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 NewsRice corruption: MFP probes suspicious 12.5 million baht event spending

    Rice corruption: MFP probes suspicious 12.5 million baht event spending

    The Move Forward Party (MFP) has initiated an inquiry into allegations of irregular expenditure related to an event organised by the Department of Rice. The party has warned that the incoming government will not tolerate rice corruption. During a press conference, MFP deputy spokesperson Karoonpon Tieansuwan revealed that the party had received a complaint from officials within the Ministry of…

  • Thailand NewsThailand nurse resignations up to 7,000 yearly due to low pay, heavy workload

    Thailand nurse resignations up to 7,000 yearly due to low pay, heavy workload

    A concerning trend has emerged in Thailand‘s state-run hospitals, with up to 7,000 nurses resigning each year due to heavy workloads and insufficient overtime pay. This is despite an annual influx of 10,000 new nursing graduates, according to the nurses’ union and Nurses Connect. The alarming rate of Thailand’s nurse resignations has prompted calls for the government to implement more…

  • Crime NewsDriver arrested for smuggling 13 illegal Myanmar migrants in Songkhla

    Driver arrested for smuggling 13 illegal Myanmar migrants in Songkhla

    A driver has been arrested for the fourth time in Songkhla for smuggling illegal migrants from Myanmar into Thailand. The driver, Aphiwatthana, was apprehended along with the 13 migrants he was transporting in his sport utility vehicle. The arrest took place at the Khuha intersection in the Rattaphum district, following a police pursuit along a highway. Upon questioning, the 46 year…

  • Thailand NewsEx-beauty queen’s rapid Thai police promotion sparks patronage investigation call

    Ex-beauty queen’s rapid Thai police promotion sparks patronage investigation call

    A former beauty pageant contestant’s rapid ascent through the ranks of the Thai police force has sparked concerns over potential patronage and corruption. The individual in question reportedly rose from police lance corporal to police captain in under two years, prompting calls for an investigation into the matter. A post on the “Phuen Tamruat” Facebook page highlighted the issue, stating…

  • Thailand NewsThailand’s Excise Department probes official’s involvement in oil smuggling case

    Thailand’s Excise Department probes official’s involvement in oil smuggling case

    An investigation is underway by Thailand’s Excise Department into allegations that a high-level official attempted to persuade police to release a truck carrying 15,000 litres of smuggled oil. The department’s Deputy Director-General Kriangkrai Pattanaporn revealed that a probe committee was formed to look into the arrest of the 47 year old driver, identified only as Sombat, in Prachuap Khiri Khan…

  • Thailand NewsPhuket vies for Specialised Expo 2028, boosting health and medical tourism

    Phuket vies for Specialised Expo 2028, boosting health and medical tourism

    As the final presentation and vote for the Specialised Expo 2028 approaches, many Thai citizens are eagerly awaiting the decision, hoping that Phuket will be chosen as the host city. The Thai delegation is set to present their case to the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) on June 21, highlighting the southern resort island province’s potential as a host location.…

  • Phuket NewsNew Na Klang-Ao Jik road links Phuket and Phang Nga, boosting tourism

    New Na Klang-Ao Jik road links Phuket and Phang Nga, boosting tourism

    The newly completed Na Klang-Ao Jik road, which connects Phuket and Phang Nga, is set to provide a boost to local tourism and cross-provincial transport. The Department of Rural Roads (DRR) has invested approximately 282.8 million baht (US$8.5 million) in the 4.2-kilometre road, which is part of a city expansion project in Phang Nga’s Thai Muang district. The concrete road…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket lifeguards warn of poisonous jellyfish on island beaches

    Phuket lifeguards warn of poisonous jellyfish on island beaches

    Phuket Lifeguard Service has issued an official warning to beachgoers and swimmers about the presence of poisonous jellyfish in the waters surrounding the island. The alert comes after several Portuguese man-o-war jellyfish was found washed up along the west coast beaches in recent days. A photo of one such jellyfish was posted on the Phuket Lifeguard Service’s official Facebook account,…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket bar raided for illegal operation, underage drinking and restricted hours

    Phuket bar raided for illegal operation, underage drinking and restricted hours

    A crackdown on illegal entertainment venues in Phuket Town continued as a bar was raided by authorities in the early hours of yesterday. Muang Phuket District Chief Pairote Srilamoon led a team of officers from the Department of Provincial Administration (DOPA) in the raid on the ‘At Five’ bar at 1.30am. They were joined by Danai Jaikaeng, Deputy District Chief from…

  • Phuket NewsTwo killed in Patong motorcycle crash near De Coze Hotel

    Two killed in Patong motorcycle crash near De Coze Hotel

    A tragic road accident near De Coze Hotel in Patong claimed the lives of a foreign man and an unidentified woman yesterday evening. Patong Police are currently investigating the case. The collision between a car and a motorcycle occurred on Phra Metta Rd, also known as Phang Muang Sai Kor Rd. Upon arriving at the scene, Lt Col Chayakorn Tangsakul…

  • Hot NewsA question that matters: What is a woman?

