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 NewsFroggy forecast: Rain brings ‘eung pao’ craze, hopping sales in Phayao | Thaiger

    Froggy forecast: Rain brings ‘eung pao’ craze, hopping sales in Phayao

    The onset of rain in Phayao province sparked a flurry of activity as the local delicacy, eung pao, better known as balloon frog, became available for a limited time, leading to bustling markets and a significant boost in income for local villagers. Selling for as much as 600 baht per kilogramme, these creatures are a source of culinary delight and…

  • Crime NewsRussian arrested in Phuket for illegal mushroom possession | Thaiger

    Russian arrested in Phuket for illegal mushroom possession

    A 29 year old Russian national was arrested in Phuket for possessing hallucinogenic buffalo dung mushrooms, a substance classified under Thailand’s Type 5 narcotics, without permission. The arrest occurred today, May 9, during a coordinated operation by police in Patong, a district in the Kathu area of the island. The operation, led by police chiefs Chalermchai Hernsawat and Sompron Surin,…

  • Thailand NewsThai govt’s digital wallet project: A cash splash on the horizon | Thaiger

    Thai govt’s digital wallet project: A cash splash on the horizon

    The Government of Thailand is still finalising its digital wallet project, a financial aid initiative which promises a 10,000 baht disbursement to eligible citizens. The specific criteria for eligibility include an age threshold, and a deposit cap to ensure the aid reaches those intended. Citizens who are 16 years old as of September 30 of this year, or born before…

  • Road deathsTruck’s mishap sends shockwaves at Phaya Thai intersection | Thaiger

    Truck’s mishap sends shockwaves at Phaya Thai intersection

    A high-impact collision occurred at Phaya Thai intersection, sending shockwaves through the area as a truck crashed into a height restriction barrier on Sri Ayutthaya Road inbound from the Mor Leng intersection to the Sri Ayutthaya intersection, around the ramp to the overpass at Phaya Thai intersection. The incident, which took place at 7.18am today, May 9, caused severe damage…

  • Thailand NewsAsphalt truck flip on Rama VII Bridge snarls Bangkok traffic | Thaiger

    Asphalt truck flip on Rama VII Bridge snarls Bangkok traffic

    A sudden swerve and flip of an asphalt truck on the Rama VII Bridge caused severe Bangkok traffic disruption in the early hours of this morning. The incident occurring at 4am, resulted in the complete blockage of all lanes on Charansanitwong Road, extending from Bang Phlat junction towards the Pracha Chuen Road and Wong Sawang areas. Bang Kruai police were…

  • Thailand NewsThai man seized for laundering 5 million baht from online gambling | Thaiger

    Thai man seized for laundering 5 million baht from online gambling

    In a striking cyber raid, the Thai authorities arrested a 29 year old man in Nonthaburi for his involvement in an online gambling ring and for laundering over 5 million baht through multiple transactions. The arrest was part of a larger crackdown on illegal online gambling activities facilitated by the website wtf55, which offered games such as Baccarat and Dragon Tiger.…

  • Thailand NewsSchool van driver confesses to murder of woman in Roi Et | Thaiger

    School van driver confesses to murder of woman in Roi Et

    Investigations concluded yesterday as police made a definitive arrest of a school van driver for the murder of a 23 year old woman whose body was found handcuffed, abandoned in a scrubland by the Chi River in Roi Et province. After a meticulous search, authorities apprehended a 67 year old school van driver, named Ken, from the same village as…

  • Thailand NewsThai king appoints new Deputy Supreme Patriarch | Thaiger

    Thai king appoints new Deputy Supreme Patriarch

    The Thai monarch has elevated a senior monk to the high ecclesiastical title of Phra Dhammarajanuwatra at Wat Moleelokayaram Raja Woravihara, appointing him as the Deputy Supreme Patriarch, or the second-highest position in the Thai monastic hierarchy. This royal command was issued today and subsequently announced in the Royal Thai Government Gazette. The monk in question, Phra Phrom Vajirunhis, previously…

  • Thailand NewsThai protest leader gets 3-year sentence for lese majeste violation | Thaiger

    Thai protest leader gets 3-year sentence for lese majeste violation

    The Criminal Court has sentenced a key protest leader to four years in prison for lese-majeste law violation. The verdict was delivered in absentia after the defendant, 28 year old Panupong, also known as Mike Jadnok, failed to appear for the second time in today’s hearing at 10am, at the Criminal Court on Ratchadaphisek Road. Panupong, charged with making defamatory statements…

  • Thailand NewsDaughter finds father after tragic suicide in Samut Songkhram | Thaiger

    Daughter finds father after tragic suicide in Samut Songkhram

    A tragic incident unfolded this morning when a daughter, returning from a hospital visit with medication for her ailing father, discovered his lifeless body at their home in Samut Songkhram province. Authorities identified the cause of death as suicide, noting the deceased had a history of mental health issues and previous suicide attempts. Police Lieutenant Chutima Banjongbur, Deputy Investigator at…

