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 NewsRTA lieutenant general accused of assault, illicit drug use during sexual encounter with man

    RTA lieutenant general accused of assault, illicit drug use during sexual encounter with man

    Investigations are underway at Sadao Police Station in Songkhla, regarding the alleged illicit drug use and assault by a Royal Thai Army (RTA) army lieutenant general while engaging in sexual activities with another man. The authorities have issued a summons for the lieutenant general to be questioned about these allegations. Police officials interviewed the alleged victim, identified solely as Nut.…

  • Technology NewsChina offers engine substitutes for Thai submarine project with benefits

    China offers engine substitutes for Thai submarine project with benefits

    Chinese authorities have committed to meeting three conditions concerning warranty, compensation, and safety if the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) opts for a Chinese-produced engine to replace a German-made one for an S26T Yuan-class submarine being assembled in China, according to Navy commander Adm Choengchai Chomchoengpaet. Following a recent meeting with China’s navy chief and defence minister, Adm Choengchai revealed that…

  • Covid-19 NewsThailand launches “The Big Catch-Up” campaign to boost child immunisation rates

    Thailand launches “The Big Catch-Up” campaign to boost child immunisation rates

    The Public Health Ministry in Thailand is ramping up the rollout of essential vaccines, including polio and measles, to children nationwide. This comes after a recent study revealed that the immunisation rate among Thai children has declined to around 80%. In statements made to commemorate World Immunisation Week, the Director-Generals of the Department of Disease Control, Tares Krassanairawiwong, and the…

  • Economy NewsDeputy interior minister criticizes tap water fee hike plan amid rising energy prices

    Deputy interior minister criticizes tap water fee hike plan amid rising energy prices

    Deputy Interior Minister Naris Khamnurak spoke out against the Metropolitan Waterworks Administration’s (MWA) and Provincial Waterworks Administration’s (PWA) plan to hike tap water fees yesterday. Naris was responding to media reports suggesting both agencies intend to raise bills to counterbalance the higher expenses brought about by rising energy prices. The Deputy Interior Minister emphasised that neither the MWA nor the…

  • Thailand NewsThailand plans to relocate macaque monkeys from Phra Nakhon Khiri historical park

    Thailand plans to relocate macaque monkeys from Phra Nakhon Khiri historical park

    Phetchaburi authorities are currently working on a plan to relocate the large and mischievous macaque population at the Phra Nakhon Khiri historical park, better known as Khao Wang, to a place where they can live a more natural life and cause no disturbance to the peace, provincial governor Natthachai Nampoonsuksan announced on May 1. The number of monkeys in the…

  • Politics NewsKanit Sangsubhan joins Palang Pracharath Party to boost southern Thailand’s economy

    Kanit Sangsubhan joins Palang Pracharath Party to boost southern Thailand’s economy

    The Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) recently announced the appointment of Kanit Sangsubhan, previously a special adviser to the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) Office, as a member of its economic team. This move is intended to bolster the economy in Thailand’s southern border provinces. PPRP leader Prawit Wongsuwon expressed his delight at welcoming Kanit as a key member of the party,…

  • Thailand NewsThailand detects 6 new cases of Omicron XBB.1.16 subvariant and one XBB.1.16.1

    Thailand detects 6 new cases of Omicron XBB.1.16 subvariant and one XBB.1.16.1

    Thailand‘s Department of Medical Sciences announced yesterday that it has identified six new cases of the Omicron XBB.1.16 subvariant, as well as one case of the closely related XBB.1.16.1 subvariant. This brings the total number of people in the kingdom infected with the XBB.1.16 subvariant to 34. The department’s director-general, Supakit Sirilak, confirmed that XBB.1.16 is responsible for 9.8% of…

  • Thailand NewsThai Senate committee discusses foreign satellite regulations

    Thai Senate committee discusses foreign satellite regulations

    The Thai Senate committee yesterday met to focus on information technology, communication, and telecommunications and convened to discuss the proposed changes by the state telecommunications regulatory body regarding the regulations governing the utilisation of foreign-owned satellites to offer domestic telecommunications services. The gathering presided over by General Anantaporn Kanchanarat, focused on assessing concerns and suggestions raised by the National Broadcasting…

  • Thailand NewsThailand offers 11 billion baht subsidy for low-income electricity bills

    Thailand offers 11 billion baht subsidy for low-income electricity bills

    The Thai government announced plans to allocate over 11 billion baht to support low-income earners with their electricity bills over the next four months, with the subsidy set to begin in May. However, the proposal needs to be reviewed and approved by the Election Commission (EC) before it becomes official. Following yesterday’s Cabinet meeting, Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha addressed the…

  • Crime NewsThai, Lao nationals caught in heroin seizure at Hong Kong International Airport

    Thai, Lao nationals caught in heroin seizure at Hong Kong International Airport

    Thai and Lao nationals were allegedly involved in the recent seizure of a heroin shipment at Hong Kong International Airport, controlled by the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB). In response to Hong Kong officials’ alert on Friday, April 21, Thai authorities launched an investigation into the shipment. Upon examination, Hong Kong officials discovered suspected heroin concealed within the…

