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 NewsPheu Thai supporters urge split from MFP amid House speaker rift

    Pheu Thai supporters urge split from MFP amid House speaker rift

    A faction of Pheu Thai supporters is urging the party to distance itself from the Move Forward Party (MFP) due to an internal disagreement over the House speaker position. Despite this, the majority of the group continues to back Pheu Thai’s commitment to vote for MFP leader Pita Limjaroenrat as the next prime minister and permit the MFP to spearhead…

  • Thailand NewsFraudster nabbed after swindling millions in Bangkok investment scheme

    Fraudster nabbed after swindling millions in Bangkok investment scheme

    A woman sought for her alleged involvement in a fraudulent investment scheme was apprehended yesterday after evading capture for nine months. The 55 year old suspect, Pimpicha Suthornsupisal, stands accused of deceiving numerous individuals, resulting in millions of baht in losses. The arrest took place in a car park within a dormitory complex located in Bangkok’s Sai Mai district. Pimpicha,…

  • Thailand NewsUS to import Thai pomelos, Australia greenlights cooked duck imports

    US to import Thai pomelos, Australia greenlights cooked duck imports

    The United States is set to import Thai pomelos next month, while Australia has granted permission to import cooked duck from Thailand after years of negotiation, as announced by the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives. Rapeepat Chantarasriwong, the director-general of the Department of Agriculture, revealed that the US approved the import of irradiated fresh pomelos from Thailand without any strain…

  • Central Thailand NewsTour boat ablaze in central Thailand

    Tour boat ablaze in central Thailand

    A tour boat, which was a modified cargo barge made of teak wood, caught fire while docked at a pier in the main city district of Thailand’s central Ayutthaya province early this morning. Fortunately, no casualties were reported, Bangkok Post reported. The incident occurred around 1am at a boat pier near Wat Phanan Choeng in tambon Khlong Suan Phlu. Upon…

  • Phuket NewsRussian man tragically drowns off Patong Beach

    Russian man tragically drowns off Patong Beach

    A tragic incident occurred yesterday off the coast of Patong Beach when a Russian man drowned while swimming in the sea. The drowning was reported to the Patong Police Station at 7.55am, Bangkok Post reported. Rescue workers, lifeguards, and Patong Hospital personnel attempted to save the man. Despite their best efforts to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation, the man could not be saved.…

  • Crime NewsLawyer denies aiding Thai cyanide serial killer in evidence concealment

    Lawyer denies aiding Thai cyanide serial killer in evidence concealment

    Thannicha Aeksuwannawat, the lawyer of Thai cyanide serial killer Sararat Rangsiwuthaporn denied charges of assisting her client in destroying or concealing evidence. Thannicha reported to the Crime Suppression Division’s head office yesterday to face charges of aiding another person in evading punishment or receiving a reduced penalty by destroying or concealing evidence of crimes, in violation of Section 184. After two…

  • Crime NewsPhuket launches inspections to curb foreigner crime, boost reputation

    Phuket launches inspections to curb foreigner crime, boost reputation

    Phuket authorities launched a comprehensive inspection campaign targeting crimes by foreigners to boost the island’s reputation among potential visitors. The ‘white accommodation scheme for foreigners’ was announced by Phuket Governor Narong Woonciew. The scheme is being overseen by Pol. Col. Thanet Sukchai, Superintendent of Phuket Immigration, The Phuket News reported. The scheme aims to work with landlords who have foreigners residing…

  • Environment NewsTHAI collaborating with Bangchak on sustainable fuel initiative

    THAI collaborating with Bangchak on sustainable fuel initiative

    Thai Airways International Plc (THAI) has recently partnered with Bangchak Corporation Plc to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) focusing on technical and professional knowledge sharing in the field of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) utilisation. The chief of corporate strategy at THAI, Taviroj Songkumpol, stated that the national carrier has been striving for over 63 years to maintain a balance…

  • Thailand NewsThailand and Malaysia collaborate on new transborder road to boost ties

    Thailand and Malaysia collaborate on new transborder road to boost ties

    A new road connecting Thailand’s Sadao border checkpoint in Songkhla to Malaysia’s Bukit Kayu Hitam town in Kedah state is set to be built, following an agreement between the two countries aimed at strengthening their ties. Chonthun Sangpoom, the deputy secretary-general of the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Centre (SBPAC), said yesterday that the SBPAC and state agencies participated in the…

  • Thailand NewsMFP reassures cannabis businesses amid plans to re-list as narcotic

    MFP reassures cannabis businesses amid plans to re-list as narcotic

    The Move Forward Party (MFP) reassured registered marijuana growers and cannabis business operators that their interests will be safeguarded in the future, even if the drug is reclassified as a narcotic. Deputy MFP leader Sirikanya Tansakun explained that the party’s primary objective in re-listing cannabis as a narcotic is to enable state officials, including the police and the Office of Narcotics…

