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 NewsMyanmar conflict surge: Over 3,300 refugees seek shelter in Thailand

    Myanmar conflict surge: Over 3,300 refugees seek shelter in Thailand

    The conflict in Myanmar‘s Kayah State has led to a new surge of refugees seeking shelter in Thailand. Provincial Governor Chettha Mosikkharat confirmed that Thai authorities have rescued 3,342 refugees who fled the border war. The fighting in Kayah State involves the Karenni Army (KA), backed by the People’s Defence Forces (PDFs) and the Karenni Nationalities Defence Force (KNDF), and…

  • Thailand NewsThailand embraces nuclear fusion tech with Tokamak I milestone

    Thailand embraces nuclear fusion tech with Tokamak I milestone

    Thailand Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha expressed satisfaction with the progress of the country’s Tokamak I (TT-1) nuclear fusion energy technology, stating its significance in achieving sustainable energy goals. The 69 year old prime minister’s comments came during a presentation on the development of nuclear fusion energy in Thailand, given by Anek Laothamatas, Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI),…

  • Phuket NewsMotorcyclist injured in accident near notorious Phuket black spot

    Motorcyclist injured in accident near notorious Phuket black spot

    A motorcyclist is recovering at Thalang Hospital after a crash with a pickup truck outside Tha Ruea Shrine, Phuket earlier today. The woman, 28 year old Soolfa Taemtophol from Kamala, sustained a facial cut and several abrasions on her body. Following initial reports, care providers and local law enforcement responded just before 11am, finding the motorcyclist injured on Thepkrasattri Road…

  • Thailand NewsThai elephant’s fate hangs on flight fitness decision

    Thai elephant’s fate hangs on flight fitness decision

    The fate of an ailing Thai elephant residing in Sri Lanka will be determined on June 28, as the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment decides if the animal is fit enough to endure a six-hour flight to Chiang Mai. Minister Varawut Silpa-archa explained that a Thai caretaker team, consisting of veterinarians and two mahouts, has been preparing the elephant…

  • Thailand NewsThai coconut milk industry battles PETA’s monkey abuse claims

    Thai coconut milk industry battles PETA’s monkey abuse claims

    Thai coconut milk producers are calling on the government to swiftly hire a lobbyist to counteract allegations made by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) regarding the treatment of monkeys by local farmers. PETA recently reiterated its claims on Twitter, stating that monkeys are kidnapped as babies and later forced to pick coconuts in the Thai coconut industry.…

  • Bangkok NewsBangkok governor self-rates 5/10, admits undelivered policies in first year

    Bangkok governor self-rates 5/10, admits undelivered policies in first year

    Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt has rated his performance as five out of 10 after completing his first year in office. Despite facing criticism for his lack of achievements, Chadchart, who won the election by a landslide on May 22 last year, said it was a matter of opinion. During an announcement at City Hall yesterday, Chadchart admitted that he had…

  • World NewsAndrew Tate’s first serious interview since his release racks up 5 million views in just 24 hours

    Andrew Tate’s first serious interview since his release racks up 5 million views in just 24 hours

    Internet personality Andrew Tate, known for his controversial statements and actions, has blown up YouTube with his first ‘proper’ interview since being released on house arrest alongside his brother, Tristan. And who better to conduct the interview, none other than the rising media superstar, Patrick Bet-David. Patrick and his Valuetainment media company were the first to interview Tate after being…

  • Thailand NewsReeling it in: Fisheries Dept hooks attention with temporary fishing ban in Gulf of Thailand’s Tua Kor area

    Reeling it in: Fisheries Dept hooks attention with temporary fishing ban in Gulf of Thailand’s Tua Kor area

    The Fisheries Department announced there will be a temporary fishing ban implemented in the Tua Kor area of the Gulf of Thailand. The decision was made as a direct result of the substantial rise in the amount of fish caught for commercial purposes in the area. The amount of fish that was caught each day in 2022 averaged out to…

  • Crime NewsThai police probe truck sticker bribery scandal: 46 types identified

    Thai police probe truck sticker bribery scandal: 46 types identified

    There’s been a new development in Thailand’s truck sticker bribery scandal. The inspector-general of the Royal Thai Police (RTP) Office will likely take 15 days to determine who will be subjected to a disciplinary investigation in connection with the scandal. Pol. Gen. Visanu Prasartthong-osoth announced that an inquiry is being conducted by his office, led by Pol. Lt. Gen. Ditsapoj…

  • Phuket NewsTragic twist in paradise: Belarusian man found ‘hanging’ from a tree near Thai dam

