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 NewsFake gold sales soar as Thai baht-weight hits 40,000 baht record

    Fake gold sales soar as Thai baht-weight hits 40,000 baht record

    Gold prices have recently skyrocketed, touching a record high of 40,000 baht per baht-weight, prompting a surge in sales for fake gold shops as genuine gold becomes less accessible for many consumers. Amidst these soaring prices, the allure of fake gold that doesn’t tarnish but cannot be pawned has captured a diverse customer base, from luxury car drivers to factory…

  • Thailand Weather UpdatesSummer storm warning for upper Thailand

    Summer storm warning for upper Thailand

    A fierce summer storm is currently impacting upper Thailand, with the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issuing a warning for severe weather conditions, including thunderstorms, strong winds, and occasional hail. The department advises the public to avoid open areas, take precautions, and stay up-to-date with the latest weather reports. The clash of a high-pressure system over upper Thailand and the South…

  • Thailand NewsMotorcyclist nabbed for late-night theft of Ganesha statue

    Motorcyclist nabbed for late-night theft of Ganesha statue

    Police apprehended a young motorcyclist who stole a brass statue of the Hindu deity Ganesha from the front of a prominent shopping mall. The suspect claimed a spiritual connection with the deity, insisting he only intended to worship the figure due to its inspirational qualities. Despite his story sounding implausible today, the police team led by Police Colonel Peerapong Rawangban,…

  • Thailand NewsGas truck flip scatters cylinders on Kanchanaphisek Expressway

    Gas truck flip scatters cylinders on Kanchanaphisek Expressway

    A gas truck overturned on the Kanchanaphisek Expressway, scattering cylinders across the road and causing significant traffic disruption. The incident, which occurred at approximately 8.30am today, April 10, resulted in one injury and a traffic standstill that lasted nearly two hours. Chaos ensued early this morning on the Kanchanaphisek Expressway when a truck carrying a multitude of gas cylinders lost…

  • Thailand Weather UpdatesSevere summer storm wreaks havoc in Phichit, Thailand

    Severe summer storm wreaks havoc in Phichit, Thailand

    A severe summer storm recently ravaged Phichit province in Thailand, causing extensive damage to homes, religious sites, and infrastructure. The storm, which struck yesterday evening, particularly impacted three districts: Bang Mun Nak, Dong Charoen, and Taphan Hin. The powerful storm toppled trees, snapped utility poles, and sent roofs flying, resulting in widespread power outages that lasted through the night. The…

  • Thailand NewsSerial offender arrested for violent rape in Khon Kaen

    Serial offender arrested for violent rape in Khon Kaen

    A 52 year old man with a history of sexual offences was recently apprehended for committing a violent rape in a rural area of Khon Kaen province. The suspect, Chaichana (surname withheld), was arrested today, April 10, following the issuance of a warrant by the Khon Kaen Provincial Court. The harrowing incident took place on April 8, when a 56…

  • Thailand NewsChon Buri childcare center shock: Police probe guard’s death

    Chon Buri childcare center shock: Police probe guard’s death

    A 52 year old security guard was found dead under mysterious circumstances at a childcare centre in Chon Buri Province, sparking an immediate police investigation. The distressing scene, discovered early this morning, included the guard’s body with multiple injuries and torn clothes scattered across the area, raising suspicions of foul play. Upon receiving a distress call around 5am today, April…

  • Thailand Weather UpdatesStormy forecast: Thailand braces for thunder, wind, and hail

    Stormy forecast: Thailand braces for thunder, wind, and hail

    Thailand’s northern region is bracing for severe summer storms, as the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issues a warning for thunderstorms, strong winds, and possible hail in some areas. The warning, which took effect from 5am today, April 10, and is expected to continue until tomorrow, April 11, is a result of high-pressure systems from China extending over the northeast of…

  • Thailand NewsWildlife trafficker nabbed with protected macaques in Narathiwat

    Wildlife trafficker nabbed with protected macaques in Narathiwat

    The Thai authorities recently apprehended a wildlife trafficker in a sting operation today, seizing two protected macaque monkeys confined in fertiliser bags. The suspect, 32 year old Haisu Salaere, was caught red-handed in Narathiwat province while attempting to sell the animals, which he admitted to capturing and training for obedience and tasks. Narathiwat police, in collaboration with the Provincial Police…

  • Thailand NewsGolden stability: Thai prices hold steady after dazzling surge

    Golden stability: Thai prices hold steady after dazzling surge

    Gold prices in Thailand remained unchanged today, following a record surge that saw the selling price for gold ornaments breach the 41,150 baht mark. The Gold Traders Association (GTA) reported that the price of gold on April 9, 2024, was consistent with the closing figures from the previous day. The latest data from the GTA website, recorded at 9.39am, indicated…

