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.
  • Crime NewsYoung man found dead in Khon Kaen pond sparks police probe

    Young man found dead in Khon Kaen pond sparks police probe

    Tragedy struck when the body of a young man was discovered, his head brutally stuffed in a bag and submerged in a pond, triggering an urgent police investigation. The unsettling find was made at 10am today, April 14, in a water body within the Ban Ped area of Khon Kaen province, Thailand. Law enforcement, accompanied by the Sawang Khon Kaen…

  • Crime NewsMan arrested in Thailand for assaulting teen during Songkran

    Man arrested in Thailand for assaulting teen during Songkran

    A 40 year old man was arrested yesterday for luring and assaulting a 16 year old girl in a harrowing Songkran holiday incident. Thai police apprehended the suspect, known as Arm Laisak, with an extensive criminal background, including prior offences related to drug trafficking. The arrest followed a mother’s desperate rescue of her daughter, who was found in a traumatised state…

  • Chiang Mai NewsChiang Mai lottery fever spikes as Songkran hopefuls chase lucky numbers

    Chiang Mai lottery fever spikes as Songkran hopefuls chase lucky numbers

    The buzz of the Thai New Year, known as Songkran, is palpable in Chiang Mai, where locals eagerly anticipate the lottery draw on April 16. Amidst the festive fervour, the city’s lottery vendors witness a surge in sales, with certain lucky numbers becoming the talk of the town. Today, at 8.30am, the atmosphere in Chiang Mai was electric with anticipation,…

  • Crime NewsSongkran celebration turns tragic as stray bullet hits elderly man

    Songkran celebration turns tragic as stray bullet hits elderly man

    A celebration of Songkran took an alarming turn in Chachoengsao province when a stray bullet pierced through the ceiling and struck a 70 year old diabetic man, Somyot, who had previously lost a leg to his illness. The incident, which occurred at 9pm yesterday, April 13, is currently under police investigation as they search for the shooter. Somyot was lying…

  • Thailand NewsMan found dead in Chachoengsao after breakup

    Man found dead in Chachoengsao after breakup

    A tragic love story unfolded during the Songkran festival as a man, after being told by his girlfriend that their relationship was over, was found dead with a gunshot wound. The incident, which occurred in the early hours today, has shocked the local community in Chachoengsao province, and police are investigating to uncover the exact circumstances surrounding his death. The…

  • Thailand NewsArmy private drowns in reservoir during Songkran festivities

    Army private drowns in reservoir during Songkran festivities

    Tragedy struck a family during the joyous period of Songkran, as a 22 year old army private who was returning home for the festivities drowned in a reservoir in Nakhon Ratchasima. The incident occurred yesterday at approximately 3.50pm, when Anuchit, visiting his girlfriend’s family, decided to cool off from the heat by swimming across the Huay Yang reservoir in Pak…

  • Thailand NewsInteractive map guides revelers through Songkran festivities

    Interactive map guides revelers through Songkran festivities

    The joyous Songkran festival is in full swing across Thailand, with both locals and visitors eagerly participating in the celebrations. As the traditional Thai New Year, Songkran is synonymous with vibrant water fights, and this year’s festivities began on April 11, with the merriment set to continue in many areas. Bangkok, the nation’s capital, is no exception to the excitement.…

  • Thailand NewsBangkok harnesses AI to tackle illegal sidewalk use

    Bangkok harnesses AI to tackle illegal sidewalk use

    Bangkok authorities are ramping up the enforcement of sidewalk regulations, deploying artificial intelligence (AI) to detect and fine lawbreakers. The Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, Suphakrit Bunkhan, announced progress in the sidewalk management campaign, emphasizing the use of technology to improve the efficiency of law enforcement. From June 12, 2022, to April 1, 2024, a pilot programme…

  • Thailand NewsBangkok police shut down secret e-cigarette Line group

    Bangkok police shut down secret e-cigarette Line group

    A female administrator was arrested for operating a secret Line group used for selling e-cigarettes for over two years. The police charged her with various offences, including facilitating the concealment and distribution of goods known to have entered the kingdom without proper customs clearance. The arrest took place today, April 12, following a raid authorised by a search warrant from…

  • Thailand NewsSouth Korean singer Park Boram dies at 30

    South Korean singer Park Boram dies at 30

    A South Korean singer, known for her hit song Reply 1988 and a promising future in the music industry, has tragically passed away at the age of 30. Park Boram, born on March 1, 1994, first gained recognition in 2010 as a contestant on the television show SuperStar K2, where she finished in the top eight. Her journey in the…

