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 NewsThailand and Cambodia to resume talks over disputed Gulf region

    Thailand and Cambodia to resume talks over disputed Gulf region

    February will see the reignition of talks between Thailand and Cambodia regarding a disputed region in the Gulf of Thailand, spanning 26,000 square kilometres. This area, rich in energy resources, is a matter of contention as both nations lay claim to it. Experts suggest that the discussions should primarily concentrate on the mutual development of energy resources in the Overlapping…

  • Thailand NewsThailand’s tripartite committee to reconsider new minimum daily wage

    Thailand’s tripartite committee to reconsider new minimum daily wage

    A pivotal meeting is set to take place on Tuesday, led by the tripartite committee on minimum daily wages in Thailand. The discussion is centred around the possibility of revising the new daily wage rate that was established on December 8. This comes in the wake of comments made by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin criticising the newly determined rate as…

  • Thailand NewsThe hidden struggle of Thailand’s overlooked workforce

    The hidden struggle of Thailand’s overlooked workforce

    Thailand’s National Statistical Office (NSO) Director, Piyanut Wuthison, has exposed the stark reality of the nation’s labour force where 21 million workers in the informal sector constitute a staggering 52.3% of Thailand‘s workforce. “Our annual survey sheds light on the silent warriors of the informal labour sector, a staggering 21 million strong. These workers, often grappling with irregular hours and…

  • Thailand NewsSupreme court’s Sitthichote Intharawiset named new election commissioner

    Supreme court’s Sitthichote Intharawiset named new election commissioner

    Sitthichote Intharawiset, the senior judge of the Supreme Court, has been announced as the most recent election commissioner. He fills the position left vacant by Chatchai Janprasri, who stepped down in June. The Senate cast its vote, 175 to 16, with eight abstentions, confirming Sitthichote as the newest member of the Election Commission. Sitthichote, who also presides over the Supreme…

  • Thailand NewsEEC water miracle: Government’s plan ensures businesses swim through summer

    EEC water miracle: Government’s plan ensures businesses swim through summer

    The Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) can breathe a sigh of relief as the government swoops in to address concerns over looming water shortages, promising a well-hydrated future until the summer of next year. The EEC, a flagship special economic zone spanning Rayong, Chon Buri, and Chachoengsao, faced imminent water crises, raising alarms within the community. Deputy Prime Minister Somsak Thepsutin…

  • Politics NewsCambodia’s prime minister to discuss cross-border trade in Thailand

    Cambodia’s prime minister to discuss cross-border trade in Thailand

    Hun Manet, the prime minister of Cambodia, has plans to visit Thailand in February to participate in a joint Thai-Cambodian cabinet meeting. The primary focus of this meeting will be to discuss and enhance bilateral cooperation, particularly concerning cross-border trade between the two nations. This was revealed by Thailand’s prime minister, Srettha Thavisin, during a media interaction on Monday. The…

  • Phuket NewsBritish man found dead at Phuket hospital after suspected fall

    British man found dead at Phuket hospital after suspected fall

    A tragic incident unfolded in the early morning hours yesterday (December 18), when a 69 year old British man was discovered lifeless at Thalang Hospital in Phuket. The circumstances surrounding his death suggest he plunged from the fourth floor of the building, landing near the hospital staff dormitory. Thalang Hospital staff promptly reported the incident to Pol Lt Col Patthipat…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket’s phenomenal rise: From tropical paradise to global hub

    Phuket’s phenomenal rise: From tropical paradise to global hub

    In the wake of a robust global economic resurgence, Phuket has emerged as a magnet for inbound migration, shaping a vibrant and eclectic international community in the heart of Asia, reveals C9 Hotelworks’ latest expansive investment dossier on Phuket’s economic landscape. Managing Director of C9 Hotelworks Bill Barnett stated… “With a tourism and property market in full throttle, we’re witnessing…

  • Thailand NewsDoctoral student falls to death after confrontation with drunk man

    Doctoral student falls to death after confrontation with drunk man

    A tragic incident unfolded at an apartment complex in the Chokchai Si area, where a doctoral student fell to her death after a confrontation with an intoxicated man. The 27 year old student, known only as Arphaporn, was driven to leap from her sixth-floor apartment at 4am when a drunk man began pounding on her door. The incident has prompted…

  • Environment NewsSuccessful rainmaking operations drastically reduce Bangkok’s pollution levels

    Successful rainmaking operations drastically reduce Bangkok’s pollution levels

    Pollution levels across Bangkok and neighbouring areas nosedived yesterday as a result of successful rainmaking operations carried out east of the capital. The operations saw a significant reduction in the concentration of ultra-fine pollutants in the air, bringing it back within the safety threshold. Supis Pitakham, the director-general of the Department of Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation, confirmed that the cloud-seeding…

  • Thailand NewsThai government plans 50-year concession for Land Bridge megaproject

