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.
  • Phuket NewsPhuket downpours wreak havoc, TMD issues repeat weather advisory

    Phuket downpours wreak havoc, TMD issues repeat weather advisory

    Rolling thunder and consecutive downpours continued to wreak havoc in Phuket as the Thailand Meteorological Department (TMD) forecasted heavy rain and strong wind waves in the Andaman Sea through until at least tomorrow. The Phuket downpours announcement came this morning, marking the fifth consecutive wet weather advisory. This series of soaking weather is blamed on the “quite strong” southwest monsoon…

  • Crime NewsFake abduction ransom scams target Thailand university students

    Fake abduction ransom scams target Thailand university students

    University students in Thailand have been coerced into participating in an intricate scam operation, revolving around filming fake abduction videos. The intention was for these videos to be sent to the student’s parents as a means to extort ransom money. The case emerged when a student from the Lat Krabang district was entrapped in the same scheme, resulting in a…

  • Thailand NewsWaterspout disaster: One dead, one missing as Thai tour boat sinks in Bang Ta Boon Bay

    Waterspout disaster: One dead, one missing as Thai tour boat sinks in Bang Ta Boon Bay

    In a tragic waterspout disaster off Ban Laem district, one holidaymaker perished, while another remains unaccounted for following the fateful sinking of a tour boat amid Bang Ta Boon Bay. The calamity took place on Saturday afternoon when a waterspout, an atmospheric oddity resembling a miniature tornado, assailed their vessel. The rather unusual maritime waterspout disaster, highlighted due to its…

  • Thailand NewsPattaya sets 1.9 billion baht budget aiming to revitalise tourism and local economy

    Pattaya sets 1.9 billion baht budget aiming to revitalise tourism and local economy

    Emphasising tourism and local economy stimulation, the city of Pattaya has delineated its budget allocation for the upcoming fiscal year. Paramet Ngampichet, the Mayor of Pattaya City, announced the conclusion with the budget set to be effective from October 1. In a recent meeting participated in by municipality executives, councillors, and local government entities, a resources allotment of 1.9 billion…

  • Thailand NewsRussian woman falls to death from seventh floor in Thai condominium

    Russian woman falls to death from seventh floor in Thai condominium

    A shocking incident unfolded in Sattahip district, Chon Buri, yesterday, when a 32 year old Russian woman reportedly plunged to her death from a seventh floor condominium, as informed by the local law enforcement agencies. The distressing discovery was made at around 7am at a condo situated on Soi Na Jomtien 4 Road in the Na Jomtien subdistrict. The lifeless…

  • Thailand NewsTwo tourists missing as waterspout capsizes boat in Phetchaburi province

    Two tourists missing as waterspout capsizes boat in Phetchaburi province

    In an unfortunate incident in Phetchaburi province, two tourists have gone missing when their tourist boat was capsized by a waterspout while sailing across Bang Ta Boon Bay near the Ban Laem district. The dreadful event occurred on a Saturday afternoon, around 5pm and was reported to the police on emergency number 191. The boat, carrying seven tourists, was in…

  • Crime NewsOnline fraudsters prompt Thailand’s DES Minister to call for halt on unauthorised bank transactions

    Online fraudsters prompt Thailand’s DES Minister to call for halt on unauthorised bank transactions

    Thailand’s Minister of Digital Economy and Society (DES) strongly urged banks to halt unauthorised transactions following a request by their customers. This suggests an effort to mitigate the financial damages inflicted by online fraudsters on unsuspecting victims. The directive comes in light of the recent enactment of the Royal Decree on Cyber Crime Prevention and Suppression, which came into effect…

  • Economy NewsThai tourism embraces easier visa rules, faster approvals for Chinese tourists

    Thai tourism embraces easier visa rules, faster approvals for Chinese tourists

    In a move geared towards promoting Thai tourism, the government has implemented policy changes that lessen the rules for obtaining a tourist visa and slashes approval time for Chinese visitors. Chinese travellers emerged as the majority of international arrivals over the past week, the deputy government spokeswoman, Rachada Dhnadirek, confirmed yesterday. Statistics displayed that 95,581 visitors from China arrived in…

  • Thailand NewsBeach regulations: Pattaya considers time limits due to litter and noise surge

    Beach regulations: Pattaya considers time limits due to litter and noise surge

    Escalating noise levels and litter are being reported on the popular beaches of Pattaya City. As a result, the city council is contemplating the introduction of strict timings for public access to these beaches, in line with the proposed beach regulations. Reports include disturbances from visitors who choose to extend their beach parties into the early hours of the morning.…

  • Thailand NewsGreen airport: Suvarnabhumi’s sustainable future fueled by solar panel installation

    Green airport: Suvarnabhumi’s sustainable future fueled by solar panel installation

