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 NewsFour Thai workers released from Hamas captivity | Thaiger

    Four Thai workers released from Hamas captivity

    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Thailand confirmed the release of four Thai workers today, previously held captive by Hamas militants. The release occurred yesterday evening, as reported by the Royal Thai Embassy situated in Tel Aviv, Israel. The freed workers – Paiboon Ratnil, Kong Saelao, Chakraphan Sikhena, and Chalermchai Saengkaew – underwent a medical examination at an Israeli hospital.…

  • Thailand NewsNationwide security guards training initiative kicks off with labour of love from ministry, police, and army | Thaiger

    Nationwide security guards training initiative kicks off with labour of love from ministry, police, and army

    A nationwide training initiative targeting security guards is set to be launched, courtesy of the Labour Ministry, police force, and army. This initiative, aimed at improving the skill set of guards, was discussed yesterday in a meeting convened by Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn. Also in attendance were Watcharapol Bussamongkol, ex-president of the Security Services Association of Thailand (SSAT), and representatives…

  • Thailand NewsBangkok MP’s challenge to Computer Crime Act dismissed by Constitutional Court | Thaiger

    Bangkok MP’s challenge to Computer Crime Act dismissed by Constitutional Court

    Bangkok MP Rukchanok Srinork, representing the main opposition Move Forward Party (MFP), faced a setback yesterday when the Constitutional Court dismissed her petition concerning the constitutionality of Section 14 of the Computer Crime Act. The court’s decision came via the Criminal Court, which is currently presiding over a case against Rukchanok. The charges against Rukchanok, stemming from a tweet she…

  • Thailand NewsUnforeseen transfer of DSI chief prompts investigation into pork smuggling | Thaiger

    Unforeseen transfer of DSI chief prompts investigation into pork smuggling

    The abrupt transfer of Department of Special Investigation (DSI) director-general Police Major Suriya Singhakamol has prompted the House Committee on Agriculture and Cooperatives to seek answers from the government. Pol. Maj. Suriya’s reassignment came into the limelight immediately after he conducted a search related to the smuggling of pork at the CP Axtra Plc headquarters, previously known as Siam Makro.…

  • Thailand NewsSouthern Thailand battles surge in whooping cough cases | Thaiger

    Southern Thailand battles surge in whooping cough cases

    A surge in pertussis cases, commonly known as whooping cough, has prompted public health bodies to urge individuals, particularly in southern Thailand, to get vaccinated. So far this year, almost 100 Thai residents have been diagnosed with the infectious disease. The Disease Control Department disclosed yesterday that there have been 93 confirmed cases of pertussis between January 1 and November…

  • Thailand NewsThai police bust major drug ring, seize assets worth 100 million baht | Thaiger

    Thai police bust major drug ring, seize assets worth 100 million baht

    A notorious drug ring operating in the provinces of Pathum Thani and Yala was disrupted by Thai police, leading to the confiscation of assets amounting to nearly 100 million baht. Eight individuals, including the 32 year old alleged ringleader, were arrested across seven locations. The arrests, executed yesterday, November 27, were the result of warrants issued by the Yala Provincial…

  • Thailand NewsBangkok MP Chaiyamphawan joins Thai Progress Party following MFP expulsion | Thaiger

    Bangkok MP Chaiyamphawan joins Thai Progress Party following MFP expulsion

    Bangkok MP Chaiyamphawan Manpianjit faces expulsion from the opposition Move Forward Party (MFP) following accusations of sexual harassment. The MP has now found a new political home, joining another party, a move that ensures he retains his position in the House. The announcement about Chaiyamphawan’s shift to a new party was made late last night, November 28, by his spokesperson,…

  • Phuket NewsPervy Phuket man arrested for string of motorbike assaults | Thaiger

