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 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…

  • Economy NewsEggs-traordinary crisis: Thailand’s soaring egg prices crack traders and consumers alike

    Eggs-traordinary crisis: Thailand’s soaring egg prices crack traders and consumers alike

    The soaring cost of eggs in Thailand has left traders and consumers concerned, with some attributing the price hike to a shortage of supplies at farms and increased export demand. Wanchai Rungmitcharatsaeng, a 65 year old egg shop owner in Khon Kaen’s Mueang district, has been in the business for over 20 years and claims that egg prices have reached…

  • 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…

  • Thailand News12 highway police charged in 20-year truck sticker bribery scandal

    12 highway police charged in 20-year truck sticker bribery scandal

    TWELVE highway police officers have been charged with extortion and misconduct in connection with the truck sticker bribery scandal, according to Pol. Maj. Gen. Jaroonkiat Pankaew, Counter Corruption Division (CCD) commander and acting Highway Police Division Chief. He stated that additional charges would be revealed as the investigation expands. The identities of the 12 officers charged have not been disclosed,…

  • 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…

  • Phuket NewsPatong Beach ceremony marks World Oceans Day, urges marine protection

    Patong Beach ceremony marks World Oceans Day, urges marine protection

    In honour of World Oceans Day (yesterday), a ceremony took place at Patong Beach, Phuket, with officials urging increased efforts to protect the marine environment. The event was presided over by Phuket Vice Governor Amnuay Pinsuwan and attended by Wissanu Jaengjai, Director of the Region 10 Office of Marine and Coastal Resources, Sanakorn Kisin, Deputy Mayor of Patong, and representatives…

  • 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 DLT combats illegal driving license sales exposed by MP on Facebook

    Thailand’s DLT combats illegal driving license sales exposed by MP on Facebook

    Thailand‘s Department of Land Transport (DLT) is taking action against individuals selling driver’s licenses illegally, following a Move Forward Party MP’s exposé on the matter. MP-elect Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn discovered several people advertising online services to provide driver’s licenses without requiring the driving test and posted screenshots of customers who had received valid DLT-certified licenses despite not taking the test. Wiroj expressed concerns…

  • 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,…

  • Thailand NewsProbe into Thai school’s alleged forced relocation of 130 ethnic children

    Probe into Thai school’s alleged forced relocation of 130 ethnic children

    A committee has been formed by the Ministry of Education to investigate allegations that 130 ethnic children were forcibly relocated from a Thai-Myanmar border town to a school in Ang Thong’s Pa Mok district. Local complaints have been filed, claiming that a large group of ethnic children was enrolled in Thairath Wittaya 6 School, a small institution with only two…

  • 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…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket orders small boats to stay ashore until Saturday amid heavy weather

    Phuket orders small boats to stay ashore until Saturday amid heavy weather

    In Phuket, a ban has been issued on boats shorter than 10 metres leaving the shore until Saturday, June 10, due to heavy weather conditions. The order, issued by Phuket Marine Office Chief Natchaphong Pranit, applies to all sailing and motor yachts up to 32.8 feet. The ban comes as a reminder of the importance of safety measures in the maritime industry,…

  • 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 King sends condolences to India after tragic train collision

    Thai King sends condolences to India after tragic train collision

    King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua of Thailand has expressed his condolences to Indian President Droupadi Murmu following the devastating rail accident in Balasore, State of Odisha, which claimed the lives of over 270 individuals last Friday. In the message, the King stated… “Queen Suthida and I are shocked and deeply saddened by the catastrophic collision of trains in Balasore, State…

  • 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…