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 NewsRyal Thai Navy appeal for frigate procurement funds rejected

    Ryal Thai Navy appeal for frigate procurement funds rejected

    A Thai government source revealed yesterday that the special House committee responsible for scrutinising the 2024 budget rejected a Royal Thai Navy (RTN) appeal against its decision to deny its request for budgetary funds for the procurement of a new frigate. The House committee dismissed the RTN’s appeal with a vote of 37 against and 16 in favour, along with…

  • Thailand NewsIsrael-Hamas war survivor denied financial aid by Israeli authorities

    Israel-Hamas war survivor denied financial aid by Israeli authorities

    A 35 year old Thai labourer hailing from Udon Thani province, recently voiced his grievances to the media. The Thai labourer, Wittawas Kulwong, alleged that despite being a survivor of the Israel-Hamas war, his name was conspicuously missing from the list of Thai workers set to receive financial aid from Israeli authorities. According to a report yesterday, March 5, Wittawas…

  • Thailand NewsNBTC disaster alert system: No more SMS alerts

    NBTC disaster alert system: No more SMS alerts

    The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) alongside Advanced Info Services Plc (AIS) has pioneered a mobile phone broadcasting service primed to forewarn citizens of imminent natural disasters. At a joint press conference, NBTC chairman Sarana Boonbaichaiyapruck and Varunthep Watcharaphon, AIS’s chief of business relations, unveiled the successful trial of this innovative broadcasting service. Funded by the Universal Service Obligation…

  • Thailand NewsThailand’s social security fund faces bankruptcy risk in 30-40 years

    Thailand’s social security fund faces bankruptcy risk in 30-40 years

    The Labour Ministry raised the alarm that the Social Security Fund (SSF) of Thailand is on the brink of bankruptcy, and could be insolvent in 30 to 40 years if there are no changes made to its current policies. This warning was issued during a meeting between the newly established Social Security Board (SSB) headed by Sustarum Thammaboosadee, an academic…

  • Thailand NewsNACC investigates high-profile online gambling network case

    NACC investigates high-profile online gambling network case

    The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has taken charge of a high-profile investigation into the alleged association of Deputy National Police Chief, Police General Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn, and four others with a large-scale online gambling network. The decision, backed by a majority vote during a commission meeting on Monday, was made public yesterday. The NACC will also probe a connected…

  • Thailand NewsUpdate: Villa owner’s violent act leads to demolition in beach assault scandal

    Update: Villa owner’s violent act leads to demolition in beach assault scandal

    Following the assault scandal of Swiss national Urs Fehr, aka David, Phuket Peninsula Estate Co., owner of beachfront villa No. 23, took a startling step today, sending a backhoe to erase the encroaching structures, including the contentious stairway. Before their obliteration, these steps had witnessed a fateful encounter on February 24. Swiss national David allegedly kicked 26 year old Dr…

  • Thailand NewsPM Srettha to stress infrastructure projects at ASEAN-Australia Summit

    PM Srettha to stress infrastructure projects at ASEAN-Australia Summit

    Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is set to highlight the nation’s infrastructure advancements, particularly the Land Bridge and Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) projects, at the 2024 ASEAN-Australia Special Summit continuing until tomorrow, according to an official government representative. Government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke announced yesterday that the Thai prime minister will also seek to strengthen collaboration in logistics, capitalisation of Free…

  • Thailand NewsThailand considers scrapping arrival cards for Malaysian tourists

    Thailand considers scrapping arrival cards for Malaysian tourists

    Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced today the potential removal of the necessity for Malaysian tourists to complete arrival and departure cards at primary border crossings, aimed at promoting tourism and business growth. Currently, all visitors arriving via the Sadao checkpoint in Songkhla, regardless of nationality, are waived from the requirement to fill out the Tor Mor 6 (TM 6) cards.…

  • Thailand NewsThai government issuing smart ID cards to Buddhist monks

    Thai government issuing smart ID cards to Buddhist monks

    The Thai government has begun issuing smart ID cards to over 100,000 Buddhist monks across the nation, revealed Puangpet Chunlaiad, a minister in the Prime Minister’s Office. These ID cards contain crucial details about each monk’s history and are linked to the country’s citizenship database managed by the Interior Ministry. This initiative is part of the government’s efforts to enhance…

  • Phuket NewsBelarusian tourist lost in Phuket jungle found unharmed

    Belarusian tourist lost in Phuket jungle found unharmed

    A Belarusian tourist, who had got lost while on a jungle trek in the Layan area of Phuket, was found safe and sound. Phuket Tourist Police confirmed the news this morning, stating that the man emerged from the ordeal unharmed. The individual, whose name was not disclosed in the police report, arrived in Thailand on February 18. He initially spent…

