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.
  • Crime NewsPattani conflict escalates: Negotiator killed | Thaiger

    Pattani conflict escalates: Negotiator killed

    An escalation in the conflict between armed militia and security forces in Pattani province yesterday saw two fatalities and one arrest. In a coordinated operation, government forces succeeded in fatally shooting an armed militant and detaining a woman. The unfortunate loss of a local official, who was involved in peaceful negotiations, also transpired amidst the crossfire. The incident took place…

  • Crime News20 illegal Myanmar migrants captured in Thailand on way to Malaysia | Thaiger

    20 illegal Myanmar migrants captured in Thailand on way to Malaysia

    In a new development on Thailand’s immigration issues, 20 illegal migrants from Myanmar were captured in their pursuit of work in Malaysia. The migrants were hiding at an abandoned property in Sadao, a district forming part of the southern border province Songkhla. Acting on collected intelligence yesterday suggesting the house was sheltering those travelling unlawfully to Malaysia, Immigration and local…

  • Phuket NewsVerbal abuse of Singaporean tourist leads to Phuket van driver being fined 1,000 baht | Thaiger

    Verbal abuse of Singaporean tourist leads to Phuket van driver being fined 1,000 baht

    In a show of justice for tourists in Phuket, a 47 year old van driver who verbally abused a tourist last Sunday has been legally reprimanded. The driver was imposed with a fine of 1,000 baht by the local court for frightening others with the use of threat (intimidation). In an online statement, Phuket Provincial Police revealed that the driver, Poramet,…

  • Thailand NewsEmergency services funding delay leads to Thai rescue groups suspending operations | Thaiger

    Emergency services funding delay leads to Thai rescue groups suspending operations

    In the northeast of Thailand, numerous rescue organisations have decided to halt their complimentary emergency services, attributing this drastic measure to the absence of financial backing from the National Institute for Emergency Medicine (Niem). The organisations report that they have been unable to access emergency services funding for a continuous span of eight months. Pisit Pongsirisupakul, the vice-chairman and secretary-general…

  • Thailand NewsElephant repatriation: Thai king funds medical treatment for Sak Surin | Thaiger

    Elephant repatriation: Thai king funds medical treatment for Sak Surin

    Thailand’s Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Varawut Silpa-archa, yesterday announced the King’s financial support for the medical treatment of Sak Surin, a 30 year old elephant recently repatriated. The jumbo is presently receiving care at the Thai Elephant Conservation Centre’s Elephant Hospital in Lampang province. The elephant repatriation took place on Sunday in Sri Lanka where it was airlifted…

  • Thailand NewsWoman truck driver killed in Nakhon Si Thammarat shooting spree | Thaiger

    Woman truck driver killed in Nakhon Si Thammarat shooting spree

    A woman truck driver lost her life when anonymous gunmen targeted her vehicle, leaving her vehicle’s cabin peppered with several rounds on one of Nakhon Si Thammarat’s main roads earlier today. The shooting took place at 6am on the southern-expressing Asian Highway 41, in tambon Na Bon. Police, rescuers, and medical personnel rushed to the scene to confront the sight…

  • Thailand NewsCanal revitalisation: Bangkok’s waterfront upgrade to boost touristic activities | Thaiger

    Canal revitalisation: Bangkok’s waterfront upgrade to boost touristic activities

    The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is implementing a strategic canal revitalisation to improve the walkways flanking Klong Phadung Krung Kasem. This canal is one of the three waterways that flow through the heart of Rattanakosin Island. Deputy Governor Wisanu Sapsompol yesterday stated that the refurbished pedestrian path would build a connection between Klong Phadung Krung Kasem and the two neighbouring canals…

  • Thailand NewsEarthquake investigation uncovers overlooked fault line behind 4.5 magnitude tremor in northern Thailand | Thaiger

    Earthquake investigation uncovers overlooked fault line behind 4.5 magnitude tremor in northern Thailand