  • Thailand NewsMFP secretary-general confident of securing at least 100 seats in General Election

    MFP secretary-general confident of securing at least 100 seats in General Election

    Chaithawat Tulathon, secretary-general of the Move Forward Party (MFP), expressed confidence that his party is on track to secure a minimum of 100 House seats in the upcoming General Election. Speaking at a major campaign rally in Samyan Mitrtown, which drew attendees of all age groups, Chaithawat was optimistic about the MFP’s chances of surpassing the now-dissolved Future Forward Party’s…

  • HealthThailand strengthens disease prevention measures in overcrowded prisons

    Thailand strengthens disease prevention measures in overcrowded prisons

    The Ministry of Public Health, the Department of Corrections, and the National Health Security Office have forged an alliance to improve and monitor health conditions for the 260,000 prisoners across Thailand, stressing that all prisoners should have equal access to medical treatment. Dr Opas Karnkawinpong, the department’s permanent secretary, has said that a united effort by the three parties will…

  • Thailand NewsFt set to decrease next month, says Thailand’s ERC

    Ft set to decrease next month, says Thailand’s ERC

    The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) is set to reduce the fuel tariff (Ft) next month, following a recommendation by the subcommittee responsible for its calculation. The decision comes in response to concerns regarding the rising cost of living, with water rates also marked for an increase after 23 years of stagnation. As reported by Khomgrich Tantravanich, the ERC’s secretary-general, the…

  • Thailand Election NewsPalang Pracharath Party urges Chiang Mai voters to choose change in general election

    Palang Pracharath Party urges Chiang Mai voters to choose change in general election

    The Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) has recently urged voters in Chiang Mai to vote for change in the upcoming general election. The party’s leader has advocated for a national reconciliation plan which, he claims, would lead to prosperity and sustainability for the country. Capt. Thamanat Prompow, head of the PPRP’s election strategy panel for the North, addressed a large crowd…

  • Thailand NewsDemocrats in Thailand get naughty: Pledge to legalize sex toys for the greater good

    Democrats in Thailand get naughty: Pledge to legalize sex toys for the greater good

    The Democrat Party pledged its commitment to the legalisation of sex toys in Thailand, arguing that such a move would bring about numerous benefits beyond the realm of sexual pleasure. This stance highlights the party’s determination to establish a thriving and regulated sex toy industry within the country. Deputy government spokeswoman Rachada Dhnadirek, also an executive of the Democrat Party, clarified…

  • Thailand NewsCovid-19 inpatients and deaths surge by 150% in Thailand after Songkran celebrations

    Covid-19 inpatients and deaths surge by 150% in Thailand after Songkran celebrations

    In the aftermath of the Songkran celebrations, which concluded on April 15, the number of Covid-19 inpatients and related deaths has seen a significant increase of 150% in just one week. According to the Department of Disease Control, there were 1,088 Covid inpatients from April 16 to 22, compared to the previous week’s figure of 435. Furthermore, the number of…

  • Thailand NewsTwo hunters injured in shootout with rangers and arrested for possession of dead langur monkeys

    Two hunters injured in shootout with rangers and arrested for possession of dead langur monkeys

    Two hunters in Phetchaburi have been left with injuries following a clash with forest rangers, leading to their arrests. They were found to have six dead grey langurs, local authorities reported today. Forest rangers had been conducting a patrol in Huay Kum forest, close to Phu Sai in the Moo 3 village, situated in tambon Huay Mae Phriang of the…

  • Pattaya News3 million baht fire devastates east Pattaya wood shop industry

    3 million baht fire devastates east Pattaya wood shop industry

    A recent fire in east Pattaya has left a significant impact on the local wood shop industry, as a blaze at a Nong Plalai wood shop resulted in an estimated 3 million baht in damages. Thankfully, there were no reports of injuries caused by the fire. The rapid response from local fire crews from Nong Plalai, Takhiantia, and Nongprue prevented…

  • Thailand NewsThree Chinese nationals fined for missing 90-day immigration check-in in Thailand

    Three Chinese nationals fined for missing 90-day immigration check-in in Thailand

    Three Chinese nationals have recently been fined as part of an ongoing crackdown on immigration violations in Thailand. Acting under the instructions of national deputy police chief Pol. Gen. Surachet “Big Joke” Hakparn, officers in Banglamung and Sattahip have been carrying out weekly checks on Chinese nationals and other foreigners who may be involved in illegal activities or overstaying their…

  • Pattaya NewsNorth Pattaya warzone: One injured in teenage gang clash involving rocks, knives, homemade grenades

    North Pattaya warzone: One injured in teenage gang clash involving rocks, knives, homemade grenades

    A recent clash between rival teenage gangs in north Pattaya has left one person injured after the gangs used rocks, knives, and homemade grenades as weapons. The violent incident took place at 5am on Saturday, April 22 at the Photisan Fresh Market, where a 17 year old employee of the Jay Nooch fruit shop suffered a blow to the head…