  • Thailand NewsLocal health director fatally stabbed at charity concert in Loei

    Local health director fatally stabbed at charity concert in Loei

    Tragedy struck at a charity concert hosted by a renowned school when the director of a local health promotion hospital was fatally stabbed. The incident occurred today, April 9, when 54 year old Boonkua (surname withheld) was seen walking behind the stage to urinate in the bushes at around 4.30am, only to emerge running before collapsing. Lieutenant Wasant Saengthotophoth, Deputy…

  • Thailand NewsTourist turmoil: DoT’s legal action unfolds in online saga #คัลแลนพี่จอง

    Tourist turmoil: DoT’s legal action unfolds in online saga #คัลแลนพี่จอง

    The Department of Tourism (DoT) is set to take legal action against a tour company and an unlicensed guide involved in a recent online drama that escalated under the hashtag #คัลแลนพี่จอง. The incident, which spurred widespread criticism on social media, involved a tour guide taking two YouTubers, known as Kallan and Pi Jhong, on a trip that was featured in…

  • Thailand NewsFatal collision in Sri Racha: Motorcyclist dead, two injured

    Fatal collision in Sri Racha: Motorcyclist dead, two injured

    A tragic car accident occurred yesterday in the Sri Racha district of Chon Buri province, claiming the life of a motorcyclist and leaving two others severely injured. The incident took place at the Nong Yai Bu intersection when a car, running a red light, collided forcefully with two motorcycles. The deceased, Anurak, whose last name has been withheld for privacy,…

  • Thailand Weather UpdatesThailand braces for summer storm in 60 provinces

    Thailand braces for summer storm in 60 provinces

    Thailand’s Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) has issued a warning for a summer storm expected to affect 60 provinces across the northern, northeastern, and central regions and Bangkok from April 8 to April 11. The DDPM Director-General, Chaiwat Junthirapong, has urged citizens to stay vigilant and closely monitor updates to stay safe during this period. Today, Chaiwat announced…

  • Road deathsSpeeding car crashes into Nonthaburi noodle shop; driver suspected of DUI

    Speeding car crashes into Nonthaburi noodle shop; driver suspected of DUI

    Chaos erupted at a roadside noodle shop when a speeding sedan crashed into the establishment, leaving customers and the shop owner in shock. The 46 year old driver, identified as Mongkol, refused to take a breathalyzer test, citing a mouth injury as the reason. This incident took place in the late hours of yesterday on Highway 345 in Pak Kret…

  • Road deathsPickup and semi-trailer truck crash ignites blaze in Chon Buri

    Pickup and semi-trailer truck crash ignites blaze in Chon Buri

    A collision between a pickup truck and a semi-trailer truck today led to a fiery blaze that completely destroyed the pickup, while the truck driver and a 10 year old boy survived the incident in Chon Buri, Thailand. In the early hours of the morning, a violent crash occurred on highway 331 in the Na Wang Hin district of Chon…

  • Thailand NewsUdon Thani luxury home ransacked by thieves

    Udon Thani luxury home ransacked by thieves

    A Udon Thani homeowner was left in shock yesterday when he returned to find his luxury home ransacked by a brazen thief. Among the stolen objects are parts from a cherished Rolls-Royce inherited from the homeowner’s grandparents. The incident, which took place in the Soi Jintakam area, is currently under police investigation. Udon Thani police were alerted to a burglary…

  • Thailand NewsFatal motorcycle crash in Bangkok unveils hidden gun

    Fatal motorcycle crash in Bangkok unveils hidden gun

    A fatal motorcycle crash occurred on Sena Nikhom Road in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district, claiming the life of a 37 year old man. The incident, which happened around 2.30am today, took a turn when authorities discovered a firearm hidden underneath the vehicle’s seat. The accident took place approximately 500 metres from the Sena Nikhom intersection along Phahon Yothin Road, a four-lane street…

  • Thailand NewsFamily caught faking issue for discount at Bangkok shabu eatery

    Family caught faking issue for discount at Bangkok shabu eatery

    The manager of a renowned shabu restaurant in Bangkok revealed that a deceptive family was caught on camera sneaking tissue paper into a hotpot, causing a scene that led to a discounted bill and damaged the restaurant’s reputation. The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, prompted customers to leave, nearly emptying the establishment. The latest update revealed details of the incident…

  • Thailand NewsRayong police investigate Facebook gold scam

    Rayong police investigate Facebook gold scam

    Victims of a fraudulent gold instalment scheme reported their case to the police, claiming to have been deceived by a scammer posing as a renowned gold shop in Rayong. Police Lieutenant Anuphong Phuangpee from the Klaeng District Police Station in Rayong Province received complaints from three victims, including 46 year old Suladda, Pornpawee, and Sasithorn. They were duped into making…