    Pervy Phuket man arrested for string of motorbike assaults

    Police in Thalang, Phuket, arrested a Thai man in connection with an unsettling string of assaults on women. The suspect, a 34 year old man was apprehended for a series of incidents in which he pursued women on motorbikes and molested them. The Thalang Police Department launched an investigation after seven women reported being assaulted in a similar situation over…

  • Thailand NewsTwo more Thai hostages released from conflict in Gaza | Thaiger

    Two more Thai hostages released from conflict in Gaza

    Foreign Affairs Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara today celebrated the release of two more Thai hostages from the conflict in Gaza. Their release was facilitated by a temporary truce between Israel and Hamas. Deputy Prime Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara conveyed his joy at the Thai hostages’ release via the social media platform Twitter (X). The 66 year old Bangkok-born politician expressed his delight…

  • Thailand NewsGas protest: Public transport fleets roll up to Government House against rising NGV prices | Thaiger

    Gas protest: Public transport fleets roll up to Government House against rising NGV prices

    Hundreds of public transport vehicles, led by several operators’ associations, converged outside Thailand’s Government House yesterday in a demonstration against soaring natural gas for vehicles NGV prices. The protestors, who included representatives of provincial and city public van operators, as well as bus, mini-bus, and songthaew associations, demanded a reduction in the NGV price from nearly 20 baht per kilogramme…

  • Thailand NewsThailand’s civil servants to receive 20% salary increase over two years | Thaiger

    Thailand’s civil servants to receive 20% salary increase over two years

    Newly recruited civil servants in Thailand are set to receive a salary increase of 20% over the next two years. The decision, approved by the Cabinet, was announced by Danucha Pichayanan, the secretary-general of the National Economic and Social Development Council. The proposed plan by the Office of the Civil Service Commission (OCSC) is to increase salaries by 10% annually…

  • World NewsChild abductions: Ukraine’s first lady spotlights Russian actions | Thaiger

    Child abductions: Ukraine’s first lady spotlights Russian actions

    Olena Zelenska, the First Lady of Ukraine, urged the global community, particularly Asian nations, to remain alert to the situation in Ukraine. Amid its full-scale invasion, she revealed alarming instances of child abductions, with Ukrainian children being kidnapped by Russia. Her appeal, primarily directed at the international community, aims at keeping the attention on Ukraine instead of other global issues.…

  • Thailand NewsThai official raises concern over Chinese film’s impact on tourism (video) | Thaiger

    Thai official raises concern over Chinese film’s impact on tourism (video)

    Puangpet Chunlaiad, Office Minister of the Prime Minister, raised concerns with Chinese Ambassador Han Zhiqiang about the potential impact of the Chinese film No More Bets on tourism in Thailand. The meeting took place at the Government House yesterday, November 27. Puangpet expressed her concerns about the movie’s portrayal of fraudulent activities, human trafficking, organ trading, call scams, and high-profile…

  • Thailand NewsFloats farewell: Bangkok’s Loy Krathong cleanup sees 640,000 eco-friendly wonders whisked away | Thaiger

    Floats farewell: Bangkok’s Loy Krathong cleanup sees 640,000 eco-friendly wonders whisked away

    Following the Loy Krathong Festival Bangkok’s waterways were cleared of nearly 640,000 Krathongs, most of which were crafted from natural, biodegradable materials. In addition, over 3,000 digital Krathongs were seen floating in Klong Ong Ang, yesterday (November 27). Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) employees got to work at 8pm on the festival night and collected and sorted through the traditional floating…

  • Phuket NewsRussian man dies in Phuket motorbike accident involving Chinese tourists | Thaiger

    Russian man dies in Phuket motorbike accident involving Chinese tourists

    A fatal collision on Kata Hill, Phuket has claimed the life of a Russian man after his motorbike collided with a passenger van carrying six Chinese tourists, on Saturday, November 25, according to Phuket Tourist Police. The incident took place on the stretch between Kata and Chalong, and while the specifics of the collision are yet to be revealed by…