    Thai government plans 50-year concession for Land Bridge megaproject

    The Thai government is contemplating a 50-year concession for the successful bidder of the Land Bridge megaproject, a venture worth one trillion baht and projected to break even within 24 years. This was revealed by Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit during the Thailand Landbridge Roadshow event in Tokyo, Japan, where he and Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin sought to attract Japanese investors.…

  • Thailand NewsBMA’s comprehensive Bangkok safety measures for New Year festival celebrations

    BMA’s comprehensive Bangkok safety measures for New Year festival celebrations

    Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has initiated several steps to enhance public safety during the New Year festival in the capital. Tavida Kamolvej, Deputy Governor of Bangkok, revealed on Monday that the BMA has devised a plan to prevent any disasters and has tasked all district offices with the responsibility of ensuring the safety of New Year festival attendees. The City…

  • Thailand NewsThai government considers extending nightlife hours

    Thai government considers extending nightlife hours

    The Thai government is currently contemplating the extension of operating hours for bars, clubs and other entertainment hubs until 4am, in more provinces as a means to stimulate the economy, as reported by Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. The minister shared this information following a late-night inspection of Khao San Road nightspots on Saturday. This marked the second night clubs and…

  • Thailand NewsThailand to boost protection for domestic workers

    Thailand to boost protection for domestic workers

    Thailand’s Labour Ministry is set to revise its regulation to enhance protection for domestic workers, as per advice from Siraphop Duangsodsri, an adviser to the Labour Minister. The announcement came during an event to observe International Migrants Day. The Department of Labour Protection and Welfare plans to enhance the existing regulation on domestic workers’ welfare with an addition of at…

  • Thailand NewsThai farmer crafts cat and fish image from rainbow seedlings in rice field

    Thai farmer crafts cat and fish image from rainbow seedlings in rice field

    In northern Chiang Rai’s Ban Khon Sung, an aerial view reveals a captivating image of a cat cuddling a fish, meticulously crafted from rainbow seedlings sprouting in a rice field. This picturesque scene mirrors a traditional Thai proverb symbolising prosperity. The artistic feat is a creation of Farmer Tanyapong Jaikham, who, alongside a group of labourers, planted the seedlings at…

  • Politics NewsThailand’s prime minister fosters heart-to-heart partnership with Japan

    Thailand’s prime minister fosters heart-to-heart partnership with Japan

    Thailand’s Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin, has concluded a successful trip to Japan, celebrating a heart-to-heart partnership with the nation, underpinned by strong ties among the citizens of both nations. Prime Minister Srettha’s visit included attendance at the 50th Year of the ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation Commemorative Summit in Tokyo. Srettha highlighted the long-standing relationship of over 50 years between ASEAN…

  • Crime NewsSwift Thai police action recovers tourist’s stolen iPhone on Phuket beach

    Swift Thai police action recovers tourist’s stolen iPhone on Phuket beach

    A European tourist’s holiday in Phuket almost took a dreadful turn when her iPhone was stolen at Ao Yon Beach. However, the quick response of local police in Thailand ensured the stolen item was promptly recovered. On December 14, the tourist is 25 year old Vanessa Aust who reported to Wichit Police that her iPhone 13 Pro had vanished from…

  • Phuket NewsFinnish tourist in Phuket cons parents with fake arrest scam for 7,000 euros

    Finnish tourist in Phuket cons parents with fake arrest scam for 7,000 euros

    Phuket’s tourist police unraveled a fraudulent scheme involving a 27 year old Finnish man, who conned his parents out of 7,000 euros. The tourist falsely claimed that he had been arrested and demanded the hefty amount for his release. The revelation unfolded when the parents lodged a complaint on Friday after losing contact with their son, fearing he was a…

  • Thailand NewsThai researcher joins groundbreaking Antarctic expedition for the IceCube Upgrade project

    Thai researcher joins groundbreaking Antarctic expedition for the IceCube Upgrade project

    A groundbreaking venture in Antarctic exploration will see a Thai researcher from Chiang Mai University join an international contingent of 350 scientists from 14 nations, as part of the IceCube Upgrade project at the South Pole. This marks a significant milestone as the first time a Thai researcher will participate in this frontier of scientific discovery. The project, a joint…

  • Northern Thailand NewsPheu Thai MPs urge talks on reopening Preah Vihear temple to tourists

    Pheu Thai MPs urge talks on reopening Preah Vihear temple to tourists

    Seven MPs from Pheu Thai party in Si Sa Ket, a northeastern province of Thailand, have urged Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin to initiate dialogue with the neighbouring Cambodian government. The discussion will focus on enabling travel to the Preah Vihear Temple, situated on the Thailand-Cambodia border. The request was made to Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang during his visit to Pha…