  • Thailand NewsPolice seize over 1,000 Yaba pills in Phetchaburi drug sting | Thaiger

    Police seize over 1,000 Yaba pills in Phetchaburi drug sting

    A drug sting in Phetcha Buri by Thai police earlier today saw the apprehension of a 28 year old man and his unsuspecting 24 year old girlfriend. The police had been tipped off about a planned drug transaction, with delivery in an Isuzu pickup truck near the Nong Buay Agricultural Market in Tha Yang. Upon receiving the intelligence, Police Colonel…

  • Thailand NewsSunken boat survivor recounts her harrowing experience | Thaiger

    Sunken boat survivor recounts her harrowing experience

    A chilling tale of a capsised tourist boat survivor off the coast of Trang speaks out against the delayed rescue efforts that led to the death of her mother in law, and her child contracting a severe lung infection. The incident unfolded near Pak Meng Bridge in the Mai Fat district on May 4 and resulted in 14 individuals fighting…

  • Crime NewsPrachuap Khiri Khan bar owner arrested for trafficking minors | Thaiger

    Prachuap Khiri Khan bar owner arrested for trafficking minors

    Police in Prachuap Khiri Khan province arrested a karaoke bar owner for allegedly trafficking minors for sexual exploitation. A 15 year old victim was discovered among the individuals being forced to provide sexual services during the school holiday period. The operation, led by the Crime Suppression Division’s deputy commander, was initiated following a tip-off from an international anti-trafficking organisation. The…

  • Thailand NewsThai ornament gold price hits 40,950 baht, investors watch closely | Thaiger

    Thai ornament gold price hits 40,950 baht, investors watch closely

    Gold prices in Thailand saw a continuous rise, with the Gold Traders Association (GTA) marking the opening of the market with an uptick. Those interested in the precious metal would note the significant increase in the selling price of ornament gold, which reached 40,950 baht per baht-weight as of today, May 8, showing a 50 baht increase from the previous…

  • Thailand NewsStepson stabbed stepmother over inheritance fears in Prachinburi | Thaiger

    Stepson stabbed stepmother over inheritance fears in Prachinburi

    In a harrowing case of domestic violence, a 35 year old woman was critically injured after being stabbed by her stepson early this morning in Prachin Buri Province. He allegedly attacked his stepmother because he feared she might claim his inheritance. The assailant carried the injured woman on a motorcycle sidecar and left her outside a relative’s house before fleeing…

  • Thailand NewsEx-MP takes legal action against Thai comedian Udom | Thaiger

    Ex-MP takes legal action against Thai comedian Udom

    Another complaint has been filed against Thai comedian Udom Taepanich. Parina Kraikupt, former Ratchaburi MP, initiated legal proceedings under Section 112 at the Po Tharam Police Station. The news of the incident was shared by the journalist Sarayuth Sutthasanachinda on his page. Parina posted following the uproar surrounding Udom, accompanied by the message: “Really can’t sleep, really want to rest,…

  • Thailand NewsEarly morning motorcycle crash in Chon Buri kills young man | Thaiger

    Early morning motorcycle crash in Chon Buri kills young man

    A tragic motorcycle crash claimed the life of a 26 year old man when he collided with a high-voltage power pole in Chon Buri province. The incident occurred early this morning, May 8, at around 3am on the road connecting Suansue-Nongleng near Suansue Fitness in Nong Kham subdistrict, Si Racha district. The victim, identified only by his first name Pakorn,…

  • Thailand NewsWoman found dead in Samut Prakan canal after disappearance | Thaiger

    Woman found dead in Samut Prakan canal after disappearance

    A tragic sequence of events culminated in the discovery of a woman’s body in the Bang Chalong canal, near Wat Bang Chalong Nok, in Samut Prakan province. The 32 year old woman had been missing for four days following an argument with her boyfriend over her heavy drinking. Her body was found floating in the canal yesterday at 6pm. The…

  • Thailand NewsBangkok weather: Heavy rain, strong winds and flood expected | Thaiger

    Bangkok weather: Heavy rain, strong winds and flood expected

    The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issued another severe weather warning today, cautioning against flash floods and forest runoffs due to heavy rains, particularly in the Bangkok Metropolitan Region, where there is a 70% chance of thunderstorms. The TMD forecast for the next 24 hours predicts that the upper parts of the country will be affected by the southeastern and southern…

  • Crime NewsCommunity leaders killed in Pattani shooting at local football field | Thaiger

    Community leaders killed in Pattani shooting at local football field

    A brazen shooting at a football field in the Pattani Province has resulted in the tragic loss of two community leaders. At around 6.30pm yesterday, gunmen opened fire, killing a subdistrict administrative organisation clerk and a village headman. Two bystanders, including a government official and a meatball vendor, were also injured in the incident. The attack occurred at a football…

