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 NewsLeatherback sea turtle death sparks concern among Thai wildlife officials | Thaiger

    Leatherback sea turtle death sparks concern among Thai wildlife officials

    The untimely demise of a leatherback sea turtle on a beach in Phang Nga this week triggered a wave of concern among wildlife officials and conservationists. The cause of death was an unfortunate entanglement in a fishing net, which was discovered when the turtle’s carcass washed ashore. Athapol Charoenshunsa, stationed at the helm of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife…

  • Thailand NewsPM Srettha promises to consider opposition’s concerns on Land Bridge megaproject | Thaiger

    PM Srettha promises to consider opposition’s concerns on Land Bridge megaproject

    Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin assured opposition groups that he would take into account their concerns regarding the Land Bridge megaproject. The discussions took place at Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University’s education centre in Ranong, following a mobile Cabinet meeting. The megaproject, valued at 1 trillion baht, is designed to create a logistics network linking Ranong with Chumphon. It consists of a…

  • Thailand NewsThai military and police ramp up counter-drone tech training | Thaiger

    Thai military and police ramp up counter-drone tech training

    The Royal Thai Armed Forces (RTAF) and Royal Thai Police (RTP) are set to enhance their focus on counter-drone technology training as part of their yearly exercises and drills. This decision was made public at a joint meeting of military and police commanders, steered by Chief of Defence Forces, General Songwit Noonpackdee. The session was an avenue for discussing plans…

  • Thailand NewsGerman president’s state visit to Thailand after 22 years sparks hope | Thaiger

    German president’s state visit to Thailand after 22 years sparks hope

    German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier embarked on a state visit to Thailand today, following an invitation extended by Srettha Thavisin, the Prime Minister of Thailand. This marks the first visit by a German president to Thailand in 22 years, as stated by Chai Watcharonke, the Thai Government Spokesperson. The three-day visit has its highlight set for tomorrow, where a discussion on trade,…

  • Thailand Weather UpdatesBangkok bracing for temperature drop and dust pollution fluctuations | Thaiger

    Bangkok bracing for temperature drop and dust pollution fluctuations

    The capital city of Thailand, Bangkok, is set to experience a slight drop in temperatures tomorrow, January 24, amid ongoing concerns over high levels of dust pollution. As forecasted by the Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD), temperatures are predicted to decrease by 1-3°C for a single day. Meanwhile, other regions of the country, barring the south, will see a temperature…

  • Thailand NewsTeenager in Thailand brutally assaulted by notorious youth gang | Thaiger

    Teenager in Thailand brutally assaulted by notorious youth gang

    A brutal assault on a 13 year old boy by a notorious youth gang in Nonthaburi, Thailand, led to a formal complaint being lodged at the Ratthanathibet Police Station. Ekapop Luengprasert, an adviser to the interior minister and founder of the Sai Mai Tong Rod (Sai Mai District Must Survive) Facebook page, accompanied the mother of the victim to the…

  • Thailand NewsMuay Thai aims for Olympic recognition as part of Thailand’s soft power strategy | Thaiger

    Muay Thai aims for Olympic recognition as part of Thailand’s soft power strategy

    National Soft Power Strategy Committee Deputy Chairperson Paetongtarn Shinawatra is championing the cause for the integral Thai martial art, Muay Thai, to be recognised as an Olympic sport. Paetongtarn sees the inclusion of Muay Thai in the Olympics as part of a broader strategy to elevate the martial art as a key tool of Thailand’s soft power. “We will get…

  • Thailand NewsThai police intensify crackdown on juvenile delinquency following brutal murder | Thaiger

    Thai police intensify crackdown on juvenile delinquency following brutal murder

    In response to a brutal murder committed by five teenagers in Sa Kaeo’s Aranyaprathet district, Thai police are intensifying efforts to combat juvenile delinquency across the country. The murder of a middle-aged woman earlier this month has sparked a nationwide crackdown on criminal acts perpetrated by young offenders, an operation ordered by National Police Chief Torsak Sukvimol. Torsak has given…

  • Politics NewsProtesters intensify demonstrations over Thaksin Shinawatra’s preferential treatment | Thaiger

    Protesters intensify demonstrations over Thaksin Shinawatra’s preferential treatment

    The Students and People’s Network for Thailand Reform (STR) are intensifying their demonstrations over the alleged preferential treatment of Thaksin Shinawatra, the convicted former prime minister. The protesters are set to stage a sit-in outside the Government House starting February 2. According to Pichit Chaimongkol, the STR leader, there are plans to protest indefinitely alongside other groups that are targeting…

  • Thailand NewsMaking waves: Thai marine police chief boosts efforts against maritime crime | Thaiger

    Making waves: Thai marine police chief boosts efforts against maritime crime

    The newly appointed chief of the Marine Police Division has quickly made a name for himself and the often-understated unit, highlighting its significant role in curbing criminal activities and maritime threats in Thai waters. Since taking office in October last year, Police Major General Phruttiphong Nuchanart has been at the helm of operations that led to the seizure of over…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket grocery owner busted for illicit kratom water trade | Thaiger