  • Thailand NewsNightlife venues in Thailand extend opening hours to 4am

    Nightlife venues in Thailand extend opening hours to 4am

    Anutin Charnvirakul, the Interior Minister, has expressed his satisfaction with the compliance of business operators and customers to the new opening hours of nightlife venues which now extend to 4am. During an inspection of these venues in Bangkok, including the RCA area along Rama IX Road, he noted that the authorities are diligently checking operating licenses and maintaining public order.…

  • Thailand NewsThai police and health agencies join efforts to tackle rising mental health-related crimes

    Thai police and health agencies join efforts to tackle rising mental health-related crimes

    The Royal Thai Police (RTP) have joined forces with public health agencies, signing a game-changing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to address the escalating issue of individuals with psychological disorders. The initiative aims not only to curb the growing number of attacks but also to ensure those affected receive the vital medical treatment they urgently require. Deputy National Police Chief, Police…

  • Thailand NewsKhon Kaen mayor busted in corruption crackdown

    Khon Kaen mayor busted in corruption crackdown

    The mayor of Chonnabot district municipality, Khon Kaen, finds himself at the epicenter of a corruption scandal. The once-respected official, Khunanon Hinthao, has been apprehended for allegedly scheming a jaw-dropping 30% kickback, amounting to a staggering 300,000 baht, in two CCTV installation projects valued at nearly 1 million baht. The charming facade of Khunanon’s house, doubling as a coffee shop,…

  • Thailand NewsPutin’s AI doppelganger stumps him live: Secret doubles revealed? (video)

    Putin’s AI doppelganger stumps him live: Secret doubles revealed? (video)

    In a jaw-dropping moment at the annual news conference, Russian President Vladimir Putin faced an unexpected challenge on December 14 when an artificial intelligence (AI) clone of himself posed a thought-provoking question. The AI double seized the opportunity during the marathon event, connecting with the Russian leader via video link and leaving the audience in Moscow in stitches as he…

  • Thailand NewsPheu Thai MP in hot water for illicit online campaigning

    Pheu Thai MP in hot water for illicit online campaigning

    The Election Commission (EC) has unleashed legal fury upon Pattana Sapso, the Pheu Thai Party MP for Sakhon Nakhon. The EC’s crackdown comes in the wake of a damning investigation revealing Pattana’s alleged breach of election laws by engaging in prohibited online canvassing just hours before the crucial May 14 general election. The EC’s official statement, released on December 8,…

  • Thailand NewsIndian tourist influx in Thailand surpasses expectations due to visa exemptions

    Indian tourist influx in Thailand surpasses expectations due to visa exemptions

    A significant influx of Indian tourists has been recorded in Thailand, reaching an impressive 1.5 million so far this year, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). This figure surpasses the authority’s initial target, thanks to a newly introduced visa exemption scheme for Indian travellers. TAT’s Executive Director of ASEAN, South Asia, and South Pacific Region, Patsee Permvongsenee, disclosed…

  • Thailand NewsThai PM seeks Japanese investment in country’s EV industry

    Thai PM seeks Japanese investment in country’s EV industry

    Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is set to persuade top Japanese car manufacturers to invest in Thailand’s burgeoning electronic vehicle (EV) industry, boarded a plane to Japan yesterday. The visit, marking his first to Japan since his tenure as prime minister began, coincides with the 50 Years of the Asean-Japan Friendship and Cooperation Commemorative Summit. Accompanying the 61 year old…

  • Thailand NewsUzbek consul general discusses trade and tourism potential with Phuket governor

    Uzbek consul general discusses trade and tourism potential with Phuket governor

    Fakhriddin Sultanov, the Consul General of the Republic of Uzbekistan, made a courtesy visit to the Governor of Phuket, Sophon Suwannarat, yesterday, December 14. The visit marked a momentous occasion for Sultanov as it was his 36th trip to the popular Thai island. The delegation was warmly greeted, and the meeting was aimed at discussing potential cooperation between Phuket and…

  • Thailand NewsThailand’s universal healthcare covers gender-affirming surgery, NHSO confirms

    Thailand’s universal healthcare covers gender-affirming surgery, NHSO confirms

    National Health Security Office (NHSO) Secretary-General, Jadet Thammathataree, clarified that Gender-Affirming Surgery (GAS), commonly referred to as sex reassignment surgery, is covered under Thailand’s universal healthcare scheme for patients diagnosed with gender dysphoria. This clarification comes as an exception to the rule that excludes cosmetic surgeries from the scheme, leading to confusion about whether GAS is considered a cosmetic procedure,…

  • Thailand NewsThailand’s soft power strategy to generate 4 trillion baht across 11 industries

    Thailand’s soft power strategy to generate 4 trillion baht across 11 industries

    Thailand’s soft power is poised for global promotion in 11 industries, with a potential generation of 4 trillion baht, as revealed by Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. The statement was made at a seminar aimed at empowering business operators through the application of soft power, attended by Paetongtarn Shinawatra of the ruling Pheu Thai Party and chair of the national committee…