  • Phuket News24-hour alcohol ban in key Patong areas during councillor election

    24-hour alcohol ban in key Patong areas during councillor election

    A 24-hour alcohol ban is set to take place in key areas of Patong, Phuket, as local residents prepare to vote in a councillor election on June 11. Patong Municipality Election Director Wipa Chanthong confirmed the ban, which will be in effect throughout Patong Municipality Constituency 3 from 6pm on June 10 to 6pm on June 11. Constituency 3 is…

  • Thailand NewsThai King to cover medical costs for victims of Phichit school roof collapse

    Thai King to cover medical costs for victims of Phichit school roof collapse

    His Majesty the King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua has pledged to cover the medical expenses of those injured in a tragic roof collapse at a school in Phichit during a storm on Monday evening. Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha announced this decision during a visit to the affected Ban Noen Po School and the local community in Sam Ngam district, following…

  • Thailand NewsBangkok to expand Google Classroom project to all 437 schools by 2026

    Bangkok to expand Google Classroom project to all 437 schools by 2026

    The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has unveiled its plans to implement the Google Classroom project across all 437 schools under its jurisdiction within the next three years. The announcement follows a successful pilot project in collaboration with Google at Thainiyomsongkroa School in the Bang Khen district. The Google Classroom project emphasises “learning connectivity and data accessibility,” providing each student with…

  • Thailand NewsCannabis shop near top school suspended amid licence scrutiny

    Cannabis shop near top school suspended amid licence scrutiny

    A cannabis shop near the prestigious St Joseph Convent School on Silom Road has had its licence suspended for one month by the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine (DTAM). The dispensary had been operating for six months before receiving criticism due to its proximity to the all-girls school. DTAM’s director-general, Thongchai Lertwilairattanapong, revealed that the suspension was a…

  • Thailand NewsThai MP-elect aims to break £11bn alcohol duopoly with progressive bill

    Thai MP-elect aims to break £11bn alcohol duopoly with progressive bill

    A member of parliament-elect with a passion for beer is seeking to challenge the 470-billion-baht alcohol duopoly held by two of Thailand’s wealthiest families, following the Move Forward Party’s recent election victory. Taopiphop Limjittrakorn, a 34 year old brewer turned politician, has long fought against stringent regulations that benefit Boon Rawd Brewery and ThaiBev, the two companies dominating the country’s…

  • Thailand NewsKey Chinese Ponzi scheme member arrested in Bangkok over cybercrime

    Key Chinese Ponzi scheme member arrested in Bangkok over cybercrime

    A key member of a Chinese Ponzi scheme network wanted in China for cybercrime, fraud, and investment scams, has been apprehended by immigration police. The 35 year old individual, known only as Zhao, was arrested following coordination between the Chinese embassy in Bangkok and the Immigration Bureau (IB). Zhao and his associates operated an investment firm that lured people into a…

  • Thailand NewsSeven arrested for smuggling Chinese nationals into Thailand for potential call centre scams

    Seven arrested for smuggling Chinese nationals into Thailand for potential call centre scams

    Seven Thai individuals have been detained for their alleged involvement in smuggling Chinese nationals from Laos into Thailand. Authorities are investigating whether these cases have any connection to call centre gangs. The series of arrests were disclosed in a press briefing held yesterday by Provincial Police Region 3 Commissioner Pol. Lt. Gen. Somprasong Yenthuan, which involved Highway Police, Immigration Police,…

  • Thailand NewsDemocrats to elect new leader amid Abhisit and Watanya speculation

    Democrats to elect new leader amid Abhisit and Watanya speculation

    The Democrat Party is set to meet and establish guidelines for selecting a new leader, with Abhisit Vejjajiva and Watanya Bunnag, head of the party’s political innovations working group, being the potential candidates. Yesterday, party spokesperson Ramet Rattanachaweng announced that the caretaker executive panel would convene tomorrow to outline the process for choosing a new leader and appointing a new…

  • Thailand NewsCannabis shops near schools allowed amid lack of specific law

    Cannabis shops near schools allowed amid lack of specific law

    Cannabis dispensaries are currently allowed to operate near schools in Thailand, as there is no specific legislation controlling their locations, according to the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine (DTAM). However, the Public Health Ministry has prohibited the sale of cannabis to individuals under 20 years old, with penalties including a one-year prison sentence, a fine of up to…

  • Thailand NewsBangkok Pride parade aims to boost Thailand’s 2028 World Pride bid

    Bangkok Pride parade aims to boost Thailand’s 2028 World Pride bid

    Bangkok is set to host a Pride parade on June 4, with the theme “Door to Equal Asia,” as the city prepares to bid for World Pride 2028. Waaddao Chumaporn, the founder of Bangkok Pride, informed the Bangkok Post that this year’s event will be larger than the previous year, highlighting Thailand’s preparedness to host the global celebration in 2028.…