    Tragic twist in paradise: Belarusian man found ‘hanging’ from a tree near Thai dam

    A 26 year old Belarusian man was found dead hanging from a tree near a dam in Karon, West Thailand. The man, identified as Alexander Zapronenko, had been staying with a friend in a nearby rented accommodation at Moo1, Patak Soi 20. His body was discovered after he had been missing for two days when a local stray dog appeared…

  • Thailand NewsSenate proposes Section 112 debate amid Thai tensions

    Senate proposes Section 112 debate amid Thai tensions

    In an effort to seek a political compromise, the Senate has put forth a proposition for a deliberation on Section 112 of the Criminal Code, commonly referred to as the lese majeste law. This move comes in response to a petition submitted by a pro-royalist group advocating for the preservation of the existing law. However, apprehensions have arisen within the…

  • Thailand NewsThai police chief revamps recruitment after promotion scandal

    Thai police chief revamps recruitment after promotion scandal

    In response to concerns over the rapid promotion of a young female police officer and the involvement of high-profile individuals and celebrities in the commissioned officer application process, Thailand’s national police chief, General Damrongsak Kittiprapas, ordered amendments to the recruitment procedure. National police spokesperson Lieutenant General Archayon Kraithong stated that General Damrongsak has instructed Lieutenant General Kittirat Phanphet to establish…

  • Transport NewsGreen Line extensions: Operator anticipates 20 billion baht debt repayment

    Green Line extensions: Operator anticipates 20 billion baht debt repayment

    Bangkok Mass Transit System Plc (BTSC) Chairman Keeree Kanjanapas expressed optimism regarding the repayment of overdue debts by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) for the operation and maintenance of the Green Line extensions. Following a meeting with Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt yesterday, Keeree said the discussions were encouraging, and he anticipates a 20 billion baht repayment from the BMA. Keeree…

  • South Thailand NewsThailand investigates activists seeking Muslim Patani State referendum

    Thailand investigates activists seeking Muslim Patani State referendum

    Security agencies in Thailand are investigating a group of activists advocating for a public referendum on the creation of an independent Muslim “Patani State” in the country’s southern region. The National Security Council (NSC) stated that the Internal Security Operation Command (Isoc) Region 4 Forward Office and Provincial Police Region 9 are examining the group’s activities and monitoring its social…

  • Thailand NewsStepping for a cause: Brit expat’s 1,050km stroll from Pattaya to Phuket raises 1 million baht for abused children

    Stepping for a cause: Brit expat’s 1,050km stroll from Pattaya to Phuket raises 1 million baht for abused children

    British expat James Lee Valentine demonstrated the power of determination and charity by completing a 1,050 kilometre walk from Pattaya to Phuket in Thailand. The walk aimed to raise 1 million baht for Take Care Kids, a children’s foundation based in Pattaya that supports underprivileged children who have suffered abuse. The 59 year old, who has two children himself, was…

  • Crime NewsThai cyanide serial killer: Big Joke hands over case reports

    Thai cyanide serial killer: Big Joke hands over case reports

    Deputy national police chief Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn announced today that the case reports against the alleged Thai cyanide serial killer Sararat “Am” Rangsiwuthaporn will be presented to prosecutors this week. Big Joke made the statement during a visit to the Correctional Institution for Women in Bangkok’s Bang Khen area, where Sararat is currently detained. Sararat is facing additional charges,…

  • Economy NewsUbolratana Dam usable water drops 11% amid insufficient wastewater plants

    Ubolratana Dam usable water drops 11% amid insufficient wastewater plants

    A significant decrease in usable water has been reported at Khon Kaen’s Ubolratana Dam, with an 11% drop attributed to an insufficient number of wastewater treatment plants in the region. The Office of National Water Resources (ONWR) has revealed that the dam currently holds only 32% of its total capacity, with merely 207 million cubic metres (m³) of usable water,…

  • Phuket NewsKrabi bluebottle: Officials deny Portuguese man-o-war at Phi Phi Islands

    Krabi bluebottle: Officials deny Portuguese man-o-war at Phi Phi Islands

    Despite recent media reports, officials have confirmed that the dangerous Krabi bluebottle Physalia, also known as the Portuguese man-o-war, has not been found on Phi Phi Islands. Last week, Phuket lifeguards raised concerns about the presence of the venomous hydrozoan on the islands, causing alarm for tourists’ safety. However, Ratchanok Phaenoi, Chief of Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National…

  • Thailand NewsBangkok governor urges universities to join citywide cleanup efforts