    Phuket grocery owner busted for illicit kratom water trade

    A sweeping police operation in Phuket culminated in the arrest of a man found in possession of an astonishing 315 bottles of the outlawed beverage known as kratom water. Somsak Kiattikhan, a 44 year old grocery store owner, was apprehended on Saturday, January 20, following an intelligence tip-off regarding the sale of the illicit drink to local youths. The swoop took…

  • Thailand NewsPM Srettha reassures public on Land Bridge megaproject amid concerns | Thaiger

    PM Srettha reassures public on Land Bridge megaproject amid concerns

    Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin voiced his administration’s commitment to addressing the concerns of groups opposing the Land Bridge megaproject. Today, PM Srettha is visiting the proposed construction site in Ranong, where a mobile cabinet meeting is scheduled for tomorrow. The 61 year old Thai prime minister acknowledged the government’s shortcomings in effectively communicating the project’s economic advantages to international investors.…

  • Phuket NewsRawai rescue team saves lost tourists at Laem Krating | Thaiger

    Rawai rescue team saves lost tourists at Laem Krating

    Two female tourists, who had lost their way as darkness fell near Laem Krating, were located and ushered to safety by the Rawai Municipality rescue team last night (January 21). The women had gone for a walk on the popular trail along the cape, well-known for its Black Rock Viewpoint. The trail, which measures just 1.8 kilometres, became a labyrinth…

  • Thailand NewsThailand investigates potential tiger migration between Thai and Myanmar forests | Thaiger

    Thailand investigates potential tiger migration between Thai and Myanmar forests

    The Department of National Parks (DNP), Wildlife and Plant Conservation in Thailand is investigating the movements of tigers, potentially traversing between Thai and Myanmar forests. This follows the discovery of tiger footprints in Chumphon, reported by a local wildlife sanctuary. Athapol Charoenshunsa, DNP director-general, confirmed the discovery of the footprints in the forest of Tambon Song Phi Nong, in Tha…

  • Phuket NewsChinese tourist drowns during Similan Islands tour | Thaiger

    Chinese tourist drowns during Similan Islands tour

    A tragic incident unfolded on the picturesque Similan Islands, just north of Phuket, at the weekend. A 44 year old Chinese tourist lost his life to drowning while immersed in the island tour on Saturday, January 20. The incident was reported to the Thai Maritime Enforcement Centre Region 3 (Thai-MECC 3) branch situated in Phang Nga. The report came in…

  • Thailand NewsPM Srettha to submit PM2.5 dust plan within court’s 90-day deadline | Thaiger

    PM Srettha to submit PM2.5 dust plan within court’s 90-day deadline

    Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced yesterday his intention to submit a plan designed to address the issue of PM2.5 fine dust within a 90-day deadline set by the Chiang Mai Administrative Court. The court order followed a formal complaint lodged by a northern network of individuals, requiring the Thai prime minister and the national environmental panel to draft the plan.…

  • Thailand NewsCompliance with Factory Laws: What You Need to Know | Thaiger

    Compliance with Factory Laws: What You Need to Know

    A deadly explosion at a fireworks factory in Suphan Buri prompted the Ministry of Industry to consider amendments to the nation’s factory laws. Permanent Secretary for Industry Nattapol Rangsitpol revealed that Deputy Prime Minister Somsak Thepsutin has tasked the ministry with managing small factories that might pose a risk to nearby communities. Plans are underway to form a committee to…

  • Thailand NewsThai initiative Kru Care Jai launched to tackle teen mental health issues | Thaiger

    Thai initiative Kru Care Jai launched to tackle teen mental health issues

    An initiative to address the increasing mental health issues among Thai adolescents has been launched under the name of Kru Care Jai. This programme, initiated by the Public Health Ministry, seeks to provide training to teachers to enhance their abilities in curbing mental health problems in students. The launch comes as data suggests that Thai youth are increasingly vulnerable to…

  • Thailand NewsHow to deliver on Valentine’s Day: Classic gift ideas for him and her | Thaiger

    How to deliver on Valentine’s Day: Classic gift ideas for him and her

    According to a recent survey carried out by the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC), loved-up consumers plan on spending more than ever on the big day itself in 2024. The UTCC survey found that shoppers were prepared to shell out an average of almost 2.4 billion baht on dates, dining out, and gifts. Even with the rising…

  • South Thailand NewsNew tiger discovery in Chumphon province’s forests sparks transboundary patrol theory | Thaiger

    New tiger discovery in Chumphon province’s forests sparks transboundary patrol theory

    Three tigers, believed to traverse between Thailand and Myanmar, have been discovered in Chumphon province’s forests. The big cats were detected last Friday in the Tanao Sri Mountain Range, which forms the border between the two countries. The tigers are suspected of patrolling the forests of Duang Charoen, Nern Thong, and Chong Kamew in the Ta Sae district’s Song Pee…

