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 NewsBangkok’s Green Line extension routes to charge 15 baht flat fare

    Bangkok’s Green Line extension routes to charge 15 baht flat fare

    Passengers travelling on the Green Line’s second extension routes in Bangkok will be charged a flat rate of 15 baht (US$0.44) per trip, starting from January 2, as per the announcement by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA). The flat fare is applicable to the 12.8 kilometres Bearing-Kheha route in Samut Prakan and the 18.4 kilometres Mo Chit-Saphan Mai-Khu Khot section. The…

  • Thailand NewsAirfares to plummet next year

    Airfares to plummet next year

    Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has announced a breath of fresh air for travellers— airfares are set to drop next year. With an influx of licenced airlines and a squadron of new aircraft on the horizon, the skies are about to become a lot more affordable. According to the latest revelation from the CAAT today, December 27, a stellar…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket officials to target ‘bad foreigners’ to enhance tourism

    Phuket officials to target ‘bad foreigners’ to enhance tourism

    The island of Phuket, a popular tourist hotspot, was the stage for a significant meeting yesterday. The Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Police Immigration Bureau, Pol Lt Gen Itthiphon Ittisanronnachai, made a request to Phuket officials to assemble a task force to zero in on bad foreigners, thereby offering the Immigration Bureau the aid they require to tackle the situation.…

  • Thailand NewsZika virus spreads rapidly in Bangkok: Expert issues urgent warning

    Zika virus spreads rapidly in Bangkok: Expert issues urgent warning

    Professor Dr Yong Poovorawan, the leading expert from the Centre of Excellence in Clinical Virology at Chulalongkorn University, has sounded the alarm on the escalating Zika virus crisis in Bangkok. In a Facebook post today, December 27, Dr Yong disclosed that the virus, primarily transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, is running rampant through the city, with symptoms mirroring those of dengue…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket simplifies visa extensions with new online system

    Phuket simplifies visa extensions with new online system

    Phuket, the vibrant tourist hub of Thailand, has taken a significant step forward in its immigration policy. The Immigration Bureau Commissioner, Pol Lt Gen Itthiphon Itthisanronnachai, announced on yesterday that foreigners residing in Phuket under any of 12 different types of visas can now apply for visa extension through an online portal. This announcement was part of Lt Gen Itthiphon’s…

  • Thailand NewsPM Srettha visits devastated Narathiwat amidst ongoing Thai Floods and regional cooperation talks

    PM Srettha visits devastated Narathiwat amidst ongoing Thai Floods and regional cooperation talks

    Ravaging floods in Thailand’s southernmost provinces prompted Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin to visit Narathiwat on Tuesday. The region has been devastated by a persistent low-pressure system causing flash floods. Despite the water receding somewhat, significant property damage is evident. In addition to Narathiwat, the Prime Minister’s itinerary included a trip to Phuket. Here, he had dinner with his Malaysian counterpart,…

  • Thailand NewsSrettha Thavisin confident to complete term, dismisses coalition expansion

    Srettha Thavisin confident to complete term, dismisses coalition expansion

    Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin expressed intentions to complete his four-year term, reiterating the stability of the current coalition government. He dismissed any plans of incorporating the opposition Democrat Party into the government coalition at this time. When questioned about the government’s ability to fulfil its four-year term, Thavisin confidently spoke about the collective effort of the cabinet ministers in serving…

  • Thailand NewsEx-ship captain identified as head of major drug ring

    Ex-ship captain identified as head of major drug ring

    A prominent former ship’s captain has been identified by the Narcotics Suppression Bureau (NSB) as the operator of a substantial drug trafficking ring, from which 1.2 tonnes of ketamine and nearly one tonne of ya ice were confiscated earlier this month. The NSB disclosed this information during a briefing at its headquarters, unveiling the outcome of a covert operation named…

  • Thailand NewsBangkok safety centre being set up for secure New Year celebrations

    Bangkok safety centre being set up for secure New Year celebrations

    Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has initiated a safety centre to enhance security measures for the upcoming New Year festivities, strongly urging the public to adhere to the established safety protocols throughout the celebration period. This move was announced by Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt this Tuesday, who shed light on the specifics of a safety regulation that has been issued in…

  • Thailand NewsPope’s plea for peace amidst global turmoil: Christmas celebrations overshadowed by war

    Pope’s plea for peace amidst global turmoil: Christmas celebrations overshadowed by war

    In a world marred by conflict, Pope Francis ushered in Christmas with a heartfelt call for peace, acknowledging the grim shadows cast by Israel’s clash with Hamas and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The festive spirit, however, found a haven in the hearts of children globally, who tracked Santa and his reindeer on a 3-D interactive website. Revellers worldwide embraced holiday…

