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 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 NewsExperts unite to oppose govt’s cannabis legalisation

    Experts unite to oppose govt’s cannabis legalisation

    A collective of medical professionals, academics, and civil organisations have released yet another open letter to express their opposition to the government’s decision to legalise cannabis. This marks their seventh open letter on the matter, urging the public to vote for political parties that do not support the removal of cannabis from the list of narcotics, as well as its…

  • 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…

  • Pattaya NewsRoyal Thai Navy releases artificial coral reefs to boost eco-tourism and marine conservation

    Royal Thai Navy releases artificial coral reefs to boost eco-tourism and marine conservation

    The Royal Thai Navy, along with various partners, has celebrated Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn’s birthday by releasing 69 units of artificial coral reefs on the seabed of Koh Samae San in Sattahip district, Chon Buri province. The occasion was graced by the presence of Gen Surayud Chulanont, President of the Privy Council and Chairman of the Khao Yai Protection Foundation.…

  • 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…

  • Crime NewsDelivery rider finds ketamine in phone box, alerts police

    Delivery rider finds ketamine in phone box, alerts police

    This morning, a motorcycle delivery rider in Samut Prakan, made a surprising discovery when he opened a package that was meant to be an empty mobile phone box, only to find it contained a sachet of the illegal drug ketamine. The delivery driver received a call through his employer’s service system, requesting the pick up of a package from a…

  • 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 NewsThailand’s Grade 5 textbook sparks outcry over alleged malnutrition endorsement

    Thailand’s Grade 5 textbook sparks outcry over alleged malnutrition endorsement

    Critics have misinterpreted the content of a Thai-language textbook for Grade 5 pupils, following allegations that it appeared to condone malnutrition among young children, according to the Office of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC). OBEC’s secretary-general, Amporn Pinasa, asserted that the criticised chapter, found in the Pasa Patee textbook used by fifth-graders, is actually a story about appreciating the value…

  • 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…

  • Environment NewsChiang Mai breathes easier: Summer storms bring air quality relief

    Chiang Mai breathes easier: Summer storms bring air quality relief

    The air quality in Chiang Mai has significantly improved due to a series of summer storms, causing hazardous haze pollution and ultra-fine particulate matter (PM) 2.5 levels to drop after months of concern. This is welcome news for residents and tourists alike, as the region has been grappling with poor air quality and the impact it has had on both…

  • Thailand NewsTrunk-ated Stay: Thailand’s push to bring home abused elephant from Sri Lanka continues

    Trunk-ated Stay: Thailand’s push to bring home abused elephant from Sri Lanka continues

    The Thai government continues to explore ways to repatriate Sak Surin, one of three elephants gifted to Sri Lanka by Thailand back in 2001. This follows reports last year by an animal rights organisation that the elephant had been subjected to mistreatment by its handlers. While the government is aware of Sak Surin’s situation, transporting the elephant back to Thailand…

  • Thailand Weather UpdatesThailand’s heatwave nears end, rainy season looms

    Thailand’s heatwave nears end, rainy season looms

    Thailand’s hot season approaches its conclusion as the rainy season is set to begin in mid-May, according to the country’s Meteorological Department. The hot season peaked on April 15, when the temperature reached a record high of 44.6°C in Tak. Deputy director-general Thanasit Iam-ananchai has stated that throughout the weekend, daily heat indices or apparent temperatures are anticipated to surge…

  • Northern Thailand NewsSummer storm wreaks havoc on 2 districts of northeast Thailand province

    Summer storm wreaks havoc on 2 districts of northeast Thailand province

    A summer storm wreaked havoc on two districts of Thailand’s northeast Nakhon Phanom province. Around 70 houses in That Phanom and Renu Nakhon districts were damaged yesterday afternoon, according to authorities. In That Phanom district, both Moo 3 and Moo 8 villages of Tambon Phon Phaeng faced heavy showers, strong gusts of wind, and thunderstorms for approximately an hour. As…

  • Crime NewsKhao San cannabis vendors face charges for operating without licenses