    In a decisive move towards clean energy, the Airports of Thailand (AoT) are looking to harness the sun’s power, with the installation of solar rooftop panels on the passenger terminal of Suvarnabhumi Airport. The green airport project is part of a larger crusade intending to derive 20% of the airport’s electricity from renewable sources in the coming two years. Announced…

  • Crime NewsChaipattana fraud: Thai police nab 7 in 1.5 million baht foundation scam

    Chaipattana fraud: Thai police nab 7 in 1.5 million baht foundation scam

    Ten people suspected of running a sham investment scheme, donning the name of the distinguished Chaipattana Foundation, have been apprehended by the Thai police. The Chaipattana fraud team have caused havoc since 2021, deceiving their victims into believing they were investing in development projects in the Northeast region. The Chaipattana fraud revelation came from the police’s top boss, the Crime…

  • Thailand NewsThai PM affirms progress of Eastern Economic Corridor of Innovation

    Thai PM affirms progress of Eastern Economic Corridor of Innovation

    Commendable strides have been achieved in the first five years of the Eastern Economic Corridor of Innovation (EECi), said Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha. He said intense innovation and research activity outlined the success of this endeavour. PM Prayut, alongside Interior Minister, Anupong Paojinda, Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana, Minister of the Prime Minister’s Office, and Labour Minister, Suchart Chomklin embarked on a…

  • Thailand NewsThailand on alert: PM’s rain mandate amid flood concerns

    Thailand on alert: PM’s rain mandate amid flood concerns

    As Thailand braces for a spate of heavy rain and potential flash floods between August 10 to 15, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha initiated a stern mandate to the authorities. PM Prayut is urging the authorities to devise and implement necessary precautions in the wake of the forecasted weather scenario. The PM’s call to action comes amid an alert sounded by…

  • Thailand NewsBuilding dreams: Concrete ideas flow at Pattaya villa meet for Zenith Residences

    Building dreams: Concrete ideas flow at Pattaya villa meet for Zenith Residences

    In a groundbreaking development, a meeting was held yesterday morning to discuss innovative concrete solutions for the construction of the new Zenith Residences Pattaya, a luxury housing project comprising seven large residences. This project is set to introduce construction materials and technical solutions that have never been used before in Thailand’s residential construction sector. The meeting’s focal point was the…

  • Thailand NewsUnprecedented alliance: Thailand and China team up against transnational cybercrime

    Unprecedented alliance: Thailand and China team up against transnational cybercrime

    In a move aimed at suffocating transnational crime, call centre scams and cybercrime, the governments of Thailand and China have come together in an unprecedented cooperative collaboration. Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon yesterday played host to Xu Ganlu, the Vice Minister of Public Security and the hand at the helm of the National Immigration Administration of China. The primary…

  • Transport NewsKoh Samui anticipates 34 billion baht mainland bridge by 2028

    Koh Samui anticipates 34 billion baht mainland bridge by 2028

    Plans to establish a land link to the island of Koh Samui have been in the works for years but now the Express Authority of Thailand (EXAT) held their first public orientation hearing about the Samui Bridge. The blueprint for this project showcases a 20-kilometre bridge, slated for construction in 2028, to connect Koh Samui to the mainland. EXAT chief…

  • Thailand NewsBangkok waterways: 9.32 billion baht expansion plan unveiled

    Bangkok waterways: 9.32 billion baht expansion plan unveiled

    In a proactive move to alleviate traffic congestion in Bangkok, Thailand’s Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP) is set to submit plans for the development of existing and potential canal routes. Underpinning these Bangkok waterways plans is the promotion of passenger boat transportation as a practical solution to the city’s notorious traffic issues. On the specifics of…

  • Thailand NewsPhuket oil spill threatens ecosystem, 4 sea turtles found dead already

    Phuket oil spill threatens ecosystem, 4 sea turtles found dead already

    An oil spill originating from an unverified source, suspected to be a ship, contaminated the shores of Sirinat National Park and Koh Racha Yai. Authorities have already managed to clear up around 3 tonnes of oil. The Deputy Director-General of the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, Pornsri Suthanaruk, met yesterday with experts in maritime and coastal ecosystems, the director…

  • Thailand NewsPrescription for trouble: Hospital director’s defamation verdict

    Prescription for trouble: Hospital director’s defamation verdict

    In a recent ruling, the Criminal Court handed down a sentence to the director of Mongkutwattana Hospital, Major General Doctor Rianthong Nanna, convicting him of defamation offences against Sira Jenjaka, a former Bangkok MP for the Palang Pracharath Party. The judgement includes a prison sentence of five years and a penalty fine amounting to 100,000 baht. However, due to his…

  • Phuket NewsCryptocurrency conundrum: Cyber sleuths collar 25 year old suspect in 1.4 million baht Phuket fraud

    Cryptocurrency conundrum: Cyber sleuths collar 25 year old suspect in 1.4 million baht Phuket fraud

