Nattapong Westwood

Nattapong Westwood is a Bangkok-born writer who is half Thai and half Aussie. He studied in an international school in Bangkok and then pursued journalism studies in Melbourne. Nattapong began his career as a freelance writer before joining Thaiger. His passion for news writing fuels his dedication to the craft, as he consistently strives to deliver engaging content to his audience.
  • Thailand NewsIndian tourist survives 6th floor plunge onto floating deck

    Indian tourist survives 6th floor plunge onto floating deck

    In North Pattaya, a 43 year old Indian tourist defied the odds as he miraculously survived a terrifying fall from a condominium building’s 6th floor, only to land on a floating deck one floor below. Responding to a frantic distress call at approximately 4.36am today, the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation’s rescue volunteers arrived on the scene to find the tourist,…

  • Thailand NewsFugitive woman arrested for fraud and embezzlement in Sing Buri

    Fugitive woman arrested for fraud and embezzlement in Sing Buri

    Police apprehended a 51 year old woman for her involvement in a multifaceted criminal enterprise that included document forgery, job application fraud, and a significant embezzlement scandal. These events followed her flight after being caught using fake documents, leading her to con people by selling products online without delivery, ultimately exposing her full participation in an 18 crown scheme—a term…

  • Thailand NewsJapan’s banana boost leaves Thai growers going ape

    Japan’s banana boost leaves Thai growers going ape

    Thai banana growers are going ape over the news that Japan is considering increasing the import quota of Thai bananas, potentially adding a bunch of up to 100,000 tonnes. This announcement came after a fruitful meeting at the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries in Tokyo, Japan, where the Thai Trade Representative, Naruemon Phinyosinwat, alongside the Thailand team, held discussions…

  • Thailand NewsThai abbot found burnt in forest shocks local community

    Thai abbot found burnt in forest shocks local community

    A revered abbot’s tragic demise has sent shockwaves through a Thai community after his body was found burned to the extent that only his upper torso remained identifiable. The abbot, Luang Pu Poon Thitapunyo, of Wat Pa Kesem Suk in Phetchabun Province, was discovered in a forested area behind the temple. The police have been meticulously piecing together evidence ever…

  • Thailand NewsSwiss retiree’s brutal attack on Thai woman sparks outcry in Trang

    Swiss retiree’s brutal attack on Thai woman sparks outcry in Trang

    A shocking incident at a shopping mall in the city of Trang Yesterday left a 58-year-old Thai woman with severe injuries after a violent altercation with a 60 year old Swiss national, Dieter Matthias Straumann. The 25 year old victim’s son, Kritpong Kikkham, is resolute in seeking justice for his mother, who is now hospitalised with a prognosis of at…

  • Thailand NewsDSI grills teacher candidates over Khon Kaen exam scam

    DSI grills teacher candidates over Khon Kaen exam scam

    The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has initiated an extensive interrogation of candidates for assistant teacher positions at the Primary Educational Service Area Office 2 in Khon Kaen, following allegations of widespread exam fraud. Investigators have discovered that exam materials were being sold for 600,000 baht each. The probe, which took place today at the Learning Promotion Office in Ban…

  • Thailand NewsUS Army captain defying tradition with a Buddhist twist

    US Army captain defying tradition with a Buddhist twist

    In a bustling Southwestern bar at a Royal Thai Navy (RTN) base, a US Army captain stood out, not just for his uniform but for the emblem adorning his cap, the Buddhist wheel of dharma, a rare sight in military circles. Chaplain (Captain) Songkran Waiyaka, one of only 10 Buddhists among over 3,000 religious leaders in the Army, often finds…

  • Thailand NewsShooting spree at Terminal 21 Korat unveils workplace vendetta

    Shooting spree at Terminal 21 Korat unveils workplace vendetta

    Nakhon Ratchasima police raced to Terminal 21 Korat following a shooting report at 7.15pm on Saturday, March 2. Amidst bustling shoppers, panic gripped the air as echoes of a previous massacre resurfaced, casting a shadow of fear over the scene. Arriving swiftly, emergency responders discovered Natdanai Leklak, a 30 year old security guard at the hotel, bearing six gunshot wounds…

  • Thailand NewsLong-fugitive rape suspect caught after 19 years in Thailand

    Long-fugitive rape suspect caught after 19 years in Thailand

    A 52 year old man was arrested yesterday for a 19 year old case involving the rape of a nurse’s aide, a crime he says was motivated by love and financial incapacity. The Central Investigation Bureau’s (CIB) long arm of the law finally closed in on the suspect, known only as Got, who had successfully eluded capture for nearly two…

  • Thailand Weather UpdatesChon Buri hits dangerous 51.4°C heat index, TMD issues warning