    A question that matters: What is a woman?

    The question that had so many politicians stumped recently, a question that five years ago would make you think, why are you asking me such an obvious question? Well, it’s not 2018 anymore and the definition of a woman is no longer based on chromosomes and one’s ability to menstruate and mother a child. As we see in the recent…

  • Politics NewsPita Limjaroenrat’s PM bid threatened by iTV share controversy

    Pita Limjaroenrat’s PM bid threatened by iTV share controversy

    Pita Limjaroenrat, the leader of Thailand’s Move Forward Party (MFP), is facing a legal challenge regarding his ownership of shares in iTV, an independent broadcaster. Although he has transferred these shares to his relatives, legal expert Jade Donavanik has argued that Pita’s eligibility for the role of prime minister still hangs in the balance. The issue revolves around whether iTV…

  • Crime NewsPower play on the border: Thai electricity authority shocks Myanmar towns with supply halt

    Power play on the border: Thai electricity authority shocks Myanmar towns with supply halt

    The Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) of Thailand halted the supply of electricity to two Myanmar border towns following a request from the Myanmar government. These towns, located across the Moei River, have been the site of significant illegal investments by groups of Chinese businessmen. Shwe Kokko and Ban Le Le Ko, both situated in Myanmar’s Karen State, are the two…

  • Crime NewsTourists deceived: Travel agency crew ‘unpacked’ by police on fraud charges in South Thailand

    Tourists deceived: Travel agency crew ‘unpacked’ by police on fraud charges in South Thailand

    Six people from a travel agency have been apprehended by the Provincial Police on charges of fraud in Surat Thani, South Thailand. The suspects are accused of selling counterfeit overseas package tours to a minimum of 99 customers, resulting in damages amounting to 27 million baht. The six arrested allegedly include Sumontri Sonnong, Phanuda Thepchum, Kobsak Pensawat, and Wongchan Pensawat,…

  • EventsHeavyweight Champion Tyson Fury lands in Thailand today

    Heavyweight Champion Tyson Fury lands in Thailand today

    Tyson Fury, one of the greatest heavyweight champions of our time, has arrived in Bangkok today. There will be two exclusive events with Fury in Thailand. Fans and followers of the boxing legend can look forward to an unforgettable experience as they listen to his stories, ask questions, and even get a chance to take photos with the man himself.…

  • Phuket NewsMissing Phuket fisherman found dead amid weather alert

    Missing Phuket fisherman found dead amid weather alert

    The lifeless body of a 59 year old Pa Khlok resident was discovered floating in the sea by a local fisherman yesterday. Prachoen Thammawong had gone missing after failing to return home from his fishing routine the previous day. Upon receiving the news, Thalang Police Station officers and rescue workers arrived at the scene, where they found the body of…

  • Thailand NewsThai Move Forward Party vows 100-day push for same-sex marriage bill

    Thai Move Forward Party vows 100-day push for same-sex marriage bill

    The leader of Thailand’s Move Forward Party (MFP) pledged to introduce a bill legalising same-sex marriage and promoting gender equality once the party forms a government. In a recent Facebook post, MFP leader Pita Limjaroenrat stated that the party’s marriage equality bill would be pushed for passage within 100 days of forming a government, as part of a memorandum of understanding…

  • World NewsSouthern Thai tourism seeks eased regulations for Malaysian tour buses

    Southern Thai tourism seeks eased regulations for Malaysian tour buses

    The tourism association representing 14 southern provinces in Thailand has urged the Transport Ministry to relax regulations, allowing Malaysian tour buses to travel beyond the border province of Songkhla. This move could potentially stimulate the region’s economy through promotional campaigns, as discussed at a recent forum on tourism organised by the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC). Jarun Kaewjeesub,…

  • Thailand NewsYellow Line monorail trial attracts 80,000 passengers, plans expansion

    Yellow Line monorail trial attracts 80,000 passengers, plans expansion

    Nearly 80,000 passengers took advantage of the Yellow Line’s trial run over the weekend, as the Department of Rail Transport (DRT) plans to extend the trial to all 23 stations by mid-month. Pichet Kunadhamraks, the DRT’s director-general, stated that the current trial run includes 13 stations from Hua Mak to Samrong. Pichet noted that a large number of people participated…

  • Crime NewsThai and South Korean officials tackle illegal ‘little ghosts’ labourers issue

    Thai and South Korean officials tackle illegal ‘little ghosts’ labourers issue

    A recent meeting between the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of Thailand and South Korean authorities aimed to address the issue of illegal Thai labourers, or “little ghosts,” working in South Korea. The discussions focused on finding a systematic resolution to labour problems that could lead to human trafficking. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, at least 170,000 Thai labourers were working in South…

