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 NewsBlue Flag market unveiled by Phuket to combat rising costs

    Blue Flag market unveiled by Phuket to combat rising costs

    Phuket is preparing to host a monthly special market dubbed the “Blue Flag.” The market is hoped to bring an economic lifeline to the less affluent residents of the city as they struggle with the inflating prices of common household essentials. The Phuket Provincial Commerce Office has taken the initiative of kick-starting the Blue Flag market beginning from the first week…

  • Bangkok NewsBangkok’s 10-year plan to send wiring underground

    Bangkok’s 10-year plan to send wiring underground

    A recent announcement from the Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) suggests dramatic changes are underway for Thailand’s capital city. The notable shift to laying 1,454 kilometres of electrical wires underground is reportedly expected to take place over the coming decade, in an ambitious effort to streamline electricity provision to the three provinces in the Greater Bangkok area: Bangkok, Nonthaburi and Samut…

  • Thailand NewsPhuket island relocation tackles rampant macaque issue in Phetchaburi communities

    Phuket island relocation tackles rampant macaque issue in Phetchaburi communities

    In what’s being hailed as a successful initiative, multiple crab-eating macaques have been relocated from communities within Phetchaburi to an island in Phuket, under a pilot project. The venture has cleared the road for the relocation of more from the rapidly increasing macaque population in the province, as well as the neighbouring Prachuap Khiri Khan, according to the Ministry of…

  • Thailand NewsEl Nino: Thailand combats dry spell with robust water management for EEC

    El Nino: Thailand combats dry spell with robust water management for EEC

    As Thailand grapples with the El Nino weather phenomenon, the Royal Irrigation Department (RID) assures unwavering water supply for the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC). Despite the current weather conditions likely to persist from October to April of next year, the RID is poised to mitigate the impacts with diligent water management. Prapit Chanma, the director-general of the RID, assured yesterday…

  • Thailand NewsThailand’s environment ministry orders removal of illegal resorts in Phu Thap Boek

    Thailand’s environment ministry orders removal of illegal resorts in Phu Thap Boek

    A mandate for the deconstruction of three illegal resorts in the favoured hillside tourist destination, Phu Thap Boek, has been decreed by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. The said resorts, located in the Phetchabun province, were brought to the notice of the authorities due to tourist complaints about obtrusive constructions blocking views. On Wednesday, the Minister of Environment,…

  • Economy NewsSaudi-Phuket direct flights set to launch as Thai diplomacy thaws

    Saudi-Phuket direct flights set to launch as Thai diplomacy thaws

    Direct flights between Saudi Arabia and Phuket International Airport are slated to start in October, as announced by Monchai Tanode, the director of the airport. The Saudi-Phuket flights initiative is significant, marking the first-ever direct commercial flights between Saudi Arabia and Phuket since diplomatic relations were restored in the previous year. The foremost direct flight to Phuket will be facilitated…

  • Phuket NewsCabinet approves extended holiday boosting Phuket’s economy by 2.2 billion baht

    Cabinet approves extended holiday boosting Phuket’s economy by 2.2 billion baht

    News from the Thai island of Phuket brings to attention a myriad of fascinating events that transpired yesterday, headlined by an extended holiday receiving the Cabinet’s approval. The long holidays have reportedly been known to promote expenditure within Phuket, with conjecture claiming an economic boost of close to 2.2 billion baht. Due to the surge in local activities, however, Vachira…

  • Politics NewsHouse speaker warns Thai MPs against ‘cobra’ behaviour in Parliament

    House speaker warns Thai MPs against ‘cobra’ behaviour in Parliament

    The President of the Parliament, Wan Muhamad Noor Matha, who also carries the title of House Speaker, has issued a stark warning to Thai MPs against breaching the peoples’ trust by becoming “cobras,” within the parliamentary chambers. Speaking to attendees of a seminar addressing the roles and obligations of MPs, Wan declared that true power belongs to citizens, who exercise…

  • Bangkok NewsBangkok governor orders strict checks on Chinese-backed businesses after viral TikTok backlash

    Bangkok governor orders strict checks on Chinese-backed businesses after viral TikTok backlash

    In light of a viral TikTok video featuring a Chinese expat’s perspective on life in Thailand, Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt issued an instruction for the Huai Khwang district chief to stringently impose laws on Chinese-backed businesses. This decision occurred yesterday and was instigated by a filmed review of Thailand’s day-to-day life from a non-Thai-speaking Chinese resident’s viewpoint. Showcasing his day-to-day…

  • Thailand NewsThai state bodies unite to curb money laundering via digital assets

    Thai state bodies unite to curb money laundering via digital assets

    In an unprecedented act of collaboration, five Thai state bodies are colluding to tackle illicit fiscal operations and money laundering across national frontiers, reveals Traisuree Taisaranakul, the deputy government spokeswoman. The cooperative pact encompasses the Royal Thai Police (RTP), the Revenue Department, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Anti-Money Laundering Office (Amlo), and the Bank of Thailand (BoT). Traisuree…