  • Thailand NewsOver a million Buddhists gather to venerate Buddha’s relics in Bangkok

    Over a million Buddhists gather to venerate Buddha’s relics in Bangkok

    Sanam Luang in Bangkok recently played host to over 1 million Buddhists who congregated to venerate the relics of the Lord Buddha and his chief disciples, Sariputra and Moggallana. The Ministry of Culture reported this mass gathering took place between February 24 and March 3. The Culture Minister, Sermsak Pongpanich, revealed that roughly 100,000 Buddhists visited each day during the…

  • Thailand NewsRama II expressway construction issues prompt contractor downgrade considerations

    Rama II expressway construction issues prompt contractor downgrade considerations

    The construction of the Rama II Road expressway, currently plagued by delays, substandard work and safety concerns, has prompted Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin to consider downgrading contractors responsible for the project. The state budget office was instructed to investigate possible penalties for the contractors involved. Patricia Mongkhonvanit, director-general of the Comptroller General’s Department, was called to meet with the prime…

  • Thailand NewsThai minister ready to battle over funding for Russian helicopter

    Thai minister ready to battle over funding for Russian helicopter

    Thai Interior Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, is set to challenge the parliamentary subcommittee’s refusal to approve funding for a new Russian-made helicopter. The helicopter is intended to augment the capabilities of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM), particularly in dealing with the country’s increasing wildfires and haze pollution. The subcommittee, tasked with scrutinising the fiscal budget for 2024, had…

  • Thailand NewsMekong River’s diverse fish populations face extinction threat

    Mekong River’s diverse fish populations face extinction threat

    The Mekong River, a lifeline stretching almost 5,000 kilometres from the Tibetan Plateau to the South China Sea, is under grave threat. A recent report reveals that unsustainable development is severely endangering the river’s health and diverse fish populations. Consequently, one-fifth of the fish species in this Southeast Asian lifeline are on the brink of extinction. The Mekong River plays…

  • Thailand NewsEx-PM Thaksin unlikely to take on advisory role in Thai govt

    Ex-PM Thaksin unlikely to take on advisory role in Thai govt

    Former Thailand Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has shown no inclination to take up an advisory role within the government following his release on parole, as reported by current Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. PM Srettha, who met Thaksin at his Bangkok residence last week, suggested that the former prime minister might prefer spending time with his family and focusing on his…

  • Thailand NewsSwiss man targeted by Phuket locals demanding beach access restoration

    Swiss man targeted by Phuket locals demanding beach access restoration

    A Swiss man living in Phuket has been the target of a protest by over 500 locals and activists who gathered on Yamu beach in Thalang district. The protest took place on Sunday, following an incident in which the Swiss man allegedly assaulted a doctor. The masses demanded that the man be expelled from Phuket and that public access to…

  • Thailand NewsThai committee urges Pheu Thai to expedite political amnesty

    Thai committee urges Pheu Thai to expedite political amnesty

    The Committee of Relatives of the 1992 Black May Heroes, led by Adul Khiewboriboon, publicly requested the ruling Pheu Thai Party to expedite the process of granting amnesty for all political offenders, a promise made by the party. The group believes that political conflicts pose a significant risk to both economic and national security and could potentially impede Thailand’s progress.…

  • Thailand NewsOAG rules in favor of DNP in Nang Rong waterfall tourism dispute

    OAG rules in favor of DNP in Nang Rong waterfall tourism dispute

    A recent ruling by a committee from the Office of Attorney-General (OAG) has settled a long-standing dispute between the Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) and the Nakhon Nayok Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO). The contention revolved around the 12-rai Nang Rong waterfall tourism compound located within the Khao Yai National Park. The OAG’s verdict favours the DNP,…

  • Thailand NewsNew airport planned for Kalasin to boost tourism and exports

    New airport planned for Kalasin to boost tourism and exports

    Srettha Thavisin, the Prime Minister and Finance Minister, has endorsed the proposition of constructing a new airport in the northeastern province of Kalasin. While touring the region recently, PM Srettha indicated that the government has reserved funds for a feasibility study concerning the airport. The results of this study will guide the government’s next steps. The district of Yang Talat…

  • Thailand NewsMyanmar seminar: Promoting dialogue amid political turmoil

    Myanmar seminar: Promoting dialogue amid political turmoil

    In a bold move challenging the Myanmar junta’s objections, Thai politicians kickstarted a two-day seminar delving into Myanmar’s political turmoil. Despite diplomatic tensions, the event aims to foster dialogue among stakeholders. Thai parliament’s Move Forward Party (MFP) member Rangsiman Rome, leading the House committee on national security, initiated the seminar with a vision of promoting peace and sustainability in Myanmar’s…