    Chon Buri hits dangerous 51.4°C heat index, TMD issues warning

    The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a severe heat index warning for today, March 5 and 6, with temperatures soaring to a scorching 51.4 degrees Celsius in Chon Buri province, placing it in the danger zone for heatstroke. On March 5, the heat index, which is a measure that reflects the human body’s perceived temperature by combining air temperature with…

  • Thailand NewsMissing Buriram woman found after mysterious journey

    Missing Buriram woman found after mysterious journey

    After an agonising three-month disappearance, a 22 year old woman from Buriram province was found and reunited with her overjoyed family. The woman, who had been missing since the Loy Krathong festival in November last year, was discovered near a hospital in the Pakham district. Her return was facilitated by a network of community leaders and law enforcement officials. The…

  • Thailand NewsBurmese woman stabbed in Nakhon Pathom domestic row

    Burmese woman stabbed in Nakhon Pathom domestic row

    A domestic dispute in Nakhon Pathom province escalated into a violent confrontation, resulting in a Burmese woman being critically injured after being stabbed. The incident, which occurred in the early morning hours yesterday, has led to the apprehension and confession of the assailant, who claimed the stabbing was unintentional. In the workers’ quarters of a company in Bang Len district,…

  • Thailand NewsLoan rejections soar for Thai homes under 3 million baht

    Loan rejections soar for Thai homes under 3 million baht

    The Thai housing market is facing a significant challenge as a growing number of loan applications for homes priced below 3 million baht are being rejected. According to the Housing Finance Association, the rejection rate has spiked to 50%, highlighting the vulnerability of this segment despite its substantial market size. The association’s secretary-general and chairman of the executive board, Alangkot…

  • Thailand NewsViolent clash between Thai and Filipina trans groups rocks Bangkok

    Violent clash between Thai and Filipina trans groups rocks Bangkok

    Chaos erupted early this morning outside a hotel on Sukhumvit Soi 11 when a violent confrontation broke out between Thai and Filipina ladyboys. The Thai group assembled in response to an incident today, March 5, where a Thai ladyboy was assaulted and robbed by a group of about 20 Filipina ladyboys. Tensions heightened as the Thai group demanded justice, leading…

  • World NewsBritish man dies from vitamin D overdose, spurs health warning

    British man dies from vitamin D overdose, spurs health warning

    An 89 year old British man tragically passed away after nine months of consuming excessive amounts of vitamin D supplements, leading to a fatal case of hypervitaminosis D. This is characterised by elevated blood calcium levels, which ultimately caused heart failure. The incident has sparked medical professionals to raise alarms over the potential dangers of overconsumption of dietary supplements. David…

  • Thailand NewsBeauty pageant entrance stirs debate with dramatic emergency

    Beauty pageant entrance stirs debate with dramatic emergency

    The recent staging of a dramatic entrance by Kanyaphatsaphon Rungrueang Misgrand Pathum Thani at a beauty pageant sparked a mix of criticism and concern across social media platforms. Kanyaphatsaphon, representing Pathum Thani in the Miss Grand Thailand 2024 competition, made her debut with the sound of emergency sirens blaring, as she was laid on a stretcher, ostensibly receiving CPR, before emerging…

  • Thailand NewsBangkok hosts Lim Ko Niao spiritual event for devotees

    Bangkok hosts Lim Ko Niao spiritual event for devotees

    Bangkok’s Po Teck Tung Foundation currently hosts a revered spiritual event, inviting devotees to venerate the goddess Lim Ko Niao from Hat Yai. The event at the foundation’s headquarters in Plabplachai is a collaborative effort with the Samakkhi Mitrapap Foundation (Thung Siang Tung) from Hat Yai. It runs from March 10 to 13 corresponding to the Western calendar. On Sunday,…

  • Thailand NewsThai racing champion faces backlash after gym altercation

    Thai racing champion faces backlash after gym altercation

    A well-known Thai racing driver is currently facing scrutiny after a video surfaced online showing the athlete assaulting a Mahidol University student in a condominium gym. The incident, which occurred on February 27, stemmed from a dispute over the use of gym equipment. The altercation took place in the late afternoon at 5.45pm when Non, a 21 year old student…

  • Thailand NewsSurin school head arrested for drug trade, 2.4 million pills seized

    Surin school head arrested for drug trade, 2.4 million pills seized

    The Thai Ministry of Education is currently carrying out a stringent investigation following the shocking arrest of a school director in Surin province for his involvement in a drug trafficking operation. The director was caught with a staggering 2.4 million methamphetamine tablets and has been promptly dismissed from his position to face the full force of the law. On March…

  • Thailand NewsChiang Rai hits highest air pollution levels in Thailand

    Chiang Rai hits highest air pollution levels in Thailand

    Air pollution has reached critical levels in the northern and northeastern regions of Thailand, with 36 provinces reporting particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations exceeding the safe standard, according to a recent report from the Air Pollution Control Department (APCD) under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. The province of Chiang Rai recorded the highest levels in the country. Over the…

