Nattapong Westwood

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 News

    Koh Chang woman arrested for mobile scam defrauding 100 people

    A 21 year old woman was arrested in Koh Chang for allegedly deceiving over 100 people in a mobile phone down-payment scam that lasted over a year. The woman, identified only as Marisa, who owned a well-known shop, faced several warrants for her arrest, one being from Thonburi Criminal Court dated November 28 last year, for fraud and entering false…

  • Thailand News

    Thailand’s hotspots surge, sparking environmental concerns

    The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) reported a surge in hotspots across Thailand and neighbouring countries, exceeding 1,700 points in Thailand alone as of February 14. This data, collected from the Suomi NPP satellite alongside other satellites, raised concerns, particularly as the majority of these hotspots are located in conservation forests and national parks. With neighbouring countries also…

  • Thailand News

    Hopea odorata tree draws crowds in Phayao for lottery luck

    Locals flocked to an ancient Hopea odorata tree, believed to be over 100 years old and requiring a five-person embrace to encircle, to seek blessings and lucky numbers for the upcoming national lottery draw. Situated beside Thung Pa Kha School in the Mae Chai district of Phayao province, this revered tree recently became the centre of attention as the lottery…

  • Thailand News

    UOB LIVE apologizes for Ed Sheeran concert disruption

    Suphalak, the Chairperson of UOB LIVE, issued a heartfelt apology following a disturbance at the Ed Sheeran concert held on February 11. In a formal letter, Suphalak expressed deep regret for the disruption caused by excessive noise in the VIP lounge area, which affected the concertgoers’ experience at UOB LIVE. In a move to address the fallout from the incident,…

  • Thailand News

    Bangkok retail hotspots top land value at 3.75 million baht per sq wah

    Bangkok’s prime retail locations, including Siam Square, Chidlom, and Ploenchit, retain their position as the city’s most expensive land areas, with prices reflecting the lucrative nature of the retail business compared to other commercial ventures. Sopon Pornchokchai, the president of the Agency for Real Estate Affairs (AREA), revealed that a survey of land prices across Bangkok and its vicinity, ongoing…

  • Thailand News

    Military and vets save giant python in Thailand after dog attack

    A giant python named Boonrod was saved from a near-fatal dog bite by military personnel in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand, and required urgent veterinary care, including sterilisation, before being returned to the wild. The incident occurred yesterday, February 14, when soldiers from the Special Warfare Training Camp in Sichon, along with their instructors, carried the nearly 5-meter-long, 10-kilogramme male python…

  • Thailand News

    Thai farmer’s blooming rose garden rakes in cash on Valentine’s Day

    The owner of Phraew Banpha Namthiang Rose Garden in Khon Kaen once toiled in the sugarcane fields, until she took a gamble six years ago, swapping cane for the delicate allure of roses. This Valentine’s Day, love isn’t the only thing in the air: the sweet scent of roses drifts from Phraew Banpha Namthiang, where demand for the enchanting blooms…

  • Thailand News

    Thai poultry exports soar, feathering their cap as world’s third-largest

    With over 100,000 tonnes of chicken valued at a staggering 100 billion baht shipped abroad last year alone, Thailand has secured its spot as the world’s third-largest exporter, trailing only behind Brazil and the US. Thailand’s poultry industry has been on an upward trajectory, with Chaweewan Kampa, President of the Poultry Promotion Association of Thailand, hailing the nation’s climb to…

  • Thailand News

    British tourist’s body found in Cheow Lan Dam after intense search

    A British tourist’s body surfaced at Cheow Lan Dam three days after the individual went missing, prompting expressions of gratitude from the British Embassy for the search efforts. The 24 year old, along with friends, had embarked on a kayaking trip from their accommodation at the Kraisorn Resort in Khao Sok National Park‘s protection Unit 7 (Kraisorn) area near the…

  • Thailand News

    Bangkok police apprehend man for assaulting niece over years

    A major arrest has shaken a community in Thailand as police captured a man accused of sexually assaulting a young girl for over four years. The 40 year old suspect was apprehended after a meticulous operation by the Metropolitan Police Bureau, following a mother’s report that her 11 year old daughter had been repeatedly abused by her uncle. Today, the…