    Bangkok governor urges universities to join citywide cleanup efforts

    Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt recently participated in a Big Bangkok cleanup event at Swuniplex retail plaza on Asokemontri Road, organised by Srinakharinwirot University. The event saw the involvement of university lecturers and students, Watthana district office executive officials, and representatives from various networks and agencies. During his address, Chadchart praised the university for being a role model in environmental maintenance…

  • Thailand NewsSuvarnabhumi Airport’s SAT-1 terminal set for soft takeoff in September

    Suvarnabhumi Airport’s SAT-1 terminal set for soft takeoff in September

    Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok is set to soft launch its Satellite Airport Terminal 1 (SAT-1) in September, with a full opening planned for early next year. Airports of Thailand (AoT) president, Kerati Kijmanawat, stated that the new 216,000-square-metre facility, with a capacity for 28 aircraft parking bays, aims to address existing issues at the airport. With the ability to accommodate…

  • World NewsChina and Thailand plan joint military cooperation to maintain regional stability

    China and Thailand plan joint military cooperation to maintain regional stability

    China expressed its readiness to enhance military cooperation with Thailand in a bid to maintain stability in the region. The two nations have planned a series of joint military exercises for the upcoming year. During a meeting in Beijing, China’s Defence Minister Li Shangfu assured Narongpan Jitkaewtae, the Royal Thai Army’s commander-in-chief, of China’s commitment to work closely with Thailand.…

  • Thailand NewsNew 135km canal to link Pasak River and Gulf, easing floods and droughts

    New 135km canal to link Pasak River and Gulf, easing floods and droughts

    The Royal Irrigation Department announced plans to construct a new canal that will connect the Pasak River to the Gulf of Thailand. The primary aim of this project is to alleviate flooding in the Central Plains basin during the rainy season and address water shortages during the dry season. Spanning 135 kilometres, the canal will originate in Tambon Roeng Rang, located…

  • Crime NewsLao national busted in Thailand after 1.8 million baht gold shop heist

    Lao national busted in Thailand after 1.8 million baht gold shop heist

    Thai police have busted another robber. A Lao national accused of stealing gold worth approximately 1.8 million baht from his home country was apprehended at a luxury condominium in the Mueang district in Khon Kaen province. The suspect, 27 year old Thao Sirasorn, was arrested in the condominium’s car park on Friday evening. Authorities seized eight gold necklaces, each weighing…

  • South Thailand NewsPM orders action against activists seeking Muslim Pattani State referendum

    PM orders action against activists seeking Muslim Pattani State referendum

    The National Security Council (NSC) of Thailand has been instructed by outgoing Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha to investigate a group of activists who called for a public referendum on the establishment of an independent Muslim ‘Pattani State‘ separate from Thailand. The demand for a referendum was made during a seminar titled “Self-determination,” which introduced the “National Student Movement” or “Pelajar…

  • Phuket NewsMissing Russian tourist found, reunited with family in Phuket

    Missing Russian tourist found, reunited with family in Phuket

    A Russian family holidaying in Phuket was reunited after a woman was reported missing by her husband in the early hours of the morning. Tourist Police officers provided the necessary assistance after the 56 year old woman got lost in northern Phuket after dark. The incident occurred when the Russian couple, both of whom remain unnamed, were drinking at Naithon…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket emergency centre opens as mystery illness strikes 100+ people

    Phuket emergency centre opens as mystery illness strikes 100+ people

    An emergency operations centre (EOC) has been established by the Public Health Ministry in response to over 100 people falling ill from an unidentified pathogen across three districts in Phuket. The pathogen has caused severe diarrhoea among those affected. Public Health Permanent Secretary, Dr Opas Karnkawinpong, stated that health authorities are investigating the cause of the outbreak, which was initially…

  • Thailand NewsThai elephant to be repatriated from Sri Lanka with 19 million baht budget

    Thai elephant to be repatriated from Sri Lanka with 19 million baht budget

    Animal lovers will be happy to know that Thailand’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has allocated a budget of 19 million baht for the return of Sak Surin, an ailing Thai elephant, from Sri Lanka next month, as announced by Minister Varawut Silpa-archa. Sak Surin was one of three elephants sent to Sri Lanka as goodwill ambassadors from Thailand…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket fishing boats pass inspections, no illegal activity found, officials say

    Phuket fishing boats pass inspections, no illegal activity found, officials say

    Recent inspections of fishing boats operating in Phuket waters have shown no signs of illegal activities, such as human trafficking or compromised working conditions, according to officials. The random inspections were conducted on five boats and aimed to ensure workers’ rights were being upheld, with checks on employment and working conditions, valid working permits, and wages being paid in the…

  • 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…