  • Thailand NewsMarch stars forecast love and financial boost for Geminis

    March stars forecast love and financial boost for Geminis

    Astrological forecasts suggest a time of prosperity and positive change for some, particularly in the realms of love and finance. According to the popular Thai astrologer Thosporn, those born under the sign of Gemini are likely to experience a significant upswing in their romantic lives, with a chance to leave behind past challenges and embrace new opportunities. March heralds a…

  • Thailand NewsThai gold prices surge, reach new high at 35,750 baht per baht

    Thai gold prices surge, reach new high at 35,750 baht per baht

    Gold prices in Thailand saw a continuous surge today, prompting those interested in trading the precious metal to act swiftly. The Gold Traders Association (GTA) reported a significant increase compared to yesterday’s closing rates, with the selling price of gold ornaments per baht weight reaching 35,750 baht today marking a 50 baht increase from the previous day. The domestic market…

  • Thailand NewsWoman dies in Lamphun as pickup crashes into tree

    Woman dies in Lamphun as pickup crashes into tree

    A tragic road accident claimed the life of a 35 year old woman when her pickup truck veered off the road and crashed into a tree in Lamphun province. The victim, identified as Parichat Kunapong, was pinned behind the wheel, necessitating the use of rescue equipment to extricate her body. A devastating scene unfolded yesterday on the road from Ban…

  • Thailand NewsAccountant arrested in Thailand for 130 million baht tax fraud

    Accountant arrested in Thailand for 130 million baht tax fraud

    Thai authorities recently apprehended a 46 year old accountant involved in a substantial tax invoice fraud, causing a loss of over 130 million baht (US$3.6 million) to the state. The arrest of Wimala, the individual at the centre of the investigation, marked a significant breakthrough in a tax evasion case that has highlighted vulnerabilities in the country’s financial regulation systems.…

  • Thailand NewsThailand and Switzerland secure significant sum from drug kingpin

    Thailand and Switzerland secure significant sum from drug kingpin

    Thailand secured a substantial windfall of 1.88 million Swiss francs (76.89 million baht) from Switzerland, originating from the assets of drug kingpin Wei Hsueh-kang. In a ceremony presided over by Deputy Attorney General Jumpon Phansumrit, Thailand inked its inaugural asset-sharing pact with a foreign nation, setting a precedent for future collaborations in the war against crime. This landmark agreement signals…

  • Thailand NewsManhunt in Bangkok after daylight robbery and shooting

    Manhunt in Bangkok after daylight robbery and shooting

    A shocking incident unfolded in the heart of Bangkok when a man, reportedly close friends with the victim, pulled a gun and opened fire in a violent dispute over personal matters before fleeing with a fake gold necklace. The altercation, which took place in the Ladprao area, has left locals alarmed and law enforcement officers on high alert as they…

  • Thailand NewsThai authorities dismantle illegal border communication networks

    Thai authorities dismantle illegal border communication networks

    A coordinated effort by the Thai Cyber Police, the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), and the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has led to the successful crackdown on illegal communication networks along Thailand’s border. The operation, which took place today, March 2, resulted in the dismantling of illicit signal towers and the confiscation of thousands of unauthorized SIM cards,…

  • Road deathsChiang Mai to Bangkok bus crash injures passengers near Ban Tak

    Chiang Mai to Bangkok bus crash injures passengers near Ban Tak

    A tour bus en route from Chiang Mai to Bangkok met with a severe accident, ramming into the back of a trailer truck, leaving passengers injured, two critically. The incident unfolded near Ban Tak District Hospital in Tak province, prompting an immediate emergency response. Yesterday, a catastrophic collision occurred on Phahonyothin Road between kilometres 547 and 548, just north of…

  • Thailand Weather UpdatesNorthern Thailand girds for major summer storms, residents warned

    Northern Thailand girds for major summer storms, residents warned

    Thailand’s northern regions brace for severe summer storms, with the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issuing a warning for heavy rainfall, strong winds, hail, and potential lightning strikes. Citizens are advised to take precautions and avoid open spaces, with the alert spanning from March 2 to March 3. The TMD’s fourth warning has put the upper parts of Thailand on high…

  • Thailand NewsKamphaeng Phet gold shop heist nets 74,300 baht in jewellery

    Kamphaeng Phet gold shop heist nets 74,300 baht in jewellery

    In a brazen daylight heist, a young man robbed a gold shop in Kamphaeng Phet Province, making off with two baht-weight gold necklaces valued at 74,300 baht (US$2,000). The robbery took place at approximately 3.30pm yesterday, March 1, when the suspect, feigning a regular purchase, snatched the jewellery and fled on a motorcycle. The police, led by Deputy Inspector Atit…