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 NewsForeign nationals in Phuket donate blood amid Rh-negative shortage

    Foreign nationals in Phuket donate blood amid Rh-negative shortage

    In an uplifting gesture of community unity, the Immigration Department of Phuket extended heartfelt appreciation to the 121 foreign nationals who donated blood at a special drive held at the Central Floresta shopping complex today. The blood donation event was jointly orchestrated by the Phuket Immigration Department and the local chapter of the Red Cross Society. The primary motivation behind…

  • Thailand NewsThai vaping trend: Rising e-cigarette use among youth sparks health concerns

    Thai vaping trend: Rising e-cigarette use among youth sparks health concerns

    Survey data from Thailand’s Department of Health Service Support (DHSS) reveals a concerningly high proportion of young Thai individuals partaking in e-cigarette usage. The survey, conducted on a vast sample of 61,688 respondents ranging nationwide from April 25 to June 6, shows that 9.1% of young people use vapes. The influence of friends and peer pressure was cited as a…

  • Thailand NewsPeruvian exhibition of bull art in Bangkok aims to boost tourism and diplomacy

    Peruvian exhibition of bull art in Bangkok aims to boost tourism and diplomacy

    In a bid to foster diplomatic connections and boost tourism, Peru has unveiled an art exhibition in Bangkok featuring revered bull sculptures. The Peruvian exhibition, aptly named “Torito de Pucará: the Ambassador of the Peruvian Highlands,” is set up in collaboration between Peru’s embassy and the Siam Piwat company. Cecilia Galarreta, Peru’s ambassador, yesterday revealed that “Torito” translates to “Little…

  • Thailand NewsThailand launches first mobile renal dialysis unit for remote patients

    Thailand launches first mobile renal dialysis unit for remote patients

    A groundbreaking initiative in Thailand’s healthcare sector recently saw the Public Health Ministry introducing the country’s first mobile renal dialysis unit. Its creation aims to reach bedridden patients residing in the more remote regions of the country, which previously had limited access to such specialised medical treatment. The announcement was made yesterday by Public Health Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul. He indicated…

  • Crime NewsChinese nationals arrested at Phuket Airport for illegal employment

    Chinese nationals arrested at Phuket Airport for illegal employment

    Immigration officials recently apprehended two Chinese women at Phuket International Airport’s car park over accusations of illegal employment. The specifics concerning the women’s identities have not been publicly disclosed, with authorities opting to cover their faces in the released photographs. The arrest, which took place around 1.30pm yesterday, was spearheaded by Lt. Col. Akkaraphon Kaewkiat from the airport’s Immigration Checkpoint.…

  • Transport NewsSRT modernisation: State railway plans 1.5 billion baht investment in electric trains

    SRT modernisation: State railway plans 1.5 billion baht investment in electric trains

    In an attempt to modernise and become more efficient, Thailand’s State Railway (SRT) has shifted its attention towards procuring electric trains as opposed to previously planned diesel locomotives. In the words of SRT’s head, Nirut Maneephan, the altered proposal has gained the green light from the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC), and the SRT modernisation plan with an…

  • Transport NewsPink Line monorail preps for safety tests ahead of free trial run

    Pink Line monorail preps for safety tests ahead of free trial run

    Pink Line monorail project safety measures are currently being assessed through initial test runs. According to a spokesperson from Northern Bangkok Monorail (NBM), following this evaluation, a complimentary trial run for the public is set to be initiated. The board director of NBM, Surapong Laoha-Unya, oversees the concessionaire of the Pink Line monorail which operates on the Khae Rai-Min Buri…

  • Politics NewsPheu Thai Party reviews one-year performance, addressing overdue Bangkok transit fees

    Pheu Thai Party reviews one-year performance, addressing overdue Bangkok transit fees

    Thailand’s Pheu Thai party passed satisfactory judgment on its Bangkok councillors’ performance following a one year tenure, despite a less than stellar display in the General Election held on May 14 last year. The party members, celebrating the anniversary of their councillors’ induction into office, were determined in expressing the successful implementation of several campaign promises. Pheu Thai managed to…

  • Thailand NewsPattaya incident: Police investigate Thai guide’s fatal fall at a hotel

    Pattaya incident: Police investigate Thai guide’s fatal fall at a hotel

    A tragic Pattaya incident unfolded at a hotel as a Thai guide suffered a fatal fall from the fourth floor balcony of his accommodation. Pattaya authorities rushed to the Malibu City Place Hotel at around 6.30am, following a distressing call about the discovery of the guide, Puwasit Chailangka, lying lifeless in the parking area adjacent to the hotel premises. The…

  • Thailand Weather UpdatesEl Nino drought: Thailand braces for potential impact, agencies prepare

    El Nino drought: Thailand braces for potential impact, agencies prepare

    The National Water Resources Office of Thailand (ONWR), the country’s central agency for water resource management, warns of a potential drought due to the influence of a “mild” El Nino weather phenomenon. In a recently held meeting, the ONWR pressed associated agencies to prepare for a likely dry spell. The meeting held yesterday brought together representatives from various domains, including…