  • Thailand NewsThai NBTC to investigate 40,000 numbers linked to SMS and phone scams | Thaiger

    Thai NBTC to investigate 40,000 numbers linked to SMS and phone scams

    The Thai National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) is poised to probe 40,000 numbers, suspected to be instrumental in SMS and phone scams, to apprehend the main culprits. A meeting was recently held by an NBTC subcommittee to discuss the data collected on these alleged scam phone numbers. Key representatives from law enforcement agencies, the central bank and mobile phone…

  • Thailand News7km bridge over Songkhla Lake to boost southern Thailand transport | Thaiger

    7km bridge over Songkhla Lake to boost southern Thailand transport

    Plans are underway to construct a 7 kilometre bridge over Songkhla Lake starting next year, a project aimed at enhancing regional transport in southern Thailand. This proposal includes a commitment to protect the local environment and wildlife, particularly the endangered Irrawaddy dolphins living within the lake. The Department of Rural Roads (DRR) has formed a pact with four other state…

  • Thailand NewsThai hostages freed: House Speaker’s gratitude shines in Hamas release | Thaiger

    Thai hostages freed: House Speaker’s gratitude shines in Hamas release

    The release of three Thai hostages held by Hamas was greeted with relief and expressions of gratitude by House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha. This event, which happened Sunday night, brings the total number of liberated Thai hostages to 17, leaving 15-16 still in captivity. The House Speaker is optimistic about their liberation during the next ceasefire between Israel and…

  • Thailand NewsPhuket Crime Free scheme unveiled to ensure tourist safety during peak season | Thaiger

    Phuket Crime Free scheme unveiled to ensure tourist safety during peak season

    Phuket has launched the Phuket Crime Free scheme, an initiative aimed at safeguarding international tourists during the peak season. The Memorandum of Understanding was signed on Monday, bringing together both governmental and private sector entities. Among those involved are the provincial administration, provincial police, tourism police, immigration office, and provincial land department office. Private sector representatives include the Phuket Chamber…

  • Phuket NewsSurin Beach sunbeds mysteriously vanish, sparking tourist speculation in Phuket | Thaiger

    Surin Beach sunbeds mysteriously vanish, sparking tourist speculation in Phuket

    A sudden and unexplained removal of sunbeds from the popular Surin Beach in Phuket has left tourists and locals alike perplexed. The event occurred last week, with only one operator, the Surin Beach Club, left unaffected, leading to a surge in inquiries and speculation. The mystery deepens as the Cherng Talay Tambon Administration Organisation (Cherng Talay OrBorTor), the local government…

  • Phuket NewsDouble trouble no more: MMA Askhabov twins emerge unscathed from torture conspiracy charges | Thaiger

    Double trouble no more: MMA Askhabov twins emerge unscathed from torture conspiracy charges

    Renowned MMA fighter Khusein Askhabov, and his identical twin, Khasan, have been released unscathed following charges of conspiracy to torture and extortion. The Askhabov brothers’ release was broadcast on a Russian-language social media platform, as verified by the sports channel Red Fury MMA. The charges originated from an incident involving the alleged invasion of an Italian man’s villa by three Kazakh…

  • Thailand NewsThai government to construct new elevated tollways by 2028 | Thaiger

    Thai government to construct new elevated tollways by 2028

    The Thai Transport Ministry unveiled plans to construct two new elevated tollways to improve commuting in the country. These tollways will be built from Pathum Thani to Ayutthaya and from Nonthaburi to western Bangkok, with a combined estimated cost of 87 billion baht. The announcement was made by the Transport Minister, Suriya Juangroongruangkit, who laid out the details of the…

  • Thailand NewsThree more Thai hostages freed from Hamas captivity in Israel | Thaiger