  • Tourism NewsWin unrestricted access to Thailand’s national parks for a year | Thaiger

    Win unrestricted access to Thailand’s national parks for a year

    The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) has rolled out an intriguing tourism initiative offering winners unrestricted free access to national parks throughout Thailand for a whole year. Titled Passport to Thailand National Parks, the challenge encourages visitors to collect stamps from all 156 national parks in the country. The reward for this endeavour is not only…

  • Thailand NewsUS warns Thai navy over salvage operations of sunk HTMS Sukhothai | Thaiger

    US warns Thai navy over salvage operations of sunk HTMS Sukhothai

    The Royal Thai Navy (RTN) received a second warning from the Joint United States Military Advisory Group Thailand (Jusmagthai) over salvage operations on the US-built HTMS Sukhothai, which sank in the Gulf of Thailand back in 2022. This information was revealed by Bangkok’s Move Forward Party MP, Chayaphon Satondee, during a parliamentary debate on the 2024 budget bill. Chayaphon explained…

  • Chiang Mai NewsThai prime minister tours royal projects to boost agriculture sector | Thaiger

    Thai prime minister tours royal projects to boost agriculture sector

    The Prime Minister of Thailand embarked on a tour of royal initiative projects in Chiang Mai on Saturday. PM Srettha Thavisin’s visit forms part of a broader government strategy to boost the nation’s agricultural sector and strengthen farming communities. Accompanying the prime minister were high-ranking state officials and leaders from the private sector. The entourage comprised Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, Thai…

  • Thailand NewsWang Nam Khieo tourism business calls for measures against wild gaur attacks | Thaiger

    Wang Nam Khieo tourism business calls for measures against wild gaur attacks

    Tourism business operators from Wang Nam Khieo district in Nakhon Ratchasima have put forward initiatives to tackle the escalating number of incidents involving wild gaurs. These large, wild bulls are causing havoc, attacking individuals, and wreaking destruction on crops. The most recent incident occurred on January 11, when a mother and her seven year old daughter were assaulted by a…

  • Thailand NewsPM Srettha: Digital wallet scheme will go ahead despite postponement | Thaiger

    PM Srettha: Digital wallet scheme will go ahead despite postponement

    The eagerly anticipated 500 billion baht digital wallet handout scheme, publicised as the government’s economic lifeline, faces an unexpected delay. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced yesterday, January 19, that the launch of the 500-billion-baht initiative will be postponed pending an inquiry by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC). Brushing off rumours of incorporating the scheme into the 2025 budget, PM Srettha…

  • Thailand NewsChiang Mai court demands PM2.5 emergency plan | Thaiger

    Chiang Mai court demands PM2.5 emergency plan

    The Administrative Court in Chiang Mai demanded Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and the National Environment Board craft an emergency plan within the next 90 days. This decisive move comes as a response to the persistent threat of PM2.5 pollution plaguing northern provinces and signals a watershed moment for civil society in the region. The court’s verdict is a resounding call for…

  • Thailand NewsGlobalisation twist: Economic growth sizzles but income inequality and carbon clashes cloud horizon | Thaiger

    Globalisation twist: Economic growth sizzles but income inequality and carbon clashes cloud horizon

    The evolution of globalisation, while contributing to worldwide economic growth, has also introduced new economic challenges including increased income inequality and market failures due to carbon emissions. This was the view expressed by Eric S Maskin, Adams University Professor at Harvard’s Department of Economics. Maskin, a 2007 Nobel Laureate in Economics for his work in mechanism design theory, shed light…

  • Phuket NewsViolent dispute between van drivers shocks tourists at Phuket Airport | Thaiger

    Violent dispute between van drivers shocks tourists at Phuket Airport

    An alarming event unfolded at the Phuket International Airport recently, where a violent dispute erupted between two van drivers. The altercation unfolded before a crowd of tourists and was vividly captured in a video that has subsequently circulated widely on social media. The incident occurred in the early evening, prompting a swift response from the police who were promptly alerted…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket’s Cafe Del Mar faces police action over noise pollution | Thaiger

    Phuket’s Cafe Del Mar faces police action over noise pollution

    Phuket’s much-loved entertainment hotspot Cafe Del Mar had a brush with the Kamala police recently over an issue of noise pollution disturbing residents. This internationally known beach club found itself in hot water when the Kamala police declared that the volume of their music was exceeding acceptable levels. This was causing considerable disruption to the peaceful existence of the locals…

  • Thailand NewsPolice general takes flight: Aims to soar Suvarnabhumi Airport into global top 50 in 2 years | Thaiger

    Police general takes flight: Aims to soar Suvarnabhumi Airport into global top 50 in 2 years

    The new chairman of Airports of Thailand (AoT), Police General Visanu Prasattongosoth, announced an ambitious plan to elevate Suvarnabhumi International Airport into the top 50 global airports within two years. The strategy, revealed yesterday, January 18, is part of AoT’s broader initiative to upgrade and increase the capacities of six airports under its jurisdiction, in response to the anticipated global…