    Phitsanulok and Pichit provinces, situated in the north of Thailand, were recently shaken by a significant earthquake, rated 4.5 on the Richter scale. The tremors caused noticeable damage to various buildings, including residences, religious sites, schools, and a hospital. As the earthquake investigation progresses, the fault line is currently under scrutiny by the Department of Mineral Resources and is suspected…

  • Thailand NewsToll evasion leads to Cambodian driver’s arrest, charges totalling 71,580 baht | Thaiger

    Toll evasion leads to Cambodian driver’s arrest, charges totalling 71,580 baht

    A Cambodian driver was apprehended by Highway Police yesterday after driving through a tollgate in Chon Buri’s Bang Lamung district without settling accrued toll charges totalling over 70,000 baht. The toll evasion arrest took place at 1.30am, led by the acting chief of Highway Police, Pol. Maj. Gen. Jaroonkiat Pankaew. In recent years, an effort was made to improve traffic flow…

  • Thailand NewsReign of terror ends: Police nab notorious serial rapist in Chon Buri | Thaiger

    Reign of terror ends: Police nab notorious serial rapist in Chon Buri

    A notorious serial rapist with a longstanding criminal history has been apprehended by police in Chon Buri. Police Major General Teeradej Thumsutee, investigation chief at the Metropolitan Police Bureau, informed the press that a man known as Wattana Srikhaney, also recognisable under the alias Tum Chonburi, was taken into custody following his assault on a woman in the Ko Chan…

  • Thailand NewsBangkok demands 16.5 million baht fire extinguisher overhaul to promote fire safety after fatality | Thaiger

    Bangkok demands 16.5 million baht fire extinguisher overhaul to promote fire safety after fatality

    The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) reported that almost 10,000 firewall safety units across 50 districts in Bangkok are in dire need of replacement. The fire safety inspections were ordered after a fatal incident at Rajavinit Mathayom School where a student lost his life and 10 other individuals sustained injuries due to an exploding fire extinguisher during an emergency procedure on…

  • Economy NewsThai tourism surge: 25 million visitors forecasted, boosting economy | Thaiger

    Thai tourism surge: 25 million visitors forecasted, boosting economy

    In a recent announcement, the Thailand is on track to welcome a staggering 25 million tourists by the year end, offering a much-needed booster to the economy. This follows a significant surge in Thai tourism, exceeding 12 million arrivals recorded late last month, as relayed by deputy government spokesperson Traisuree Taisaranakul. Between January and June 25 of this year, the…

  • Thailand NewsThai elephant Sak Surin safely repatriated after 22 years in Sri Lanka | Thaiger

    Thai elephant Sak Surin safely repatriated after 22 years in Sri Lanka

    The enduring odyssey of Sak Surin, an elephant initially gifted by Thailand to Sri Lanka, took a homeward trajectory as the elephant touched down in Chiang Mai yesterday, ending a 22 year long overseas sojourn. Sak Surin’s journey back to Chiang Mai was an elaborate endeavour. Encased within a specially designed cage that was placed in the cargo hold of…

  • Thailand NewsBangkok utilises AI-assisted cameras for traffic control, pedestrian safety | Thaiger

    Bangkok utilises AI-assisted cameras for traffic control, pedestrian safety

    An intrusive blare rings out as a vehicle pulls up to the traffic lights at the Wong Sawang intersection. A Thai message reverberates in the air, courteously requesting, “Please don’t obstruct the zebra crossing. Thank you.” The alarm and its accompanying reminder will persist relentlessly until all drivers awaiting the signal’s shift from red to green have relocated their vehicles…

  • Thailand NewsMonkeypox outbreak: Thailand witnesses spike in cases within the LGBTQ+ community | Thaiger

    Monkeypox outbreak: Thailand witnesses spike in cases within the LGBTQ+ community

    A significant rise in monkeypox cases within Thailand was reported by health officials this week, issuing a stern warning for men within the gay community, who seemed to be at an increased risk, to exercise necessary precautions amidst the ongoing monkeypox outbreak. Dr Tares Krassanairawiwong, heading the Department of Disease Control, disclosed in today’s press conference that, following the occurrence…