  • Thailand NewsArmed man shot by police at hospital in Phetchaburi after standoff

    Armed man shot by police at hospital in Phetchaburi after standoff

    A man armed with a gun and a knife caused havoc at Cha-am Hospital in Phetchaburi, resulting in a confrontation with the police that led to him being shot and injured. The incident occurred yesterday evening when local police were alerted to a disturbance in the hospital’s in-patient building. On arrival, they discovered the man, identified as 34 year old…

  • Thailand NewsThai student arrested for using AI to create explicit celebrity images

    Thai student arrested for using AI to create explicit celebrity images

    Police in Chon Buri Province arrested a 25 year old man for allegedly creating and distributing explicit images of celebrities using artificial intelligence (AI) technology. The student, Suphanat, has been previously apprehended for similar offences and was found with over 1,000 doctored images. The arrest on April 5, 2024, by the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) led by Police Major…

  • Thailand NewsThailand grapples with scorching 43C heatwave and health risks

    Thailand grapples with scorching 43C heatwave and health risks

    The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issued a health warning today as Thailand grapples with a heatwave as temperatures soar to extreme highs of up to 43 degrees Celsius in the north, northeast, and central regions, compounded by moderate to high levels of dust accumulation and smoke haze. Today, April 5, the country is enveloped in a heat-induced low-pressure system,…

  • Thailand NewsKhon Kaen parents forced to pay ‘tea money’ for student admission

    Khon Kaen parents forced to pay ‘tea money’ for student admission

    Eight secondary schools in the northeastern province of Khon Kaen found themselves in hot water as officials from the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) launched an investigation into alleged corruption practices. Parents have lodged complaints, accusing decision-makers within these schools of demanding exorbitant “tea money” sums, reaching up to 100,000 baht, from families whose children failed the entrance examination. Thirat Bangpetch,…

  • Thailand NewsCounterfeit 1,000-baht notes found in central and east provinces

    Counterfeit 1,000-baht notes found in central and east provinces

    Counterfeit 1,000-baht notes have hit businesses hard in two provinces, with shop owners in Samut Songkhram and Ratchaburi reeling from the circulation of fake currency. A warning has been issued to the community, along with guidance on how to distinguish between genuine and counterfeit banknotes. This follows a social media alert in Samut Songkhram Province about the spread of fake…

  • Thailand NewsBangkok woman arrested for 360 million baht medical glove fraud

    Bangkok woman arrested for 360 million baht medical glove fraud

    Police arrested a 27 year old female sales representative for allegedly defrauding international companies through a fake medical glove business. The arrest took place yesterday at a residence in the Lat Phrao 71 Alley, Lat Phrao Road, Bangkok. The suspect, identified only by her first name, Supanida, is accused of accepting orders and payments for medical gloves from companies based…

  • Thailand NewsThai community in shock as teacher faces molestation allegations

    Thai community in shock as teacher faces molestation allegations

    Shock reverberated throughout a local community as allegations surfaced against a schoolteacher accused of attempting to molest a 10 year old student in her own home, not once but twice. The child’s grandmother caught the perpetrator in the act, leading to a confession and subsequent police report. However, the case shows no progress, raising concerns about justice being served. In…

  • Thailand NewsThai durian dismay: Growers feeling ‘fruit-ile’ as production plummets

    Thai durian dismay: Growers feeling ‘fruit-ile’ as production plummets

    The revered Nonthaburi durian, a cherished variety of Thailand’s king of fruits, has witnessed a drastic production decline to just 10% compared to the previous year, plunging growers into a state of crisis. This significant drop is attributed to the rapidly changing and prolonged hot weather conditions affecting the country. The scarcity has driven up the prices of this year’s…

  • Thailand NewsGiant golden king cobra rescued from car wheel in Chon Buri

    Giant golden king cobra rescued from car wheel in Chon Buri

    Residents of Ban Bueng, Chon Buri, were thrown into a state of alarm when an almost 4-metre-long golden king cobra entangled itself around a car wheel in the early hours of the morning. The incident triggered an urgent call for rescue services, as the presence of the venomous snake posed a significant danger to the local community. At around 5am…

  • Thailand NewsPolice misconduct alleged at Thai festival after brawl

    Police misconduct alleged at Thai festival after brawl

    An incident at a beer garden during the Thao Suranari Victory Celebration in Nakhon Ratchasima Province turned violent, resulting in allegations of police misconduct. On the evening of April 2, a group of teenagers became embroiled in a brawl, which inadvertently implicated an innocent bystander. A 20 year old man, Na (surname withheld), reported that he was struck in the…