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 NewsSadao checkpoint: Entrepreneurs urge continued operation | Thaiger

    Sadao checkpoint: Entrepreneurs urge continued operation

    Songkhla-based entrepreneurs in the Sadao district appealed to the government to keep the old Sadao immigration checkpoint operational alongside the new one. The move aims to stimulate both trade and tourism with Malaysia. The appeal follows the circulation of rumours concerning the government’s intention to close the Sadao checkpoint in preference for the newly constructed border checkpoint. The discussion involved…

  • Thailand NewsEducational inequality sparks call for Thai government investment in human capital | Thaiger

    Educational inequality sparks call for Thai government investment in human capital

    The Equitable Education Fund (EEF) urged the Thai government to bolster investments in human capital to enhance the lives of students belonging to low-income families and curtail educational inequality. The call was made at the annual Equity Forum, held at the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre, to deliberate on the significance of such investments in addressing educational disparities. Kraiyos Patrawart,…

  • Thailand NewsPowering up the tracks: Red Line operator urged to spark commuter surge with enhanced feeder network | Thaiger

    Powering up the tracks: Red Line operator urged to spark commuter surge with enhanced feeder network

    Red Line operator SRT Electrified Train Co was asked by the Transport Ministry to enhance its feeder network to drive an increase in the number of rail passengers within Bangkok. Surapong Piyachote, the Deputy Transport Minister, explained that the SRT Electrified Train Co, in conjunction with the Department of Rail Transport, has charted out plans for an integrated feeder network…

  • Crime NewsBeefed-up border battles: Thailand tightens grip on smuggling surge | Thaiger

    Beefed-up border battles: Thailand tightens grip on smuggling surge

    Government spokesman Chai Wacharonke yesterday revealed an alarming rise in beef smuggling into Thailand, with yearly figures reaching over 100,000 tonnes. This has led to the government committing to tougher actions against the culprits. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin ordered all relevant departments including the Customs Department and Department of Livestock Development, to intensify their efforts in curbing this illegal beef…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket police apprehend duo for vandalising Russian tour buses | Thaiger

    Phuket police apprehend duo for vandalising Russian tour buses

    The tranquil island of Phuket was shaken as two men were seized by police for allegedly vandalising Russian tour buses. The duo was said to be receiving a bounty of 1,000 baht for each vehicle they damaged using a slingshot and ball bearings. They managed to wreak havoc on ten buses before their arrest. The arrests were made following a…

  • Phuket NewsPolice crackdown on drugs and firearms disturbs peace in Phuket | Thaiger

    Police crackdown on drugs and firearms disturbs peace in Phuket

    The tranquil calm of Tambon Thepkrasattri in Phuket was shattered yesterday when Thalang police executed a successful operation against illicit activities. Two individuals were apprehended in the ongoing crackdown against drugs and firearms that has been plaguing the region. The first individual, Surasak “Sak” Nakklap, a 44 year old local from Moo 11, Thepkrasattri, was arrested in the vicinity of…

  • Phuket NewsBurglary busters: Thalang police nab duo, bringing relief to southern Thailand’s crime-weary community | Thaiger

    Burglary busters: Thalang police nab duo, bringing relief to southern Thailand’s crime-weary community

    In a series of successful home burglary crackdowns, Thalang police apprehended two suspects in Thepkrasattri, in southern Thailand. This recent breakthrough in the investigation came as a relief to the local community, which had been plagued by a spate of break-ins and robberies. The two men, 41 year old Anon “Nont” Somphet, a resident of Moo 4, Thepkrasattri, and 44…

  • Phuket NewsDown under dilemma: Australian arrested at Phuket Airport with cocaine stash hidden in passport | Thaiger

    Down under dilemma: Australian arrested at Phuket Airport with cocaine stash hidden in passport

    A 26 year old Australian national found himself in hot water upon his arrival at Phuket International Airport. The arrest came about after a small quantity of cocaine was discovered hidden within his passport by vigilant immigration officers. The young man, whose name was conspicuously absent from the first reports released by the Phuket Immigration Checkpoint officers, was apprehended in…

  • Thailand NewsThai nationals to return from Myanmar amidst military-insurgent clashes | Thaiger

    Thai nationals to return from Myanmar amidst military-insurgent clashes

    The return of 41 Thai nationals, marooned amidst skirmishes between Myanmar military and ethnic insurgent factions in Laukkai, a border town between China and Myanmar, is set to happen today, as stated by the prime minister. These individuals are part of a larger group of 164 Thai nationals, who were rescued by Myanmar officials from illegal employment or human trafficking…

  • Business NewsPopularity of online businesses in Thailand | Thaiger

    Popularity of online businesses in Thailand

    Thailand is rapidly emerging as a digital commerce powerhouse. The growth is fueled by the country’s welcoming approach to global professionals through specialized visa programs, enhancing its appeal as an online business hub. The iGaming sector is a significant contributor to this trend, set to expand by 26.71% by 2027. The growth registered in the iGaming sector is due to…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket locals back proposal for extended nightlife venue operating hours | Thaiger