  • Phuket NewsThalang crash: Drunken driver miraculously survives collision despite wreckage | Thaiger

    Thalang crash: Drunken driver miraculously survives collision despite wreckage

    A roadside dwelling in Thepkrasattri, Thalang, was destroyed as the result of an out-of-control Isuzu pickup truck veering off the Don Jom Thao Road. Thalang Police have yet to announce any charges against the driver who miraculously survived unscathed in this severe Thalang crash. The Thalang crash incident occurred in the wee hours of the morning, around 2.10am, near the…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket infrastructure projects face potential delays after expo bid loss | Thaiger

    Phuket infrastructure projects face potential delays after expo bid loss

    Delays are predicted for the initiation of several significant infrastructure projects in Phuket, including the much-anticipated Patong Tunnel. Local authorities concede that these plans may not manifest as swiftly as planned following the province’s failure to secure hosting rights for the Specialised Expo 2027/28. Governor Narong Woonciew voiced this concern, despite Phuket demonstrating strong prospects during the bidding process. Governor…

  • Thailand NewsTaking the insurgency by storm: Southern Thailand’s military withdrawal sets off in full swing | Thaiger

    Taking the insurgency by storm: Southern Thailand’s military withdrawal sets off in full swing

    The forthcoming military withdrawal in the southern region of Thailand, which has seen 19 years of insurgent unrest, is currently in its initial phase, according to Fourth Region Army commander, Lt. Gen. Santi Sakuntanak. The four-year plan aims to gradually decrease military presence and remove the state of emergency that has been prevalent in the area. Since 2004, Yala, Narathiwat,…

  • Thailand NewsPlant-based immunotherapy: Thai scientists derive anti cancer antibodies from tobacco | Thaiger

    Plant-based immunotherapy: Thai scientists derive anti cancer antibodies from tobacco

    In a groundbreaking plant-based immunotherapy development in the field of oncology, a start-up pharmaceutical firm in Thailand, Baiya Phytopharm, proclaimed the successful creation of anti-cancer antibodies derived from tobacco plants. The company announced these results in the wake of effectively conducting experiential trials on lab animals. Operating under the umbrella of Chulalongkorn University, Baiya Phytopharm is recognised for its accomplishments…

  • Thailand NewsSRT relocation: Thai railway plans 200km move amid billion baht overhaul | Thaiger

    SRT relocation: Thai railway plans 200km move amid billion baht overhaul

    The Thai State Railway (SRT) is shifting gears, planning to relocate its locomotive maintenance and production facilities closer to Bangkok, within a distance of 200 kilometres. The SRT relocation move is sparked by the forthcoming transformation of their current premises in Makkasan into a bustling, mixed-use space which will host a public park, an SRT historical exhibit, and a city…

  • Thailand NewsWater crisis grapples Koh Samui as rising tourist demands amplify freshwater shortage | Thaiger

    Water crisis grapples Koh Samui as rising tourist demands amplify freshwater shortage

    Koh Samui, a popular tourist resort island in Surat Thani province, is grappling with a significant water crisis as declining rainfall and amplified water demands take their toll. Many of the water reserves on the island, such as the district’s Phru Na Mueang and Phru Krajud reservoirs, along with the renowned Hin Lard waterfall, have seen their water levels drop…

  • Thailand NewsThailand’s Interior Ministry rolls out digital ID app in drive towards Thailand 4.0 | Thaiger

    Thailand’s Interior Ministry rolls out digital ID app in drive towards Thailand 4.0

    In an effort to digitise various government-provided services and increase their accessibility, Thailand’s Interior Ministry officially rolled out a novel mobile application as part of its digital ID programme on Friday. The launch event was graced by none other than caretaker Prime Minister, Prayut Chan-o-cha, who wholeheartedly endorsed the newly unveiled ‘ThaID’ mobile application. Prayut outlined the primary motive behind…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket’s Wichit Municipality launches free mobile rabies vaccinations for animals | Thaiger