    A burgeoning cryptocurrency fraud case took a significant turn as a 25 year old man was apprehended by the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) in Phuket. Suspected of being a money mule within a criminal operation, authorities allege the man, named Toei, opened a bank account aiding a cryptocurrency fraud enterprise scamming over 1.4 million baht from unsuspecting individuals. The…

  • World NewsSibling surprise: Thailand’s ex-PMs special guests at Cambodian PM’s birthday bash

    Sibling surprise: Thailand’s ex-PMs special guests at Cambodian PM’s birthday bash

    Thailand’s ex-prime minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, and his younger sibling, Yingluck, were notable guests at Cambodian PM’s birthday bash in Phenom Penh at the weekend. Fresh News and The Phnom Penh Post reported yesterday that the 74 year old Thaksin, and his 56 year old sister Yingluck graced the 71st birthday festivities of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen in Ta Khmao,…

  • Phuket NewsCar accident pins Phuket man’s legs in crushed car

    Car accident pins Phuket man’s legs in crushed car

    An investigation is underway to determine the circumstances surrounding a car accident, as a local man from Chalong, Phuket lost control of his vehicle and crashed into a tree. The car crash took place in Mai Khao when the man was entering the island late afternoon. The report of the car accident reached the Tha Chatchai Police at 4.55pm. The…

  • Phuket NewsPatong gunfire: Prime suspect in the incident nabbed after intense manhunt

    Patong gunfire: Prime suspect in the incident nabbed after intense manhunt

    In a recent development in the ongoing investigation into a street shooting that occurred on the morning of August 3 in Patong, Phuket, police arrested the prime suspect. Two men were injured during the gunfire incident and are currently receiving medical care at Patong Hospital. An arrest warrant was issued for 34 year old Nattapong Nachom on Friday, August 4…

  • Thailand NewsExplosion in Yala and Sungai Kolok districts results in two injuries

    Explosion in Yala and Sungai Kolok districts results in two injuries

    In an explosion that shook the districts of Sungai Kolok in Narathiwat and Mueang in Yala on Saturday night, Royal Thai Police (RTP) are currently on the hunt for the individuals behind the incident that left two innocent bystanders injured. The explosion in Sungai Kolok resulted in no causalities, whilst its counterpart in Yala left two innocent bystanders injured, reported…

  • Thailand NewsHua Hin Airport upgrade to attract tourists and boost Thai economy

    Hua Hin Airport upgrade to attract tourists and boost Thai economy

    In a move poised to encourage tourism, Hua Hin Airport, operated by the Department of Airports (DoA), is set for a vast upgrade that will escalate it to international status, as confirmed by acting director Rattapol Charoenphon recently. The Hua Hin Airport has already made significant strides towards this goal, extending its runway to reach a length of 2.1 kilometres…

  • Sports NewsManchester United, Buriram United top football favourites in Thai pre-season survey

    Manchester United, Buriram United top football favourites in Thai pre-season survey

    As the fervent anticipation for the 2023-24 football season begins to resonate amongst fans in Thailand, a recent survey divulges that Manchester United from the English Premier League, and Buriram United from Thai League 1, are the crowd favourites. This comes from a research study conducted by the renowned National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA). The study, which ran between…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket Blood Bank appeals to foreigners for donations amid alarming demand

    Phuket Blood Bank appeals to foreigners for donations amid alarming demand

    In a humanitarian call, the Phuket Blood Bank at the Vachira Phuket Hospital reached out to foreign residents and tourists in Phuket encouraging them to contribute to a blood donation drive on August 8 in Phuket Town, aimed at urgently replenishing the hospital’s blood reserves. The initiative comes with an alarming demand for blood from all groups seen at both…

  • South Thailand NewsCar bomb shock in Narathiwat: No casualties as police close district (video)

    Car bomb shock in Narathiwat: No casualties as police close district (video)

    In Narathiwat, a car bomb detonation led to the temporary closure of a region surrounding the location of a police base situated in Sungai Kolok district. The blast last night fortunately did not result in any injuries or deaths. The incident took place close to Orakan intersection, in proximity to both a rail route and the ad hoc police stronghold…

  • Thailand NewsThai health ministry plans dental hospital in each province to boost care access

    Thai health ministry plans dental hospital in each province to boost care access

    In a bid to tackle the absence of adequate oral health facilities, Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health has unveiled a plan to establish a dental hospital in each of the country’s 77 provinces. Dr Opas Kankawinpong, the ministry’s permanent secretary, underscored the urgent need for increased dental care coverage during a seminar, highlighting that with the current number of dentists,…

  • Thailand NewsClimate change threatens Thailand’s tiger conservation efforts, reveals study

    Climate change threatens Thailand’s tiger conservation efforts, reveals study

    The future conservation of tigers within Thailand’s natural habitats confronts a formidable adversary in the form of climate change, according to Jatuporn Buruspat, the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. Something that is significantly augmenting his concern is the forest fires that relentlessly gnaw away at the territory of these apex predators. In his remarks offered…