    Khao San cannabis vendors face charges for operating without licenses

    A joint operation involving the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine (DTTAM), Metropolitan Police Bureau, Chana Songkhram police, and City Hall staff has led to the pressing of charges against five unauthorised cannabis shops located on Khao San Road. The crackdown took place on April 20, following the postponement of ‘420’ weed parties that were intended to take place…

  • Covid-19 NewsDaily Covid-19 cases in Bangkok spike

    Daily Covid-19 cases in Bangkok spike

    Bangkok‘s daily number of Covid-19 cases has experienced a significant spike, nearly doubling from 400 to 700 in the wake of the city’s recent Songkran festival. This has led to growing concerns among local authorities, who fear that the true extent of the situation might not yet be fully understood. The deputy City Clerk at the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA),…

  • Thailand NewsThai airforce gets ready to rescue Thais in Sudan

    Thai airforce gets ready to rescue Thais in Sudan

    Amidst the ongoing violent conflict in Sudan, the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) is getting ready to rescue Thai nationals currently stuck in the country. The RTAF has readied an Airbus A340-500 and a C-130 aircraft for the operation. Spokesperson AVM Prapas Sornchaidee said that RTAF commander ACM Alongkorn Wannarot has expressed deep concern for the Thai citizens in Sudan.…

  • Crime NewsTurkish man assaults older Thai man in Pattaya, resulting in serious head injury (video)

    Turkish man assaults older Thai man in Pattaya, resulting in serious head injury (video)

    A Turkish man assaulted an older Thai man in Pattaya, resulting in a serious head injury. The incident occurred on Pattaya‘s Walking Street on April 18, known as ‘Wan Lai‘ or ‘Flowing Day,’ at around 3am. The Turkish man, 28 year old Mustafa, appeared in video footage to head-butt and shove 61 year old Chadayut, who poured on him during…

  • Thailand Weather UpdatesHeat and drought expected to impact Thailand

    Heat and drought expected to impact Thailand

    Heat and drought are expected to impact Thailand soon. The end of the summer season is predicted to arrive by the middle of month, but Thailand is expected to face the harsh impact of the El Niño phenomenon around the middle of June. This will lead to severe drought conditions, according to the Meteorological Department (MD), Bangkok Post reports. The…

  • Economy NewsThai activists say new electricity rates won’t solve root causes of high prices

    Thai activists say new electricity rates won’t solve root causes of high prices

    A decision by an Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) subcommittee to reduce electricity rates from May to August has been met with reservations from Thai energy activists and politicians, who argue that the move does not address the root cause of expensive power bills. Yesterday, the subcommittee approved the fuel tariff (Ft) rate adjustment, which considers changes in fuel costs and…

  • Thailand NewsOfficials establish help centre for Thais in Sudan

    Officials establish help centre for Thais in Sudan

    Following the outbreak of violent clashes in Sudan, the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Centre (SBPAC) has established a help centre for Thais who are currently in Sudan. The SBPAC set up the centre to aid 210 Thai students who are currently facing difficulties in Sudan, as fighting continues to escalate in the nation’s capital, Khartoum. The centre is located at…

  • Thailand NewsAmerican YouTuber popular with Thais to compete in influencer boxing event

    American YouTuber popular with Thais to compete in influencer boxing event

    An American Youtuber who is popular among Thais is gearing up to compete in the “Influencer Boxing” contest in England today (Saturday). With over 13 million subscribers on YouTube, 30 year old Nathan Bartling has become a household name in Thailand and is proud to represent the country he now calls home. Bartling said on social media… “I never thought…

  • Pattaya NewsPattaya mayor takes part in rice festival

    Pattaya mayor takes part in rice festival

    On Thursday, Pattaya Mayor Poramase Ngampiches took part in the traditional Kong Khao (rice) festival in the local town of Naklua. This fascinating ceremony is an integral part of Chonburi province culture, attracting hundreds every year to honour and seek the blessings of the sacred guardian spirits, deities and other protective entities known to protect the local population. The Kong…