  • Thailand NewsTransport Co warns against taxi surcharge at bus terminus

    Transport Co warns against taxi surcharge at bus terminus

    Amidst a surge of complaints, Transport Co Ltd, a state enterprise under the Transport Ministry, took swift action against taxi drivers fleecing passengers with a hefty 50-baht surcharge at the terminus, better known as Mo Chit 2, servicing provinces in the North and Northeast. As of Friday, Transport Co has put the brakes on the arrival area, redirecting all interprovincial…

  • Thailand NewsThailand bids to host International Horticultural Expo 2029

    Thailand bids to host International Horticultural Expo 2029

    Thailand has thrown its hat into the ring to host the International Horticultural Expo in 2029. The Southeast Asian nation has set its sights on attracting up to four million visitors during the four-month-long event. The Foreign Affairs Ministry spokeswoman, Kanchana Patarachoke, announced yesterday that the government has proposed the 25th global event to take place in Nakhon Ratchasima, with…

  • Thailand NewsRTSD proposes disputed land for Khao Yai National Park

    RTSD proposes disputed land for Khao Yai National Park

    A proposal has been put forth by the Royal Thai Survey Department (RTSD) suggesting the disputed territory, previously designated for land reform, be given to Khao Yai National Park. The proposal was presented to Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang, as disclosed by an inside source. The disputed territory was chosen by the RTSD’s One Map system to be incorporated into the…

  • Thailand NewsThai defence ministry to resolve submarine procurement issue soon

    Thai defence ministry to resolve submarine procurement issue soon

    The Thai defence ministry is anticipating a solution to its submarine procurement dilemma in the forthcoming two weeks, with the likely adoption of the Chinese engine, according to an official from the Royal Thai Navy (RTN). The current predicament is under examination by a panel focusing on the RTN’s procurement of a Chinese submarine. The panel’s task is to determine…

  • Bangkok NewsPoker tournaments gain popularity in Bangkok

    Poker tournaments gain popularity in Bangkok

    Despite gambling being illegal across Thailand, Bangkok is increasingly considered as a world hub for professionals earning enough income and living the good (that is, relatively cheap) life. Like digital nomads or other online entrepreneurs, poker professionals continue to settle in Bangkok and other coastal cities for the exact same reasons. According to media reports from 2022, moving to Thailand…

  • Thailand NewsPM Srettha’s billion-baht plan to transform Suvarnabhumi Airport

    PM Srettha’s billion-baht plan to transform Suvarnabhumi Airport

    Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced plans to boost the annual capacity of Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Samut Prakan. “We’re gearing up to more than double our capacity to a staggering 150 million passengers annually.” Currently handling a substantial 60 million passengers, Suvarnabhumi Airport is set for a dramatic makeover, including the addition of a third runway. This makeover will catapult…

  • Thailand NewsSurging Pattaya hotel occupancy shows post-pandemic recovery

    Surging Pattaya hotel occupancy shows post-pandemic recovery

    Pattaya is experiencing a remarkable resurgence, with hotels bursting at the seams, boasting over 90% room occupancy. Sanphet Supabawornsathien, Eastern Thai Hotel Association President, reveals that Pattaya’s hotel industry is booming, with room occupancy rates soaring above 90% as tourists from China, Russia, and India flood the city alongside a surge in domestic travel. This remarkable trend is fuelled by…

  • Thailand NewsMukdahan hosts first Border Trade Fair to boost economy

    Mukdahan hosts first Border Trade Fair to boost economy

    Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai inaugurates the first Border Trade Fair in Mukdahan, aiming to boost the border economy and facilitate fruit exports through the Mukdahan checkpoint. The event also included a visit to the One-Stop Service Center (OSS) in Mukdahan – Nakhon Phanom to support exporters. The inaugural Border Trade Fair in Mukdahan province, which takes place from February 29…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket on course to become a top eco-industrial city by 2027

    Phuket on course to become a top eco-industrial city by 2027

    Earlier today, Phuket Provincial Hall played host to an informative workshop, aimed at fostering a comprehensive understanding of the plans to transform Phuket into a renowned eco-industrial city. This initiative was overseen by Phuket Vice Governor Sattha Thongkam, to disseminate knowledge on ideal methodologies for environmental preservation, protection, and restoration across diverse sectors. The workshop is deemed instrumental in aiding…

  • Thailand NewsProperty tycoon in KCUC embezzlement case to be charged

    Property tycoon in KCUC embezzlement case to be charged

    Property magnate Anant Asavabhokhin is to be charged with money laundering linked to the notorious Khlongchan Credit Union Cooperative (KCUC) embezzlement case. This development comes from a source within the Office of the Attorney-General (OAG). The money laundering charge, recently approved by Attorney-General Amnat Jedcharoenruk, is predicted to be enacted by the OAG’s special litigation office on April 2. Anant, former…