nihao Festival in October to woo Chinese tourists

    To captivate the hearts of Chinese tourists, the Thailand Tourism Authority (TAT) has unveiled a month-long extravaganza, the Nihao Festival, set to take place for the entire month of October. Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool announced the grand scheme yesterday, aiming to entice holidaymakers during China’s National Day Golden Week, renowned for its bustling travel fervour. The festivity will unfurl across Bangkok’s…

  • Thailand NewsThai Ministry to reimburse victims of call centre scams

    Thai Ministry to reimburse victims of call centre scams

    The Thai Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DES) announced plans to reimburse victims with more than 10 billion baht worth of money and assets, previously seized from call centre scam operations. The assets, including 6 billion baht in cash, were retrieved by the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) in 2021, according to Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong. He iterated that AMLO is…

  • Thailand NewsVenturing into the fast-paced world of online casinos in Thailand

    Venturing into the fast-paced world of online casinos in Thailand

    Exploring online casinos can feel confusing. Thailand’s online gambling scene is growing fast and the country’s potentially looking at legalising casinos altogether. Quite the contrast to the rest of SE Asia, excluding Singapore! We’ll take a quick look at the popular games, laws, and safety tips currently in place in Thailand Popular Online Casino Games in Thailand Despite being mostly…

  • Thailand NewsThailand scraps visa requirements for Kazakhstan tourists

    Thailand scraps visa requirements for Kazakhstan tourists

    The Thai Cabinet gave its nod for the permanent removal of visa requirements for tourists from Kazakhstan, a government spokesperson announced. This move aims to increase the influx of tourists from Kazakhstan, one of the rapidly evolving markets for Thailand’s tourism sector and a significant contributor to the nation’s economic development. Data released by the Tourism Authority of Thailand indicates…

  • Thailand NewsBangkok aims to reduce plastic use with more water refill stations

    Bangkok aims to reduce plastic use with more water refill stations

    To combat plastic pollution, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA)’s Bottle Free Seas project has proven to be a roaring success, with plans now underway to expand its reach by installing an additional 200 drinking water refill points across the city. Launched last August, this eco-initiative has already made a significant dent in plastic bottle consumption, slashing the usage of a…

  • Thailand NewsFrosty fright: Ammonia leak chills Bang Lamung district

    Frosty fright: Ammonia leak chills Bang Lamung district

    An ice factory in Nong Prue, a tambon of Bang Lamung district, experienced an ammonia leak early this morning, affecting nearly 100 people within its 1-kilometre vicinity. The incident at Banglamung Ice Plant was reported to the district chief, Weekit Manarotekit, shortly before midnight yesterday, April 17. Emergency rescue teams quickly arrived at the scene, discovering that the leaked ammonia…

  • Thailand NewsXi Jinping’s bullet train gift sparks China-Thailand railway reality

    Xi Jinping’s bullet train gift sparks China-Thailand railway reality

    A replica of China’s Fuxing bullet train, bedecked in Thailand’s national colours and gifted during the 29th APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Bangkok in November 2022, now finds itself at the epicentre of a transformative railway saga between China and Thailand. As the wheels of progress turn, the construction of the China-Thailand Railway, a flagship venture under the Belt and…

  • Thailand NewsShinawatra saga: Yingluck’s comeback fuels legal limelight

    Shinawatra saga: Yingluck’s comeback fuels legal limelight

    Former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra’s potential return from exile sparks intrigue over her legal fate, mirroring her brother Thaksin’s tumultuous history, claims the Shinawatras’ lawyer. Pichit Chuenban, a figure linked to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s Cabinet due to his close allegiance to the Shinawatras, responded to speculation about Yingluck’s comeback. “I really don’t know. I’m only taking care of her…

  • Phuket NewsThai PM’s Phuket visit focuses on traffic projects and foreign mafia

    Thai PM’s Phuket visit focuses on traffic projects and foreign mafia

    Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is set to visit Phuket tomorrow, where he will be updated on the local police’s efforts to combat the so-called foreign mafia. Chai Watcharong, a spokesperson for the prime minister’s office, revealed the agenda for the prime minister’s Phuket visit yesterday, which will primarily revolve around progress reports on construction projects designed to ease traffic congestion…

  • Thailand NewsThailand’s aviation sector set for soaring recovery

    Thailand’s aviation sector set for soaring recovery

    Thailand’s skies are set for a dramatic rebound as aviation bodies predict a swift recovery in passenger numbers by next year. In a statement to the press, Yongyut Lujintanon, the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) area manager for Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar, highlighted the intricate web of factors influencing the country’s aviation resurgence. Despite the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s…

  • Thailand NewsThai AirAsia to resume Bangkok-Hat Yai flights

    Thai AirAsia to resume Bangkok-Hat Yai flights

    Thai AirAsia officially announced that it will restart its route between Suvarnabhumi Airport and Hat Yai. Departing at 10.45am from the Thai capital and touching down in the southern Thai province at 12.10pm with flight FD4304, and returning from Hat Yai at 1.40pm, landing back in Suvarnabhumi Airport at 2.15pm with flight FD4305. Scheduled to kick off on July 1,…

  • Crime NewsSecurity volunteer shot dead at father’s grave in Yala

    Security volunteer shot dead at father’s grave in Yala

    A fatal shooting incident took a grim turn in Yala when a security volunteer was brutally assassinated while he was reading the Quran at his father’s grave. The 43 year old victim, Ruslee Daleng, was a ranger volunteer who received a fatal headshot at a Muslim graveyard situated in Tambon Than To of Yala’s Than To district. The Than To…