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 NewsSurvey reveals half of Thai workers unprepared for retirement | Thaiger

    Survey reveals half of Thai workers unprepared for retirement

    In a startling revelation, a recent survey conducted by the Faculty of Commerce and Accountancy at Chulalongkorn University has unveiled a concerning truth – a staggering 50% of working-age Thais are not financially equipped for retirement. The implications are dire, as experts warn of the impending challenges faced by the nation’s ageing population. The survey, involving 2,400 participants nationwide, disclosed…

  • Thailand NewsPhuket paradise beckons: TAT teams up with Saudia Airlines for tourism extravaganza | Thaiger

    Phuket paradise beckons: TAT teams up with Saudia Airlines for tourism extravaganza

    The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has joined forces with Saudia Airlines, setting their sights on a jaw-dropping target of 300,000 arrivals and a staggering 27.68 billion baht in revenue. TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool revealed ambitious plans after a high-stakes meeting in Riyadh with Saudia Airlines bigwigs. Thapanee disclosed discussions that could make this a game-changer for Saudi tourists seeking…

  • Thailand NewsYoung firefighter steals hearts and extinguishes flames | Thaiger

    Young firefighter steals hearts and extinguishes flames

    Capturing the internet’s attention, six year old Peerapat, a kindergarten student at Wat U-Tapao Kindergarten in Chon Buri, has become a viral sensation after a video of him extinguishing a forest fire alongside adult firefighters surfaced on social media. The video, shared on Thai social media on December 18, has amassed over 2 million views, turning Peerapat into a symbol…

  • Thailand NewsExplosive growth in Thai insurance industry predicted for 2024 | Thaiger

    Explosive growth in Thai insurance industry predicted for 2024

    The Thai General Insurance Association (TGIA) has foreseen an unprecedented surge in the insurance industry, with premiums expected to skyrocket to 303 billion baht in 2024. The TGIA president, Somporn Suebthawilkul, revealed the industry’s trajectory, unveiling that premiums for the initial nine months of this year already hit a whopping 210 billion baht, marking a staggering 5.2% rise from the…

  • Crime NewsThai police warn about rise in deepfake AI related crime | Thaiger

    Thai police warn about rise in deepfake AI related crime

    The Royal Thai Police (RTP) has issued a public warning about the potential rise in crime related to advanced deepfake AI technology. This technology, capable of swapping faces and mimicking voices, is feared to be the next tool for scammers in the coming year. The warning stemmed from the national police chief Pol Gen Torsak Sukvimol’s concerns, which were communicated…

  • Thailand NewsLava bypasses town, dodges devastation in Iceland volcanic eruption | Thaiger

    Lava bypasses town, dodges devastation in Iceland volcanic eruption

    A massive volcanic eruption in Iceland seems to have spared the only town in its path, offering a glimmer of hope for the residents of Grindavik. Geologists and rescue officials are now breathing a sigh of relief as the lava takes an unexpected detour away from the vulnerable town. The explosive volcanic eruption, which rocked the Reykjanes peninsula on the…

  • Thailand NewsThai military launches early retirement scheme funded by 600 million baht | Thaiger

    Thai military launches early retirement scheme funded by 600 million baht

    The Defence Ministry is advancing with an initiative to streamline the Thai military, proposing the allocation of 600 million baht from the central budget to facilitate an early retirement scheme over the next three years. Defence Minister, Sutin Klungsang, unveiled the strategy as a crucial part of the plan to reduce and optimise the military force, with the initial phase…

  • Thailand NewsThailand and Cambodia to resume talks over disputed Gulf region | Thaiger

    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 NewsThe hidden struggle of Thailand’s overlooked workforce | Thaiger

    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 | Thaiger

    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…

  • Phuket NewsMan disrupts tranquillity on Soi Ta-iad, Phuket with knife | Thaiger

    Man disrupts tranquillity on Soi Ta-iad, Phuket with knife

    Late in the afternoon yesterday, an unusual spectacle unfolded on Soi Ta-iad in Chalong, Phuket. A visibly agitated, physically imposing man was seen storming down the street, brandishing a nine-inch knife. The sight served as a jarring interruption to the tranquillity typically enjoyed by the fitness enthusiasts and athletes training in Muay Thai and MMA on this street. The local…

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

    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…

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

    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 | Thaiger

    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 NewsHuawei Cloud Thailand partners with MDES to boost AI tech development | Thaiger

    Huawei Cloud Thailand partners with MDES to boost AI tech development

    A partnership has been forged between Huawei Cloud Thailand and the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (MDES), aimed at propelling the development of cloud and artificial intelligence (AI) technology. This collaboration is part of a broader vision to establish Thailand as a prominent hub for AI in the region. The partnership was formalized through a memorandum of understanding (MoU)…

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

    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…

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

    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 | Thaiger

    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…

  • Economy NewsPork price crash in Thailand due to rampant smuggling | Thaiger

    Pork price crash in Thailand due to rampant smuggling

    A nationwide crash in pork prices, sparked by rampant smuggling, is wreaking havoc on the livelihoods of hog farmers throughout Thailand. The illegal import of pork not only undermines local farmers but also poses a significant public health risk due to the potential for contamination. The Deputy Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister, Chaiya Phromma, addressed the issue in a conversation with…

  • Thailand NewsThai government considers extending nightlife hours | Thaiger

    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 NewsThai farmer crafts cat and fish image from rainbow seedlings in rice field | Thaiger

    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 | Thaiger

    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…

  • Northern Thailand NewsThirteen drug traffickers killed in Myanmar border operation | Thaiger

    Thirteen drug traffickers killed in Myanmar border operation

    In a dramatic turn of events, a drug suppression operation near the Myanmar border in Mae Fa Luang district, Chiang Rai, resulted in the death of thirteen drug traffickers on Saturday night. Pha Muang Task Force commander, Praphat Phobsuwan made the statement yesterday. The operation, executed by the Pha Muang Task Force’s Thap Chao Tak unit, took place at Pang…

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

    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…

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

    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 | Thaiger

    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 NewsThailand’s soft power strategy under fire: Experts advocate for creative economy | Thaiger

    Thailand’s soft power strategy under fire: Experts advocate for creative economy

    The Srettha Thavisin administration’s strategy of bolstering the economy through soft power is under scrutiny, as experts at a recent seminar suggested the concept is impractical and unclear. Seksan Anantasirikiat, Advertising Director at the Korean Association of Thai Studies (KATS), recommended a shift in focus towards promoting Thailand’s creative economy. The government, he suggested, should rebrand its strategy to reflect…

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

    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 NewsKhon Kaen mayor busted in corruption crackdown | Thaiger

    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) | Thaiger

    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…