  • Road deaths

    Drunken taxi driver causes fatal Valentine’s Day crash in Pathum Thani

    Valentine’s Day turned tragic for a couple in Pathum Thani when a drunken taxi driver struck them with full force, leading to their deaths. The incident occurred at 7.30am today, February 14. Police Lieutenant Prachanan Korkhun, an investigative officer at the Khlong Luang police station, was alerted to a collision between a taxi and a motorcycle along a canal road…

  • Thailand News

    Village leader fatally shot in Surat Thani, community mourns

    Tragedy struck a local community in Surat Thani province when a 35 year old village leader was fatally shot in an appalling act of violence. The incident, which occurred shortly after 9pm yesterday, February 13, has left the village in shock and mourning. According to Police Lieutenant Colonel Withoon Sukpradit, the investigative officer from Kanjanadit Police Station, the emergency call came…

  • Thailand News

    Bangkok grapples with hazardous PM2.5 pollution levels

    Bangkok and 38 other provinces in Thailand are currently experiencing dangerous levels of PM2.5 pollution, prompting health warnings and recommendations for the public to wear masks at all times when outdoors. The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA), together with the National Research Council of Thailand, the Pollution Control Department, Kasetsart University, and Chiang Mai University, are closely monitoring…

  • Thailand News

    Fatal car accident in Chon Buri: BMW crashes, passenger killed

    A fatal car accident in Chon Buri province claimed the life of a passenger and left the driver in critical condition after a BMW reportedly lost control and crashed into a bridge pillar. The incident occurred in the early hours of February 14, when the vehicle, driven by a 26 year old, veered off the road at high speed. The…

  • Thailand News

    Surat Thani police launch safety sweep for holidays

    Surat Thani Provincial Police mobilised a security sweep to ensure public and tourist safety during the Valentine’s Day and Makha Bucha Day holidays in 2024. The operation, fronted by high-ranking officers, aims to prevent sexual harassment, inappropriate behaviour, and crime in vulnerable areas. In a proactive measure to ensure public safety, Surat Thani Provincial Police launched a comprehensive crime sweep…

  • Thailand News

    Thailand PM drives tourism growth, targets 35 million visitors

    Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin recently underscored the significance of tourism collaboration to elevate Thailand’s travel industry. The announcement comes on the heels of Maya Bay in Krabi province being named the third-best beach in the world by Lonely Planet, a testament to the country’s natural beauty. Prime Minister Office Spokesperson Chai Wacharongkakul revealed that the prime minister, who also serves…

  • Thailand News

    Thunderstorm alert for Thai provinces with rising temps

    The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issued a weather warning for thunderstorms across ten provinces, signalling a rise in temperatures for the upper parts of the country. Despite the warmer climate, mornings will continue to be shrouded in fog, retaining the chill, particularly in the northeastern regions. This forecast, released at 5am today, February 14, also highlights an ongoing concern…

  • Thailand Weather Updates

    Thailand braces for record-breaking summer heat in five provinces

    Thailand’s Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a stark warning that this year’s summer season could bring even more intense heat than the previous year to five provinces, already topping the charts as the hottest in the country. The forecast, released on February 13, suggests a sweltering summer ahead with temperatures that could soar to a scorching 44.5 degrees Celsius. The five…

  • Thailand News

    Valentine trend: Banknote bouquets outsell roses in Trang

    Valentine’s Day in Trang witnessed an innovative gifting trend that has captured the hearts of many: beautifully crafted bouquets made not only with traditional roses but also with chocolate and banknotes. At Ari Flower Shop on Jermpanya Road, in the Thap Thiang district of Trang, the owner and her team are busy preparing these unique bouquets for the season of…

  • Thailand News

    Former PM Thaksin granted parole, walks free this weekend

    It has been confirmed that Thaksin Shinawatra, former prime minister of Thailand, will walk free from prison this weekend. A source from Government House made the following announcement. “Convicted former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is set to be released on parole this weekend, following confirmation from Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong on Tuesday (February 13).” Tawee disclosed that Thaksin was among…