  • Thailand NewsThailand prepares warm welcome for Sak Surin

    Thailand prepares warm welcome for Sak Surin

    The National Resource and Environment Ministry in Thailand announced plans to organise a Bai Sri Su Khwan welcoming ceremony for Sak Surin, a 30 year old elephant, following the conclusion of his 30-day quarantine duration. This information was put forth by Natural Resources and Environment Minister Varawut Silpa-archa. Additionally, it was hinted that the festivities will take place at the Thai…

  • Phuket NewsAustralian ambassador makes a splash on World Drowning Prevention Day in Phuket

    Australian ambassador makes a splash on World Drowning Prevention Day in Phuket

    The Australian Ambassador to Thailand was in Phuket yesterday to observe the World Drowning Prevention Day. Dr Angela Macdonald watched from the sidelines as yesterday’s ceremony was conducted to draw attention to the importance of safety measures in averting drownings, and to remember the dramatic yet deep-seated effects these incidents have on individuals and neighbourhoods. Phuket’s Vice Governor, Danai Sunantarod,…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket Airport accelerates taxi services with dedicated pickup zone

    Phuket Airport accelerates taxi services with dedicated pickup zone

    In a recent move to regulate taxi services in Phuket, Phuket International Airport put its foot on the accelerator and introduced a dedicated zone allocated for legally permissible taxis to facilitate the pickup of tourists. The news, revealed yesterday, came from a statement published by the airport itself, which was shared by Phuket MP, Somchart Techathavorncharoen. The statement, which was…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket officials honour King Vajiralongkorn’s birthday with environmental tribute

    Phuket officials honour King Vajiralongkorn’s birthday with environmental tribute

    As Thailand prepares for the 71st birthday of His Majesty King Vajiralongkorn this Friday, July 28, Phuket officials are leading their respective communities in tributes and activities to honour the royal occasion. In the Baan Kuku area of Ratsada, Phuket Vice Governor Danai Sunantarod directed various initiatives yesterday alongside local volunteers, community members, and organisations to pay tribute to His…

  • Thailand NewsOrange Line rail project prevails in court over BTSC dispute

    Orange Line rail project prevails in court over BTSC dispute

    Bangkok’s Orange Line rail project has seen a court decision emerge in its favour. The Central Administrative Court announced its backing for the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA). The decision came in response to a lawsuit filed by Bangkok Mass Transit System Plc (BTSC). In the legal dispute, BTSC accused the MRTA of unjustly altering the terms of…

  • Thailand NewsThailand’s underprivileged children gain new opportunities as schools gain royal patronage

    Thailand’s underprivileged children gain new opportunities as schools gain royal patronage

    In a significant move to boost educational opportunities for underprivileged children in Thailand, nine schools yesterday were inducted under royal patronage, observed Education Minister, Trinuch Thienthon. Trinuch on Monday, officiated an announcement concerning a significant change in the identities of these schools following their adoption by the Rajaprajanugroh Foundation under Royal Patronage. The educational establishments, originally known as Sueksa Songkhro…

  • Crime NewsPhuket Police apprehend man with homemade firearm and meth pills

    Phuket Police apprehend man with homemade firearm and meth pills

    Phuket, generally known for its phenomenal beaches and vibrant nightlife, was the scene of a rather more dramatic event. Thalang Police are running a critical investigation that led to the arrest of a man armed with a homemade firearm and in possession of two methamphetamine pills in Srisoonthorn, Thalang district. Boonmee Saenglao, a 42 year old native of Khon Kaen…

  • Thailand NewsSweet victory: Thailand to host IDF World Diabetes Congress 2025

    Sweet victory: Thailand to host IDF World Diabetes Congress 2025

    In a breakthrough for the medical fraternity of Southeast Asia, Thailand won the privilege to play host to the preeminent IDF World Diabetes Congress 2025. This will be the first time a nation from this region has been chosen as the venue. The event is projected to draw in approximately 10,000 international participants, generating an economic windfall surpassing 420 million baht.…

  • Thailand NewsBuzz off dengue: Thailand’s public health ministry launches mosquito massacre

    Buzz off dengue: Thailand’s public health ministry launches mosquito massacre

    In an attempt to combat a swiftly rising number of dengue fever cases in Thailand, the Public Health Ministry initiated an aggressive campaign to eradicate mosquitoes. The nationwide surge of infections, which is experiencing an increase of an estimated 5,000 incidences each week, prompted this decisive action, according to Thares Krassanairavirong, the Disease Control Department’s director-general. The provinces that have…

  • Crime NewsPhuket couple held with thousands of meth pills and illegal firearm

    Phuket couple held with thousands of meth pills and illegal firearm

    In the early hours of yesterday, a man and woman were apprehended in Phuket, Thailand, after they were discovered to be in possession of 27,000 Yaba pills, an illegal form of methamphetamine, and over 900 grams of ya ice, a form of crystal meth. The duo, namely 39 year old Wirawong “Nueng’ Noichan,” who is a resident of Prabaramee Road,…