  • Thailand NewsThailand and Cambodia consider reopening Preah Vihear temple to boost tourism

    Thailand and Cambodia consider reopening Preah Vihear temple to boost tourism

    Anticipation is growing among Thais for the reopening of the Preah Vihear temple ruins in Si Sa Ket after a 15-year suspension to boost tourism and promote peace dialogue with Cambodia. The temple has been inaccessible from Si Sa Ket’s Kantharalak district since 2008 due to border disputes between the two countries. Soldiers from both Thailand and Cambodia remain stationed…

  • Economy NewsThai rice exports valued at 23% more than same period last year

    Thai rice exports valued at 23% more than same period last year

    From January to April, Thailand’s rice exports reached 2.79 million tonnes, with an estimated total for the year surpassing 8 million tonnes, according to the government. Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, expressed optimism regarding the exports being valued at US$1.5 billion (51.2 billion baht) revenue, a 23% increase compared to the same period last year, as reported by government spokesperson Anucha…

  • Tourism NewsIncheon hosts Thai roadshow to boost tourism and trade ties

    Incheon hosts Thai roadshow to boost tourism and trade ties

    Incheon Metropolitan City and Incheon Tourism Organisation recently launched their inaugural roadshow in Thailand, aimed at enhancing trade and tourism between the two nations. The event, titled “Incheon Soft Power Thailand Roadshow 2023,” took place at the Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel and featured a B2B session involving 50 Thai and 21 Incheon tourism-related businesses, as well as a concert showcasing…

  • Tourism NewsThailand’s Tham Luang Cave reopens for tourists in July

    Thailand’s Tham Luang Cave reopens for tourists in July

    Safety measures are being implemented ahead of the Tham Luang Cave site’s reopening in July, as announced by Thailand‘s Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, Bangkok Post reported. The cave gained international attention in 2018 when 12 young Wild Boars football players and their coach were trapped inside for 18 days due to flooding before being successfully rescued.…

  • Politics NewsMove Forward Party drops coalition partners amid supporter backlash

    Move Forward Party drops coalition partners amid supporter backlash

    Thailand’s Move Forward Party (MFP) made a recent change to its proposed coalition. The party has decided to drop the New and Chartpattanakla parties from its proposed coalition line-up, following a backlash from its supporters. MFP secretary-general Chaithawat Tulathon announced yesterday that the party will now focus on lobbying for Senate support for its leader, Pita Limjaroenrat, to become premier,…

  • Crime NewsPhuket police seize grenades, guns, and drugs in multiple raids

    Phuket police seize grenades, guns, and drugs in multiple raids

    Phuket Provincial Police seized two fragmentation grenades, firearms, ammunition, and drugs in a series of raids carried out in Wichit, Chalong, and Phuket Town. The recent drug and gun busts were announced yesterday, with no exact dates of the arrests provided, The Phuket News reported. Five arrests were made during the raids, led by Phuket Provincial Police Commissioner Pol. Lt. Col.…

  • Politics NewsThailand’s Democrats deny seeking to join Move Forward Party-led coalition

    Thailand’s Democrats deny seeking to join Move Forward Party-led coalition

    Prominent members of Thailand‘s Democrat Party dismissed claims that they are considering joining the coalition led by the Move Forward Party (MFP). These rumours emerged on Thursday night after the formation of a 10-party alliance, suggesting that a group of winning Democrat candidates close to acting party secretary-general Chalermchai Sri-on were seeking to approach the MFP and Pheu Thai to join…

  • Politics NewsThai senator faces indictment on money laundering, criminal organisation charges

    Thai senator faces indictment on money laundering, criminal organisation charges

    A Thai Senator Upakit Pachirirangkun faces indictment on charges of money laundering and involvement in a transnational criminal organisation, according to Kosolwat Inthuchanyong, the spokesman for the Office of the Attorney-General. The decision follows a police investigation into the senator’s alleged connections with illicit activities, Bangkok Post reported this morning. However, 61 year old Upakit denied the charges. In a press conference…

  • Crime NewsGambling addiction may have motivated Thai cyanide poisonings

    Gambling addiction may have motivated Thai cyanide poisonings

    The police investigation into the case of “Thai cyanide serial killer, Sararat “Am” on social media, has revealed that severe gambling addiction may have been a driving factor behind her alleged poisoning of 14 individuals. The investigation uncovered that 78 million baht had passed through the suspect’s bank accounts, with some of the money being transferred to proxy accounts set…

  • Politics NewsPatong local election may impact Bangla Road nightlife

    Patong local election may impact Bangla Road nightlife

    Patong Municipality has announced a local election set to take place on June 11, which will impact the popular nightlife district of Bangla Road and its surrounding areas. The election is being held to elect a new representative for Patong Municipality Constituency 3, covering the heart of the bustling tourism town. The need for a new representative arose following the…