  • Thailand NewsDelayed flights cause passenger surge and extended queues at Suvarnabhumi airport

    Delayed flights cause passenger surge and extended queues at Suvarnabhumi airport

    A sudden influx of passengers, resulting from the landing of delayed flights, led to extended queues at Suvarnabhumi airport in the early hours of Monday, as reported by the Immigration Bureau. The Chief of Immigration Division 2, Choengron Rimpadee, noted that between midnight and 2am, the airport witnessed a 33% surge in inbound traffic as 5,563 passengers arrived on 22…

  • Thailand NewsWaves ban on Pattaya boats after tourist catamaran capsizes

    Waves ban on Pattaya boats after tourist catamaran capsizes

    The Marine Department, Pattaya Office, imposed a ban on small boats venturing into the Pattaya sea. With a red flag fluttering halfway up the mast yesterday, December 25, the Department issued a stern warning to fishing boats, jet skis, speedboats, and towing boats, urging them to stay ashore amid the turbulent waters. Large fishing vessels escaped a categorical ban but…

  • Thailand NewsPolice officer fatally stabbed while calming drug addict in Nakhon Phanom

    Police officer fatally stabbed while calming drug addict in Nakhon Phanom

    In a tragic incident, a police officer lost his life while attempting to pacify a known drug addict in That Phanom district, Nakhon Phanom, on Sunday. The late officer, Pol Lt Issrawut Kopolrat, served as the deputy crime suppression chief at That Phanom station. The unfortunate event unfolded in Ban Choke Amnuay in tambon Ummao, where a 49 year old…

  • Thailand NewsHuawei Thailand secures prime minister’s cybersecurity excellence award

    Huawei Thailand secures prime minister’s cybersecurity excellence award

    For the second year running, Huawei Thailand has secured the esteemed Prime Minister Awards: Thailand Cybersecurity Excellence Award 2023, underscoring the firm’s unwavering commitment to bolstering Thailand’s cybersecurity standards. The award was presented to Huawei Technologies (Thailand) Co Ltd, headed by CEO David Li, by the Minister of Digital Economy and Society, Prasert Jantararuangtong, yesterday. These accolades are conferred upon…

  • Thailand NewsThailand tightens border control to curb illegal wildlife smuggling

    Thailand tightens border control to curb illegal wildlife smuggling

    A concerted effort to tighten borders and stifle illegal wildlife trafficking is underway in Thailand, led by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation. The department is collaborating with multiple state agencies responsible for border control to clamp down on wildlife smuggling gangs. This action is part of the country’s observance of National Wildlife Protection Day. Narongrit Sookprakan,…

  • Thailand NewsPink line monorail’s free trial period may extend after conductor rail failure

    Pink line monorail’s free trial period may extend after conductor rail failure

    The Pink Line monorail system‘s operator will be approached by the Transport Ministry to extend the free trial period after a section of the line was forced to shut down on Sunday due to a failure of the track’s conductor rail. The closure, as of Monday, has impacted seven stations from Nonthaburi Civic Centre (PK01) to Pak Kret Bypass (PK07).…

  • Thailand NewsThailand’s film boom: Global collaboration opportunities

    Thailand’s film boom: Global collaboration opportunities

    Thailand is famous for its friendly people and welcoming culture. This beautiful country cherishes traditions yet is open to modern ideas and values. Buddhism and the monarchy have always been the anchors of the people and provide order, and stability and bring the Thai people together. Thailand also embraces progress which makes its capital city considered one of the best…

  • Thailand NewsSouth Thailand hit by extensive flooding due to heavy rain

    South Thailand hit by extensive flooding due to heavy rain

    South Thailand has been hit by extensive flooding over the last two days due to relentless heavy rain, impacting Narathiwat and Yala provinces. The flood has affected 67 sub-districts across 16 districts, disrupting the lives of thousands of inhabitants. The inundation in Narathiwat has flooded nine districts on Monday morning, including Waeng, Sukhirin, Chanae, Rangae, Sungai Padi, Si Sakhon, Cho…

  • Thailand NewsBangkok taxi driver arrested for stealing million-baht wristwatch

    Bangkok taxi driver arrested for stealing million-baht wristwatch

    A 44 year old Bangkok taxi driver was apprehended on Monday morning, accused of delaying his journey for several hours in wait for a Japanese passenger, who was inebriated, to fall asleep. The motive behind this delay was allegedly to pilfer a wristwatch worth a million baht. Pol Col Pansa Amarapitak, the chief at Bangkok’s Thong Lor station, reported the…

  • Thailand NewsThailand enforces cautionary sign display for kratom sales, restricts alcohol promotions

    Thailand enforces cautionary sign display for kratom sales, restricts alcohol promotions