  • Thailand NewsThai police net 966 in nationwide operation against illegal firearms

    Thai police net 966 in nationwide operation against illegal firearms

    In a month-long nationwide operation spanning from July 1, Thai police have succeeded in apprehending 966 individuals and seizing a notable amount of illegal firearms and ammunition. The operation’s deputy leader, Police General Torsak Sukwimol, delivered an update on the progress on Sunday. As of July 21, officers have sought out 1,658 targets across the country, netting nearly a thousand…

  • Phuket NewsSafety fears rise as key Phuket boat tour facility Chalong Pier sinks again

    Safety fears rise as key Phuket boat tour facility Chalong Pier sinks again

    In Thailand, Chalong Pier, a key Phuket boat tour facility is under scrutiny as concerns are being raised about the potential safety hazards it poses. The main pontoon, used by tourists to board tour boats, is reportedly sinking again and is visibly covered in rust. The pontoon in question had previously gone under reparations last year when it started sinking.…

  • Phuket NewsBluebottle influx at Phuket’s Layan Beach: officials urge caution

    Bluebottle influx at Phuket’s Layan Beach: officials urge caution

    Layan Beach has seen the arrival of Portuguese man-o-war, commonly referred to as ‘bluebottles’, washed ashore by the tide. Beachgoers are urged to observe caution and remain vigilant in light of this current issue. This concern was brought to the public awareness by an avid reader of Phuket News who discovered four to five bluebottles on the shoreline on a…

  • Thailand NewsThai court mandates repositioning of wild elephant within 15 days

    Thai court mandates repositioning of wild elephant within 15 days

    The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) of Thailand is facing a new directive from the Nakhon Si Thammarat Administrative Court. The court ruling mandates the capture and repositioning of a wandering wild elephant known as “Phlai Chao Nga” within a stringent time frame of 15 days. The wandering pachyderm had ventured away from Tai Rom Yen…

  • Thailand NewsBhumjaithai Party proposes bill to safeguard Thai hajj pilgrims stranded abroad

    Bhumjaithai Party proposes bill to safeguard Thai hajj pilgrims stranded abroad

    A groundbreaking solution is on the horizon as the Bhumjaithai Party‘s Southern working committee strategises a preventative measure; proposing a bill to safeguard Thai hajj pilgrims from potential misery abroad brought about by issues back home. Astoundingly, above 500 pilgrims hailing from Yala, Thailand found themselves in an unfortunate entanglement, trapped and unsupervised on arrival in Saudi Arabia during the…

  • Thailand NewsThai waste segregation campaign saves 127.8 million baht in 5 months

    Thai waste segregation campaign saves 127.8 million baht in 5 months

    The recent waste segregation campaign aimed at advocating for the proper segregation of household rubbish seems to be reaping rewards in Thailand, according to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA). Aekvarunyoo Amarapala, a spokesperson for the BMA, revealed over the weekend that the last five months saw a considerable decrease in both the amount of garbage making its way to the…

  • Thailand NewsBan Pong police raid pubs for underage drinking and drug violations

    Ban Pong police raid pubs for underage drinking and drug violations

    A thorough investigation has been instigated by Ratchaburi Provincial Police against five high-ranking officers stationed at Ban Pong police station, in light of a raid at two unauthorised pubs supposed to have allowed entry of teenagers, underage drinking, and drug consumption. The raid, initiated in the small hours of yesterday, resulted in the arrest of Thanawat Wijitcharasakul, aged 30 and…

  • Thailand NewsUniversity students’ protest ignites over senators’ role

    University students’ protest ignites over senators’ role

    Activists comprising mainly students, as well as supporters of the Move Forward Party (MFP), held protests at the Kasetsart University, situated in the Bang Khen district of Bangkok, yesterday evening. The protests sparked from the increasing tension and anger against the seemingly prominent role individuals appointed as senators hold in the prolonged political disturbance of the country. This rally was…

  • Thailand NewsThai Democrat party denies rumors of joining Pheu Thai party

    Thai Democrat party denies rumors of joining Pheu Thai party

    The Democrat Party of Thailand vehemently dismissed circulating rumours that more than half of its members of parliament were in the process of joining a coalition led by Pheu Thai. The party remains undecided regarding its stance on voting for Pheu Thai’s prime ministerial nominee, Srettha Thavisin. Party spokesman, Ramet Rattanachaweng, quashed speculations about a mass defection yesterday. Gossip had…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket’s Nanai Rd undergoes partial closure for resurfacing

    Phuket’s Nanai Rd undergoes partial closure for resurfacing

    Phuket‘s Patong Municipality announced a partial closure of Nanai Rd, starting from today till August 5, for resurfacing amidst the persistent traffic challenges caused by ongoing flood works in Phra Metta Rd. The resurfacing work, expected to span a period of two weeks, prompts the necessity of one-way traffic regulation at separate sections of Nanai Rd. The municipality confirmed this…