    Phuket’s Wichit Municipality launches free mobile rabies vaccinations for animals

    Phuket‘s Wichit Municipality unveiled a series of mobile centres tailored to offer free rabies vaccinations for cats and dogs. This manoeuvre is an effort led by the Division of Public Health and Environment of Wichit Municipality. Cats and dogs can get free vaccinations from 8.30am until 12pm, starting on July 10 and concluding on July 14, The Phuket News reported.…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket airport escalators declared safe after alarming accident at Don Mueang | Thaiger

    Phuket airport escalators declared safe after alarming accident at Don Mueang

    Phuket International Airport recently completed safety checks on all escalators, following a disturbing accident at Don Mueang Airport. The General Manager of the Phuket branch of the Airports of Thailand (AoT Phuket), Monchai Tanode, confirmed that the airport’s 31 escalators and 27 elevators had been thoroughly inspected by certified technicians, and found to be safe for public use. In an…

  • Phuket NewsUS couple found dead in Phuket hotel | Thaiger

    US couple found dead in Phuket hotel

    In a tragic turn of events in the tropical paradise of Phuket, a couple from the United States were found dead in a hotel on Thursday. Their bodies were discovered at a prominent hotel in proximity to the stunning Surin Beach on the west coast of Phuket. Local police believe it was a case of double suicide by lethal injection.…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket yacht sweeps ashore amid severe weather, safety warnings reiterated | Thaiger

    Phuket yacht sweeps ashore amid severe weather, safety warnings reiterated

    In an unforeseen turn of events earlier this morning, a sailing yacht near Ao Yon in the northern part of Chalong Bay, Phuket, was reported to have been forced onto the shore due to wave action. The yacht is understood to have been detached from its mooring and was seen adrift prior to being swept ashore. This unexpected incident occurred…

  • Bangkok NewsFaulty suitcase wheel may have triggered Don Mueang Airport accident | Thaiger

    Faulty suitcase wheel may have triggered Don Mueang Airport accident

    A malfunctioning suitcase wheel is potentially behind an unfortunate incident that took place at Don Mueang International Airport’s moving walkways, causing a woman to lose part of her left leg, according to the Engineering Institute of Thailand (EIT). An advisor to the EIT’s mechanical engineering committee, Boonpong Kijwatanachai, recently provided an update about the ongoing investigation into the travellator system…

  • Crime NewsThai ex-judge sentenced over 20 million baht bribery allegations | Thaiger

    Thai ex-judge sentenced over 20 million baht bribery allegations

    A recent court ruling unfurled in the Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases witnessed a former appellate court judge handed a five-year prison sentence. The sentencing comes as a consequence of corruption allegations involving a whopping 20 million baht bribe request dating back to 2018. The judge had famously sought a bribe from an arrested Taiwanese individual, significantly…

  • Thailand NewsWhat makes Thailand a unique experience for travellers in 2023? | Thaiger

    What makes Thailand a unique experience for travellers in 2023?

    Between the sandy beaches and the exotic culture, Thailand makes up for an excellent tourist destination in 2023. The locals are nice and hospital. The food is spicy and delicious while the cost of living makes Thailand an incredibly affordable country. Whether you’re planning to visit Thailand for a couple of days or an entire year, there’s a lot you…

  • Northern Thailand NewsDivine inferno: Temple fire causes 10 million baht damage, monk injured | Thaiger

    Divine inferno: Temple fire causes 10 million baht damage, monk injured

    Tragedy struck in the early hours of this morning as a fire ripped through Khlong Wat Rai temple, a religious edifice located in Bang Rakam district, Phitsanulok province. The vicious blaze, which sparked at around 3am, reduced the primary sermon building and ten adjacent accommodations reserved for monks to cinders. The abbot of the temple, Pairote Sunthornkit monk, reported the…