  • Thailand News

    NASA’s air pollution blitz: Ambitious mission to clear the skies

    In a move to tackle the global scourge of air pollution, NASA launched a series of missions aimed at revolutionising the way we forecast and combat this deadly threat. With millions of lives hanging in the balance each year due to air pollution-related illnesses, the need for accurate identification and tracking of pollutants has never been more pressing. Kicking off…

  • Thailand News

    Man arrested in Songkhla for illegal online sale of protected birds

    The Thai authorities arrested a 40 year old man for illegally selling protected wild birds online, claiming he needed the money for his child’s medical expenses. The man, identified as Tatsana Pohtong, was apprehended at his home in Songkhla province with 29 caged birds in his possession. The arrest followed an investigation into his Facebook posts advertising the sale of…

  • Thailand News

    Bangkok socialite denies blackmail in high-society assault case

    A high-profile socialite vehemently denied allegations of blackmail after accusing a well-known high-society individual, the son of a prominent politician, of sexual assault. Police are expediting their investigation, seeking testimony from an additional witness who reportedly aided the victim’s escape. Officials are prepared to issue a summons to the young high-society man today, stressing that there has been no external…

  • Thailand News

    Technician finds stingless bee nest in air conditioner in Thailand

    An air conditioning technician recently encountered a peculiar situation while servicing a unit in a customer’s bedroom. Seeking advice, the technician posted an inquiry online, asking for the identification of a mysterious creature found within the air conditioning system. The online community quickly responded, revealing that the creature was a stingless bee, known locally as “ชันโรง,” which also happens to…

  • Thailand News

    School transport truck crash in Chachoengsao Province injures 13

    A harrowing collision between a pickup truck and a six-wheeled school transport truck in Chachoengsao Province resulted in 13 injuries. The incident occurred today at 7am on Highway 319 in front of Wat Ban Song, Phanom Sarakham District. The rescue team from the Buddhist Association of Thailand (Phanom Rescue Center) responded immediately to the emergency call. Upon arriving at the…

  • Thailand News

    Deadly curve in Chon Buri claims two lives in high-speed crash

    A tragic motorcycle accident in Chon Buri province claims the lives of two individuals, drawing attention to an infamous curve notorious for its high number of fatalities. In the early hours today, a Yamaha NMax motorbike veered off the road and into a tree on Jomtien Second Road, heading towards Sukhumvit Road in Pattaya. The emergency response teams, including the…

  • Thailand News

    Samut Prakan police arrest 42 teens in street racing crackdown

    In Samut Prakan, an operation led by the police resulted in the arrest of 42 teenagers and the seizure of 49 motorcycles, following complaints from residents about noise and disruption caused by street racing. The teenagers were apprehended during a coordinated police action on Suk Sawat Road, from the Prasamut Jadee intersection to the Son Rom Yen junction. This crackdown…

  • Thailand News

    Chinese New Year celebrations across Thailand: Golden dragons, vibrant attire, and mouthwatering feasts

    Chiang Mai has been transformed into a mesmerising spectacle as lion and golden dragon dance troupes from Bangkok took to the streets for the Chinese New Year celebrations. Store owners eagerly invited them inside, hoping to bask in the good luck and prosperity they brought. Meanwhile, at the iconic Tha Phae Gate, Chinese tourists swarmed, dressed in Thai traditional attire,…

  • Thailand Weather Updates

    Thailand braces for severe weather as storms hit 17 provinces

    A powerful weather front is currently affecting Thailand, with the Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issuing a severe weather warning for 17 provinces. Eastern regions are expected to bear the brunt of the storm, with 30% of the area predicted to experience heavy thunderstorms, strong gusts of wind, and possible hail. The warning comes as a new high-pressure system from…

  • Thailand News

    Van plunges into ravine on Chiang Mai-Pai route

    A passenger van on the Chiang Mai-Pai route lost control of his vehicle and veered off the road, plummeting approximately 15 metres into a ravine yesterday evening. The vehicle was extensively damaged and all 14 passengers on board were injured. Emergency services, including local police, hospital medical teams, and military units, were dispatched to the scene to provide assistance and…