  • Thailand NewsThai netizens in uproar over celebrity social media feud

    Thai netizens in uproar over celebrity social media feud

    The Thai entertainment industry was recently shaken by a heated online dispute. The controversy escalated when a fiery video message was posted in response to a clip featuring a young individual, who made strong references to the respected television host, Noom Kanchai. The exchange has sparked a frenzy of comments and reactions across social media platforms. Prairie Phairwan’s video did…

  • Thailand NewsGold prices hit new record in Thailand amid market volatility

    Gold prices hit new record in Thailand amid market volatility

    Gold prices in Thailand skyrocketed, setting a new all-time high record, reflecting a sharp increase of 750 baht from the previous day’s closing rate. The surge occurred amidst volatile market conditions, with the Gold Traders Association (GTA) announcing five price changes within the first 35 minutes of the trading day, starting with an initial hike of 700 baht at 9am.…

  • Thailand NewsMan dies in sand slide at Nakhon Sawan meditation park

    Man dies in sand slide at Nakhon Sawan meditation park

    A tragic accident occurred yesterday at 3.30pm when a sand slide at a well-known meditation park in Nakhon Sawan province claimed the life of a 53 year old. As he was excavating sand donated by villagers with his tractor, the mound collapsed, burying him beneath and cutting off his air supply, resulting in his immediate death. An investigative officer from…

  • Thailand NewsPoh Teck Tung Foundation distributes 3,000 fans during Songkran

    Poh Teck Tung Foundation distributes 3,000 fans during Songkran

    The Poh Teck Tung Foundation initiated a heartwarming gesture by distributing 3,000 hand-held fans to the public during the scorching Songkran festival. The foundation, under the leadership of Vichai Techapaibul, has taken this step to alleviate the discomfort of citizens travelling back to their hometowns or embarking on holiday trips during one of the hottest times of the year. The…

  • Thailand NewsLisa from BLACKPINK hits right note with RCA Records

    Lisa from BLACKPINK hits right note with RCA Records

    BLACKPINK’s Lisa hits the right note, striking a harmonious chord with RCA Records, an American record label giant. This partnership marks a significant milestone in the K-pop star’s career, as it will allow her to release new solo music with RCA Records and gain full ownership of her song rights. The collaboration between Lisa, whose full name is Lalisa Manobal,…

  • Thailand NewsBangkok bus passengers rally to save man’s life during seizure

    Bangkok bus passengers rally to save man’s life during seizure

    A swift response from bus passengers and a motorcycle rider’s assistance resulted in an emergency detour to the hospital for a middle-aged man who suffered a seizure and lost consciousness on a Bangkok bus. The incident, which unfolded at noon today, April 11, was captured on video and subsequently shared online, drawing widespread praise for the collaborative rescue effort. The…

  • Thailand NewsSamut Prakarn police dismantle major online lottery ring

    Samut Prakarn police dismantle major online lottery ring

    Law enforcement officers in Samut Prakarn province made a significant bust, apprehending two individuals suspected of operating a substantial online lottery business. The men, 42 year old Boonreum and 48 year old Baworn, were arrested at a residence in the Bang Bo district, where evidence of extensive gambling operations, including Thai, Laos, and underground lotteries, was uncovered. The raid, carried…

  • 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 NewsKoh Chang durian prices soar to 250 baht amid production drop

    Koh Chang durian prices soar to 250 baht amid production drop

    A surge in demand for the famed Chanee Koh Chang durian from Trat Province has seen prices starting at 250 baht per kilogramme. With a reported production drop of 30% due to unpredictable weather, local farmers are busy selling the highly sought-after fruit both in-store and online. Phuttiphong Phothipanich, an agricultural officer from Koh Chang, Trat Province, inspected the first…

  • 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 NewsPhrae authorities foil Songkran festival illegal timber smuggling

    Phrae authorities foil Songkran festival illegal timber smuggling

    Authorities in the province of Phrae intercepted a major illegal timber operation, thwarting an attempt to smuggle wood past checkpoints in a bid to supply factories ahead of the busy Songkran festival. The bust, which took place today, April 9, is part of an intensified crackdown on illegal logging activities in the region. The operation, led by the director 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 NewsNorthern Thailand prepares for severe summer storms

    Northern Thailand prepares for severe summer storms

    Thailand is currently bracing for a series of summer storms that are expected to unleash heavy rains, hail, and strong winds across the northern regions of the country. The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issued a warning, highlighting the imminent weather disturbances brought on by a high-pressure area extending from China that will impact the country until Thursday, April 11.…

  • 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,…