    Phuket locals back proposal for extended nightlife venue operating hours

    A bustling crowd of over 800 individuals gathered at Kathu Wittaya School in Phuket yesterday, participating in a public forum aimed at gauging sentiment regarding the extension of nightlife venue operating hours to 4am in designated zones. The proposal received unanimous approval from those in attendance, reflecting a collective inclination towards longer nightlife hours. The forum, presided over by Kathu…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket remembers road accident victims and addresses safety concerns | Thaiger

    Phuket remembers road accident victims and addresses safety concerns

    Phuket residents and officials yesterday took part in a poignant event to honour the memory of those lost in road accidents on the island. This gathering was orchestrated by Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat and forms part of the local activities acknowledging the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, although the official global recognition is slated for this coming Sunday,…

  • Phuket NewsBritish national jailed in Phuket for illegal firearm possession | Thaiger

    British national jailed in Phuket for illegal firearm possession

    A British national has been apprehended by Chalong Police in Phuket, Thailand, under an arrest warrant issued by the Phuket Provincial Court for illegal firearm possession and its public display without consent or legitimate reason. The charge against Jamaal (surname not given) stems from an incident where he reportedly dropped a black Glock 19, described by the police as a…

  • Thailand NewsThailand extends visa deadline for migrant workers from four nations | Thaiger

    Thailand extends visa deadline for migrant workers from four nations

    The Ministry of Interior in Thailand declared an extension for migrant workers from Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. The extension allows them to remain in the country while applying for fresh visas and work permits. This decision, announced yesterday, is the Ministry’s response to two new regulations that were disclosed in the Royal Gazette on Monday. According to Traisuree Taisaranakul,…

  • Thailand NewsThailand PM denies rumours of inviting Chinese police for tourist patrols | Thaiger

    Thailand PM denies rumours of inviting Chinese police for tourist patrols

    Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin quashed rumours about inviting Chinese police to patrol the nation’s tourist hotspots. The clarification comes in light of a recent uproar following remarks from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) regarding such an arrangement. PM Srettha, during a visit to San Francisco, revealed that the country’s interest lies solely in collaborating with Chinese police for…

  • Thailand NewsNo bribery found in Sukhumvit Road collapse incident, Bangkok police claim | Thaiger

    No bribery found in Sukhumvit Road collapse incident, Bangkok police claim

    A recent police investigation has concluded that there was no bribery involved in the incident of an overloaded truck causing a cover at a roadworks site on Sukhumvit Road to collapse last week. The truck’s high weight was initially suspected to be due to bribery, which allowed it to exceed the maximum load limit. The suspicion was triggered by a…

  • Thailand NewsMassive manhunt underway for fugitive Chaowalit in Banthad mountain range | Thaiger

    Massive manhunt underway for fugitive Chaowalit in Banthad mountain range

    A massive manhunt involving over 400 police officers and state officials is underway for fugitive Chaowalit Thongduang, also known as Sia Paeng. The search is concentrated on the Banthad mountain range, according to National Police Chief, Police General Torsak Sukvimol, who briefed the press on Monday. The clothes discovered recently within the mountain range have tested positive for Chaowalit’s DNA,…

  • Thailand NewsSino-Thai rail project advances with 13.3km track deal in Ayutthaya | Thaiger

    Sino-Thai rail project advances with 13.3km track deal in Ayutthaya

    The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is set to ink a deal this month with Boonchai Panich (1979) Co Ltd, for the construction of a 13.3-kilometre rail track between Ban Pho and Phra Kaeo in Ayutthaya province. This development is a part of the ambitious Sino-Thai rail project stretching from Bangkok to Nong Khai. Nirut Maneephan, SRT’s governor, unveiled this…

  • Thailand NewsEuropean tourists decline by 50% in Koh Kut amid global tensions | Thaiger

    European tourists decline by 50% in Koh Kut amid global tensions

    A drastic 50% drop in the number of European tourists visiting the Koh Kut district in Trat has been witnessed this year, as reported by the chairman of the Koh Kut administrative organisation. The chairman, who also operates a resort on the island, revealed that around 160,000 to 170,000 tourists visited the district last year, contributing to a revenue of…

  • Phuket NewsShade crusaders: Phuket’s Multicoloured Umbrella Group seeks sun-soaked justice from governor for beachfront comeback | Thaiger

    Shade crusaders: Phuket’s Multicoloured Umbrella Group seeks sun-soaked justice from governor for beachfront comeback

    The sandy shores of Phuket reverberated with a plea for help from a collective of former umbrella vendors, now united as the Multicoloured Umbrella Group. Previously engaged in setting up beach umbrellas at Karon, these individuals are now appealing for the intervention of Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat. Their request? A fair reinstatement to their beachfront locations, allowing them to resume…