    Cracking down on the sale of psychoactive kratom, Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health has mandated all vendors to prominently display a cautionary sign at their point-of-sale. The sign is a warning to individuals under the age of 18, as well as pregnant and breastfeeding women, prohibiting the purchase of the substance. This directive became operational on Saturday, following its announcement…

  • Thailand NewsPheu Thai seeks to enhance community communication, says secretary-general

    Pheu Thai seeks to enhance community communication, says secretary-general

    Sorawong Thienthong, 48 year old MP and the secretary-general of the Pheu Thai Party, stated yesterday that the party needs to enhance its communication methods to ensure the public is aware of its achievements. Sorawong, also a Member of Parliament from Sa Kaeo and a descendant of political influencer Sanoh Thienthong, asserted that Pheu Thai remains resilient and proactive, demonstrating…

  • Thailand NewsUN urges Thailand to bolster multi-sector approach to child rights protection

    UN urges Thailand to bolster multi-sector approach to child rights protection

    Thailand has been urged to broaden its efforts in child rights protection, with the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence Against Children, Najat Maalla M’jid, calling for a more comprehensive, multi-ministerial approach. Maalla M’jid emphasised that safeguarding children should not be the sole responsibility of the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security but rather a shared…

  • Thailand NewsThai government makes headway in battle against informal debts

    Thai government makes headway in battle against informal debts

    The Thai government has reported progress in its ongoing battle against informal debts, stating that it has resolved the issues of 233 registered debtors. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin personally observed the progress of a debt resolution model in Nan last Saturday. Government spokesman Chai Wacharonke revealed that the Interior Ministry’s data indicates that 106,863 debtors have registered with the government…

  • Thailand NewsThailand’s energy ministry to revise fuel regulations for consumer protection

    Thailand’s energy ministry to revise fuel regulations for consumer protection

    In a move to safeguard consumer rights, Thailand’s Energy Ministry is set to revise regulations to guarantee that customers receive the exact volume of fuel they purchase. The decision came in response to a social media uproar over a motorist’s complaint that a petrol station failed to dispense the correct volume of fuel he had purchased. The motorist, Ritdech Daengpradit,…

  • Thailand NewsThailand’s social security fund prepares for inaugural board election

    Thailand’s social security fund prepares for inaugural board election

    The Social Security Fund (SSF) in Thailand is preparing for its inaugural board member election, with over 800,000 members expected to participate in the vote tomorrow, December 24. This was disclosed by Boonsong Thapchaiyuth, the secretary-general of the Social Security Office (SSO), who also noted that the turnout figure is rather modest compared to the total SSF membership of 12…

  • Thailand NewsThai transport minister denies plans for petrol tax hike

    Thai transport minister denies plans for petrol tax hike

    Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit has clarified that the proposed excise tax increase on petrol in Greater Bangkok is merely a proposal, and there are no current plans for its implementation. This statement came yesterday, December 22, following misunderstandings about the proposal’s intent and potential ramifications. Suriya apologised for any confusion, explaining that the idea of the tax increase was a…

  • Thailand NewsGun stash found in YouTuber’s house

    Gun stash found in YouTuber’s house

    A YouTuber‘s home was raided by Thai police and a total of 87 guns were discovered. Trinsak Wachirasrisirikul, the face behind the YouTube channel Tacticool BoB, found himself in hot waters when a Police Cyber Taskforce, in collaboration with local officers, uncovered a staggering cache of weapons during a house search in Mueang district. The raid, orchestrated to fortify public…

  • Thailand NewsThai listed companies broke records by reeling in 6.21 trillion baht last year

    Thai listed companies broke records by reeling in 6.21 trillion baht last year

    Thai listed companies have orchestrated a financial coup, raking in an astronomical 6.21 trillion baht from their overseas ventures last year, smashing records and defying global economic odds. The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) reports an eye-watering surge of 1.83 trillion baht from the previous year, making it a staggering 17-year high. Amidst the chaos of the Russia-Ukraine war and…

  • Thailand NewsVietnam’s plan to import Laos wind power

    Vietnam’s plan to import Laos wind power

    Vietnam Electricity (EVN) has submitted a proposal to import wind power from the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) to Quang Tri Province. EVN, not one to shy away from bold decisions, has urged the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) to review and present the proposition to the prime minister. The ambitious plan revolves around tapping into the potential…

  • Thailand NewsThai economy set to boom with 106 billion baht splash with new year expenses

    Thai economy set to boom with 106 billion baht splash with new year expenses

    The University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC) predicts a staggering 106 billion baht surge in consumer spending during the upcoming New Year festivities – a four-year high that could inject new life into the nation’s financial veins. President Thanavath Phonvichai, the maestro behind this optimistic symphony, attributes the spending spree to the government’s strategic new year’s gift measures.…