  • Crime NewsHomeless woman with HIV brutally attacked in Bangkok | Thaiger

    Homeless woman with HIV brutally attacked in Bangkok

    A brutal attack in the early hours of yesterday left a 43 year old homeless woman with severe injuries and a subsequent HIV infection diagnosis. The assault occurred in the Soi Inthamara 1 community in Bangkok’s Phaya Thai district. Police apprehended a 39 year old suspect near the community following a report from the victim’s relative, who witnessed the suspect…

  • Thailand NewsSC Asset introduces morning coin for real estate rewards | Thaiger

    SC Asset introduces morning coin for real estate rewards

    SC Asset Corporation Public Company Limited, under the stewardship of Natthaphong Kunakornwong, is embarking on a transformative journey as it enters its third decade, a period poised to redefine the company’s legacy. In a significant move, SC Asset unveiled an innovative utility token, Morning Coin, which promises to deliver extensive benefits to its clients. Homebuyers of SC Asset properties will…

  • Thailand NewsThai family hides patriarch’s death from grandmother | Thaiger

    Thai family hides patriarch’s death from grandmother

    A family in Thailand chose to keep the death of a beloved grandfather a secret from his wife, fearing the news might worsen her health. Their touching story today reveals the depth of their concern for the grandmother, who remains unaware of her husband’s passing. As the family navigates this delicate situation, they receive widespread admiration on social media for…

  • Thailand NewsBangkok squatters sentenced and fined over illegal occupation | Thaiger

    Bangkok squatters sentenced and fined over illegal occupation

    Min Buri Criminal Court sentenced four squatters to prison for illegally occupying a property in Bangkok. The defendants were accused of trespassing, property damage, and theft at the residence. The court ordered a collective fine of 22,000 baht and a total compensation payment of 1 million baht to the victim, who has decided not to pursue further legal action. The…

  • Thailand NewsNetflix comedian slammed for misrepresenting Thai philosophy | Thaiger

    Netflix comedian slammed for misrepresenting Thai philosophy

    A complaint has been lodged by a former advisor to the Parliamentary Commission on Law, Justice, and Human Rights, Sonthiya Sawasdee, against Udom Taepanich, also known as Nose, for potentially misleading content in his Netflix stand-up comedy special. The special, Diew Special Super Soft Power, which reaches an audience of 91 million subscribers, is under scrutiny for possibly distorting the…

  • Thailand NewsSi Racha grapples with severe flooding after torrential rains | Thaiger

    Si Racha grapples with severe flooding after torrential rains

    Torrential rains have battered Si Racha, a district in the province of Chon Buri, causing widespread flooding and damage. The downpour, which lasted for hours, overwhelmed drainage systems and caused water levels to rise rapidly, inundating homes and submerging vehicles. The deluge struck at 10am today, catching many residents off-guard. Cars and motorcycles were seen partially submerged, and numerous electrical…

  • Thailand NewsA 21 million baht investment scam dismantled by police | Thaiger

    A 21 million baht investment scam dismantled by police

    A 25 year old woman has been arrested for her alleged involvement in a fraudulent investment scam venture that impersonated a renowned stock market expert, leading victims to lose over 21 million baht. The scammer, Prakaikaew, was apprehended today, May 7, at a residence in the Uthai district of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province. Earlier today, Police Major General Mantri…

  • Thailand NewsBuriram village rocked by mysterious death in thorny forest | Thaiger

    Buriram village rocked by mysterious death in thorny forest

    Debates around a mysterious death in Buriram were ignited after a chilling discovery in the dense thorny forest on the outskirts of Nong Hwai village revealed the body of 46 year old Nopadol, with signs of animal predation and a charred head, suggesting a possible unnatural death. Locals remain divided on the cause of death, with some suspecting heatstroke in…

  • Thailand NewsMan on rampage in Amnat Charoen attacks neighbours and pets | Thaiger

    Man on rampage in Amnat Charoen attacks neighbours and pets

    A grisly scene unfolded in the town of Amnat Charoen, where a deranged individual unleashed a violent assault on his neighbours and pets. Today, May 7, at 6am, police received a distress call about a man attacking residents with a knife. The perpetrator, identified as 27 year old Wittaya, was apprehended at his home in a state of frenzy. The…

  • Thailand NewsBuriram family fights back after YouTuber spins ghostly tale | Thaiger

    Buriram family fights back after YouTuber spins ghostly tale

    A family in Buriram is seeking justice after a YouTuber trespassed into their home without permission, filmed the property, and uploaded the video with misleading information suggesting the house was haunted. The video has caused significant distress and concern for the family’s safety and the security of their possessions. As of today, the video has garnered over 74,000 views, and…