  • Thailand NewsChinese ambassador expresses confidence in Belt and Road Initiative benefiting Thailand and China

    Chinese ambassador expresses confidence in Belt and Road Initiative benefiting Thailand and China

    Chinese Ambassador Han Zhiqiang expressed his confidence yesterday that China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) would foster mutual growth and provide numerous benefits to both Thailand and China. Speaking at a seminar titled “Contemporary China with the World: An Exchange of a New Generation between Thailand and China,” the ambassador highlighted the BRI’s role in guiding and advancing bilateral relations…

  • Thailand Election NewsOverseas voting dates set for Thai election: Apr 25-May 5

    Overseas voting dates set for Thai election: Apr 25-May 5

    Ahead of the Thai General Election set for May 14, eligible Thai voters who reside overseas will have the opportunity to cast their votes between April 25 and May 5. The specific date within this period on which Thais can vote will be determined by the Thai embassy and consulate in each respective country, according to Sawaeng Boonmee, secretary-general for…

  • Pattaya NewsScam alert: fake Facebook page swindles Thai tourists out of thousands of baht for Pattaya pool villas

    Scam alert: fake Facebook page swindles Thai tourists out of thousands of baht for Pattaya pool villas

    A group of Thai tourists were allegedly tricked out of tens of thousands of baht by a fake Pattaya pool villa Facebook page. Achiraya Malarat, a 27 year old Thai tourist from Khon Kaen province, got in touch with The Pattaya News to expose a scammer who was pretending to be a genuine pool villa operator on Facebook. On April…

  • Covid-19 NewsFestival turns fatal: Covid surges post-Songkran

    Festival turns fatal: Covid surges post-Songkran

    A sharp increase in Covid inpatients and related fatalities was reported in the week following the Songkran Festival, with numbers soaring by 150% compared to the previous week, according to the Department of Disease Control. Between April 16 and 22, the number of Covid inpatients surged to 1,088, a stark increase from the 435 patients in the preceding week of…

  • Pattaya NewsPattaya Police raid nightclub in late night crackdown on illegal activities

    Pattaya Police raid nightclub in late night crackdown on illegal activities

    Late last night, at around 10.30pm, a nightclub in Pattaya was raided by local police in search of overstayers and those partaking in illegal activities. The venue, known as “Hollywood,” is located on Petchtrakul Road and was filled with approximately 300 patrons, both Thai and foreign, when the police arrived. This raid comes as part of an ongoing campaign spearheaded…

  • Covid-19 NewsXBB Omicron variant rising in Thailand: New strategies deployed

    XBB Omicron variant rising in Thailand: New strategies deployed

    Approximately 52% of new Covid-19 cases in Thailand have been attributed to the XBB sub-strain of the Omicron variant, according to the Centre for Medical Genomics. As a result, a prominent doctor has urged the public to obtain booster shots before the onset of the rainy season. The XBB variant and its sub-strains have been responsible for recent surges in…

  • Thailand NewsBJT’s ambitious plan to creating a ‘land bridge’ to boost economic growth in southern Thailand

    BJT’s ambitious plan to creating a ‘land bridge’ to boost economic growth in southern Thailand

    The Bhumjaithai Party in Thailand vows to push forward with the development of a “land bridge” connecting the Andaman Sea with the Gulf of Thailand, which they believe will stimulate economic growth in the South. Itthidet Supong, spokesperson for Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul, stated that Anutin is particularly keen on constructing an overland freight route, which is slated to link…

  • Environment NewsChiang Mai’s haze crisis: Health and tourism at risk

    Chiang Mai’s haze crisis: Health and tourism at risk

    The ongoing severe haze pollution in Chiang Mai has not only increased health risks for the inhabitants but has also negatively impacted its tourism industry. Affected parties are urging the government to implement long-term measures to address the issue, including the passage of a ‘clean air’ bill currently awaiting deliberation in parliament. The PM2.5 pollution affecting the upper northern provinces…

  • Thailand NewsThai government acts fast to evacuate nationals from Sudan

    Thai government acts fast to evacuate nationals from Sudan

    The government of Thailand is making arrangements to evacuate Thai citizens from Sudan as swiftly as possible, utilising nearby airports such as Cairo Airport in Egypt and the American Air Force Base in Djibouti. This decision follows increasing concerns over the security situation in Sudan, with fears growing for the safety of the estimated 300 Thai nationals residing in the…

  • Thailand Election NewsVote wisely: PM Chan-o-cha’s election appeal

    Vote wisely: PM Chan-o-cha’s election appeal

    Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, the United Thai Nation (UTN) Party’s candidate for prime minister, has called on voters to think carefully before casting their ballots, cautioning that electing the wrong politicians could have disastrous consequences for the country. As part of his election campaign, Prime Minister Chan-o-cha visited Tha Pla district to drum up support for the UTN candidates running…