  • Bangkok NewsThings to do in Bangkok at night

    Things to do in Bangkok at night

    Bangkok is a bustling city with mouth-watering delicacies, beautiful temples, and friendly people. It’s known as the city that never sleeps. And that means one thing—Thailand’s capital has a vibrant nightlife. While the city is packed with nightclubs, there’s a lot you can do after dark besides drinking the night away. In this article, we’ll show you how to enjoy…

  • Transport NewsYellow Line Monorail to face new fare regulations from July 3

    Yellow Line Monorail to face new fare regulations from July 3

    In recent developments, government spokesperson Anucha Burapachaisri confirmed yesterday’s Cabinet approval for the initiation of fare collection on the Yellow Line monorail from July 3. The fares, determined by five newly drafted regulations from the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA), will range from 15 baht to a higher limit of 45 baht for the Yellow Line’s extensive track…

  • Thailand NewsRTP to erase 10 million innocent individuals from criminal database

    RTP to erase 10 million innocent individuals from criminal database

    A sweeping initiative is currently underway at the Royal Thai Police (RTP) headquarters, set to clear nearly 10 million innocent individuals from its criminal database. Deputy National Police Chief, Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn, yesterday revealed at a press conference that RTP seeks to integrate enhanced human rights principles into its processes. The initiative, grounded in the new fingerprint regulation announced…

  • Crime NewsUbon Ratchathani crackdown nets 3 illegal Chinese immigrants in border raids

    Ubon Ratchathani crackdown nets 3 illegal Chinese immigrants in border raids

    In a significant operation in the Ubon Ratchathani province, three illegal Chinese immigrants were detained whilst they were in hiding in a border village. The three men were reportedly waiting to be transported to work for telecommunication fraud and online gambling organisations. In the course of the same operation, police also apprehended a Thai national who had been sheltering the…

  • Phuket NewsDrug awareness in focus as Phuket initiates anti-drug events

    Drug awareness in focus as Phuket initiates anti-drug events

    In commemoration of World Drug Day, a series of events unfolded yesterday in Phuket, supervised by government authorities to fortify global standing against drug abuse. World Drug Day, also known as International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, is a global observance brought to light by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, held every year on June…

  • Thailand NewsLGBTQ+ rights: US and UK envoys strengthen support in Thailand

    LGBTQ+ rights: US and UK envoys strengthen support in Thailand

    In a reaffirmation of their commitment towards promoting LGBTQ+ rights across the globe, the United States and the United Kingdom have taken a significant initiative to support Thailand in its valorous efforts. This came as a collective resolve showcased at the US-UK Annual Pride Event that took place on June 23 with the theme, ‘United in Love 2023.’ The event…

  • Business NewsBuying a franchise Vs buying a business: The benefits and drawbacks of each option

    Buying a franchise Vs buying a business: The benefits and drawbacks of each option

    Are you considering starting your own business? Do you have the motivation and desire to be an entrepreneur but are unsure of which route to take? Buying a franchise or buying a business are two popular options for aspiring entrepreneurs. Both have their own set of benefits and drawbacks. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits and drawbacks of each…

  • Thailand NewsBangkok traffic: New automatic system launched to ease city congestion

    Bangkok traffic: New automatic system launched to ease city congestion

    As a strategic initiative aimed at improving vehicle movement, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) recently initiated an automatic traffic-management system. This pilot project focuses on optimising traffic across four significant roads within the capital city. Chadchart Sittipunt, the Governor of Bangkok, divulged that the modern system is to be installed at 13 intersections on key city routes, counting Rama VI Road,…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket Peranakan festival dazzles, promotes sustainable tourism and local culture

    Phuket Peranakan festival dazzles, promotes sustainable tourism and local culture

    In a resounding celebration of heritage and culture, over 1,000 people gathered for the Phuket Peranakan Festival‘s ‘Extravaganza Carnival’ grand parade. The sparkling event unfolded in the vintage vicinity of Phuket Old Town on a joyous Saturday evening. The iconoclastic carnival, the crown jewel of the three-day extravaganza, resulted in the closure of roads, culminating in a tremendous spectacle. The…

  • South Thailand NewsFresh complaint to target key players in Thailand’s ‘Patani state’ referendum

    Fresh complaint to target key players in Thailand’s ‘Patani state’ referendum

    Another complaint will be lodged against figures involved in championing a ‘Patani state’ independence referendum. This declaration was made by Lieutenant General Santi Sakuntanak, the commander of the Fourth Region Army and the director of the Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc) Region 4. Lieutenant General Santi yesterday reported that security personnel are in the process of collecting evidence before submitting…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket’s crypto firestorm: Faulty wiring sparks blazing inferno, exposing illegal crypto-mining operation

    Phuket’s crypto firestorm: Faulty wiring sparks blazing inferno, exposing illegal crypto-mining operation