  • Thailand NewsThai government extends paternity leave to 15 days for male employees

    Thai government extends paternity leave to 15 days for male employees

    The Thai government extended paternity leave for male government employees, granting them 15 days of paid leave following the birth of their child. This change is part of the recent Government Employees Executive Committee announcement regarding government employee benefits, signed by Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam. The updated paternity leave regulation was added to the section on maternity leave in the…

  • Thailand NewsKhao Yai National Park holiday weekend visitor surge generates almost 800,000 baht

    Khao Yai National Park holiday weekend visitor surge generates almost 800,000 baht

    Khao Yai National Park experienced an influx of visitors during this weekend’s holiday from June 3-5, with almost 800,000 baht generated in revenue from entrance fees alone, according to park chief Chaiya Huayhongthong. Over the holiday period, 13,370 Thai and foreign tourists visited the park, entering through two main entry points – the Chao Pho Khao Yai Shrine in Pak…

  • Thailand NewsChinese national and 12 accomplices arrested for online scam in Chiang Rai

    Chinese national and 12 accomplices arrested for online scam in Chiang Rai

    A Chinese national and 12 accomplices have been apprehended in Chiang Rai for their involvement in an online scam operation. The arrests were made by officers from Provincial Police Region 5 and the Immigration Bureau, following a tip-off about the gang’s activities in Chiang Rai City. The police, armed with a search warrant issued by Chiang Rai Provincial Court, collaborated…

  • Phuket NewsMoo-ving miracle: Driver escapes unharmed after car ‘meets’ wandering cows in Phuket

    Moo-ving miracle: Driver escapes unharmed after car ‘meets’ wandering cows in Phuket

    A driver managed to walk away unscathed after his car collided with a group of wandering cows on Thepkrasattri Road in Phuket in the early hours of this morning. The driver, identified only as Bancha, was travelling in his white Toyota Veloce car around 4.30am when ten cows suddenly appeared out of nowhere and ran onto the road. Unable to…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket immigration issues yellow cards to Thai landlords and foreigner

    Phuket immigration issues yellow cards to Thai landlords and foreigner

    Last month, Phuket Immigration Bureau reported that five Thai landlords received yellow cards while only one foreigner was given a warning. Twenty-three foreigners were arrested during the same month for various violations classified under Group 4, which pertain to offences against the state. Additionally, nine landlords or property managers were arrested for failing to register their foreign tenants, as required…

  • Phuket NewsTaxi-ous times in Phuket: Crackdown leads to double ‘fare-ests’ in Kathu

    Taxi-ous times in Phuket: Crackdown leads to double ‘fare-ests’ in Kathu

    Phuket‘s crackdown on illegal taxi drivers continues, with two arrests made in Kathu last week. At Si Kor Intersection, Phuket Land Transport Office (PLTO) officials and Kathu Police officers set up a checkpoint to identify and apprehend drivers using their private vehicles for commercial transportation services. The operation took place on the main road to and from Patong, the island’s…

  • Thailand NewsSpice of success: Thai chef ‘thais’ the knot as first-ever MasterChef UK winner

    Spice of success: Thai chef ‘thais’ the knot as first-ever MasterChef UK winner

    Chariya Khattiyot made history last week by becoming the first Thai chef to win the prestigious MasterChef UK competition. Her innovative northern Thai dishes wowed the judges throughout the eight-week BBC One contest, ultimately triumphing over 44 other contestants. The 40 year old Thai chef entered the competition to showcase the diverse flavours of northern Thai cuisine, which she is…

  • Politics NewsMove Forward Party opposes alcohol ban on Buddhist holidays

    Move Forward Party opposes alcohol ban on Buddhist holidays

    Prominent members of the Move Forward Party (MFP), which recently claimed victory in elections, have voiced their disagreement with the Thai government’s ban on alcohol sales during significant Buddhist holidays, arguing that it restricts freedom. Amarat Chokpamitkul, an MFP executive, expressed her disagreement with the prohibition of alcohol sales on Vesak Day, a holiday that marks the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment,…

  • Phuket NewsForeign man hospitalised due to Phuket boat propeller injury

    Foreign man hospitalised due to Phuket boat propeller injury

    A foreign man injured by a boat propeller was hospitalised in Phuket on Thursday. The incident was reported on Friday, but no details have been released regarding the circumstances that led to the injury, according to The Phuket News. Emergency medical workers were alerted to the incident at around 4.45pm, according to a report by the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation…

  • Crime NewsForeign man severely injured in Pattaya knife attack

    Foreign man severely injured in Pattaya knife attack

    Another late-night violent incident kicked off in the seaside island resort of Pattaya. A foreign man was brutally attacked with a knife and left with severe injuries in the city late last night, according to local authorities. An investigator with Pattaya Police, Police Lieutenant Colonel Thatsak Jiratikulchai, stated that the attack took place in Soi Jomtien 13 in tambon Nong…