    Three more Thai hostages freed from Hamas captivity in Israel

    The Foreign Ministry of Thailand today announced the release of three additional Thai nationals, Wichian Temthong, Surin Kesungnoen and Pornsawan Pinakalo, from Hamas’ captivity. This brings the total number of freed Thai hostages to 17. Upon their release, the trio were admitted to an Israeli hospital for medical check-ups. These individuals were among a group of 17 hostages released yesterday,…

  • Phuket NewsRescue mission swiftly saves sailors after catamaran hits rocks off Thailand | Thaiger

    Rescue mission swiftly saves sailors after catamaran hits rocks off Thailand

    A maritime accident off the coast of Thailand’s Krabi province led to a swift and successful rescue mission by the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) and Koh Lanta National Park officials last Thursday. The incident involved a Phuket-based sailing catamaran called Lady Miya, which hit a rocky outcrop on Koh Ha island, jeopardizing the safety of its six passengers. The alert…

  • Phuket NewsCleanup: Over four tonnes of rubbish cleared from Rang Kai Bay, Phuket | Thaiger

    Cleanup: Over four tonnes of rubbish cleared from Rang Kai Bay, Phuket

    This past weekend the serene Rang Kai Bay, located at Koh Racha Noi to the south of Phuket, bore witness to a significant environmental action. More than four tonnes of rubbish and debris were hauled away from this picturesque locale, a hotspot for dive tourism, during an extensive beach and underwater cleanup. The leading figure behind this endeavour was none…

  • Thailand NewsSound investment: Thai benefactors hit the high notes with Mahidol University’s new musical theatre | Thaiger

    Sound investment: Thai benefactors hit the high notes with Mahidol University’s new musical theatre

    A new musical theatre has been unveiled at the College of Music, Mahidol University, made possible with the backing of benefactors Dr Somsak and Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul. The Black Box Theater by Dr Somsak & Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul was inaugurated by Khunying Patama, accompanied by esteemed guests like Prasop Riangngoen, the Director of the Office of Contemporary Arts and Culture from…

  • Thailand NewsPeace dialogue: Chatchai to head panel in far south, says PM Srettha | Thaiger

    Peace dialogue: Chatchai to head panel in far south, says PM Srettha

    Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin appointed Chatchai Bangchuad, the deputy secretary-general of the National Security Council (NSC), as the head of the government’s peace dialogue panel in the far South, replacing Gen Wanlop Rugsanaoh. The latter’s term concluded after the constitution of the new government. Despite two former Fourth Army chiefs being among the proposed candidates, the 61 year old prime…

  • Thailand NewsThai deputy PM raises concerns over MFP’s political amnesty bill | Thaiger

    Thai deputy PM raises concerns over MFP’s political amnesty bill

    Thailand Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai expressed reservations about the Move Forward Party’s (MFP) political amnesty bill. The MFP, led by Chaithawat Tulathon, proposed an amnesty for individuals involved in politically motivated incidents dating back to the protests of February 2006. This proposition was initially introduced last year and is now under consideration for parliamentary debate. Phumtham stated that while…

  • Thailand NewsTham Luang cave set to welcome tourists to historic rescue site | Thaiger

    Tham Luang cave set to welcome tourists to historic rescue site

    The renowned Tham Luang cave in Chiang Rai province, Thailand, the site of the gripping Wild Boars football team rescue five years ago, is set to welcome tour groups to Chamber 3 on December 15. This initiative is led by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation. Athapol Charoenchansa, Department’s Director-General, revealed that from December 15, small groups…

  • Thailand NewsFour more Thai workers freed by Hamas, confirms UK Foreign Ministry | Thaiger

    Four more Thai workers freed by Hamas, confirms UK Foreign Ministry

    The Hamas group released another four Thai workers from their captivity yesterday, according to a statement made by Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Kanchama Patarachoke today. The announcement was based on a report from the Thai embassy in Tel Aviv. The spokesperson, who also heads the Department of Information, indicated that upon their release, Israeli officials admitted the four Thai nationals to…