    Firefighters were called to handle a blaze in Phuket Town exacerbated by faulty wiring. The cause was believed to be illegal crypto-mining. Surprisingly, the fire took place on the third floor of a building near the Thailand Post branch on Bangkok Road. It reportedly started around 6am yesterday and was swiftly extinguished by the responding firefighters. Fortunately, no casualties were…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket Airport tests security with a gunman simulation drill

    Phuket Airport tests security with a gunman simulation drill

    Phuket International Airport on Friday became a hive of activity as it underwent a security drill in case of a gunman attack. A full-scale exercise of Phuket International Airport Emergency Plan (PEMEX 2023) was enacted, simulating an ‘active gunman’ scenario. The drill took place following the departure of the last domestic flight for the day and was conducted from 11pm…

  • Thailand NewsThai council pays tribute after young doctor’s tragic fatal accident

    Thai council pays tribute after young doctor’s tragic fatal accident

    In an unfortunate twist of events yesterday, the Medical Council of Thailand (MCT) extended its deepest sympathies over the untimely passing of a newly qualified young doctor, who endured a fatal traffic mishap in Kanchanaburi. The doctor, 24 year old Yanisa Suebchiang, best known as Dr Mean, fell casualty to a catastrophic four-car accident that transpired at around 4pm on…

  • Thailand NewsPM spices things up: Saluting Thai restaurant’s thai-licious triumph in ‘World’s 50 Best Restaurants’

    PM spices things up: Saluting Thai restaurant’s thai-licious triumph in ‘World’s 50 Best Restaurants’

    In a commendation to Thailand’s food and beverages sector, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha expressed gratitude to two Thai restaurants which have made their mark on this year’s World’s 50 Best Restaurants listing. This prestigious list is crafted annually by the UK-based organisation William Reed Business Media. This year, two Bangkok-based restaurants were applauded for their culinary excellence. Placed at No.15…

  • Crime NewsThai CSD captures kidnapping gang demanding 600,000 baht ransom in major sweep

    Thai CSD captures kidnapping gang demanding 600,000 baht ransom in major sweep

    In a major operation yesterday, led by the Crime Suppression Division’s (CSD) special weapons and tactics unit, four suspected gang members involved in kidnap cases were taken into custody across southern and northeastern Thailand. Beginning at 6am, a significant deployment of 80 members from the Hanuman taskforce initiated raids on eight distinct locations. These included three in Yala, four in…

  • Thailand NewsThree former rangers arrested in high-profile 500,000 baht Thai kidnapping incident

    Three former rangers arrested in high-profile 500,000 baht Thai kidnapping incident

    Today witnessed a significant operation by the Crime Suppression Division (CSD)’s special weapons and tactics unit, resulting in the arrest of three suspected culprits of a kidnapping gang. Spanning two regions in southern Thailand and one in the northeast, the operation began at 6am, with the CSD’s Hanuman unit targeting eight specific locations. Three of these target sites were identified…

  • Thailand NewsBangkok freezes fire drills after fatal school mishap, calls for rigorous reform

    Bangkok freezes fire drills after fatal school mishap, calls for rigorous reform

    The Governor of Bangkok, Chadchart Sittipunt, appealed for extensive reform of disaster prevention and mitigation systems in the wake of a lethal explosion that occurred during a fire drill at a local school. Fire evacuation exercises throughout the city will remain suspended while safety checks on fire-fighting apparatus are carried out. This update in policy comes in the aftermath of…

  • Thailand NewsPolice arrest woman over Japanese job recruitment scam

    Police arrest woman over Japanese job recruitment scam

    Udon Thani law enforcement agencies arrested a woman believed to have duped people into seeking work in Japan in a crackdown on fraudulent recruitment agencies. Identified as Sukanya Buasri, alias Ruen, she was apprehended amidst a flurry of complaints concerning her activities. Homing in on alleged unscrupulousness, Bang Dung and Thungfon police jointly detained Buasri. She was subsequently transported to…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket roads to close for grand Peranakan Festival parade today

    Phuket roads to close for grand Peranakan Festival parade today

    Phuket Town’s arterial ways are set to experience a temporary shutdown late this afternoon into the evening due to a grand carnival parade. The procession forms part of the Phuket Peranakan Festival ceremonies and will cover the historical Phuket Old Town region. Thalang Road, Soi Rommanee, and parts of Phang Nga Road, Yaowarat Road, and Thepkrasattri Road will remain inaccessible to…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket authorities clamp down on illegal taxi practices, impose hefty fines

    Phuket authorities clamp down on illegal taxi practices, impose hefty fines

    Over the past five months, the Phuket Land Transport Office (PLTO) has conducted an operation targeting individuals involved in illegal taxi practices. Their recent crackdown at Phuket International Airport resulted in the apprehension of two additional drivers. Led by Kornpitak Assuwan, head of the academic group at PLTO, also referred to as the policy division, officers initiated another phase of…