  • Thailand NewsThailand prepares for onset of cool season as northern front approaches | Thaiger

    Thailand prepares for onset of cool season as northern front approaches

    Thailand is bracing for a weather shift as a cool front from the north is set to lower temperatures starting tomorrow, signalling the onset of the cool season. This front, according to reports from the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD), was making its way over the region during the weekend, bringing with it strong winds. The shift in weather won’t be…

  • Phuket NewsPawsitively purr-fect: Free pet healthcare initiative wags its tail in Phuket Town | Thaiger

    Pawsitively purr-fect: Free pet healthcare initiative wags its tail in Phuket Town

    Phuket Town, a bustling locale in Thailand, is now the site of an exciting initiative to provide free healthcare services for pets. The service, brought to the community by a mobile clinic, is extending an open invitation to residents to bring their beloved cats and dogs, as well as local strays, for comprehensive medical care. This free pet healthcare initiative…

  • Thailand NewsPTT Plc to turn Laem Chabang into Thailand’s first green port | Thaiger

    PTT Plc to turn Laem Chabang into Thailand’s first green port

    PTT Plc, the Thai state-owned oil and gas company, is set to transform Laem Chabang deep-sea port into a pioneering example of green ports across Thailand. Noppadon Pinsupa, the Chief Operating Officer of PTT’s Downstream Petroleum Business Group, revealed plans yesterday for the development of the GPC International Terminal. The terminal, the victor in the bid for the third phase…

  • Thailand NewsIberdrola highlights hydrogen’s commercialisation challenges despite its green potential | Thaiger

    Iberdrola highlights hydrogen’s commercialisation challenges despite its green potential

    A green and abundant energy source for the future, hydrogen commercialisation is difficult without government subsidies, according to Iberdrola, the world’s third-largest private renewable electric utility provider. The company suggests that hydrogen might not be the ideal energy source for passenger cars, but rather for heavy logistics and industry. Armando Martinez, Iberdrola’s chief executive, acknowledged that hydrogen has been used by…

  • Thailand NewsPTT reinvestment: Diversifying beyond oil and petrochemicals for future growth | Thaiger

    PTT reinvestment: Diversifying beyond oil and petrochemicals for future growth

    National energy conglomerate PTT Plc has initiated a reinvestment phase, eyeing new ventures for future growth. This move follows the stagnation of the company’s traditional businesses, which are primarily centred around the oil refinery and petrochemical sectors. As these avenues have limited potential for enhancing future income, the company emphasises the need for reinvestment. PTT’s President and Chief Executive Officer,…

  • Thailand NewsBreathalyser tests proposed for Thai nightlife venues | Thaiger

    Breathalyser tests proposed for Thai nightlife venues

    The Thai Ministry of Public Health is set to propose a policy where nightclubs and bars wishing to extend their operating hours would be required to administer alcohol breathalyser tests to customers who may be too intoxicated to travel home safely. The proposal also includes the responsibility of these establishments to arrange transportation services for such patrons. The breathalyser tests…

  • Thailand NewsNorth Thailand enforces alcohol ban in major national parks | Thaiger

    North Thailand enforces alcohol ban in major national parks

    A ban on alcohol consumption has been implemented in seven prime national parks across North Thailand to curb littering and maintain a tranquil environment for visitors. The ban, which applies to all visitors, was put into effect in 2021 by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP). According to Songkran Pakchokdee, the director of StopDrink Network, an…

  • Thailand NewsThai labour committee proposes flat rate minimum wage increase to 492 baht | Thaiger

    Thai labour committee proposes flat rate minimum wage increase to 492 baht

    Workers’ representative and adviser to the Thai Labour Solidarity Committee (TLSC), Chalee Loysoong, has called for a nationwide flat rate minimum wage increase to 492 baht. Arguing that this will bolster purchasing power, he suggests it as a more sustainable strategy than the government’s proposed one-time 10,000 baht cash handout scheme, particularly when factoring in the multiplier effect. Chalee reassured…

  • Thailand NewsGovernment counters MFP allegations over 10,000 baht digital handout scheme | Thaiger

    Government counters MFP allegations over 10,000 baht digital handout scheme

    A counter-strike against the Move Forward Party’s (MFP) allegations has been launched by the government, concerning the unlikely reception of its 10,000 baht digital money handout. The opposition party has claimed that the government, with the details of the scheme unveiled on Friday, is attempting to backpedal on its promise of financial assistance. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin rebuked MFP Deputy…

  • Thailand NewsDeath toll of Thai workers in Israel rises to 39 | Thaiger

    Death toll of Thai workers in Israel rises to 39

    The death toll of Thai nationals working in Israel has tragically risen to 39, as confirmed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA). The Thai embassy in Tel Aviv reported this information yesterday, following the identification of an additional five Thai citizens among the victims by Israeli authorities. As of now, in addition to the reported deaths, 19 Thais have…