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 NewsThief snatches 210,000 baht gold necklace in a daring mall heist | Thaiger

    Thief snatches 210,000 baht gold necklace in a daring mall heist

    A bold theft occurred yesterday at 7pm when a lone robber seized a 5-baht weight gold necklace valued at over 210,000 baht from the Aurora gold shop located inside a shopping mall in Bang Kaeo, Bang Phli District, Samut Prakan Province. The thief, under the guise of examining the jewellery, snatched the necklace and fled the scene, leaving the shop…

  • Songkran NewsPost-Songkran travel surge leads to heavy traffic into Bangkok | Thaiger

    Post-Songkran travel surge leads to heavy traffic into Bangkok

    Traffic swelled on the roads heading towards Bangkok as the long holiday season drew to a close, with authorities opening additional lanes to manage the influx. Yesterday, citizens began returning to the capital in droves after celebrating the Songkran festival. The Mittraphap Road, a major thoroughfare connecting the northeastern region of Thailand to Bangkok, experienced significant congestion, particularly at the…

  • Thailand NewsJapanese man dies in Bangkok hotel fall, lands on car | Thaiger

    Japanese man dies in Bangkok hotel fall, lands on car

    A 52 year old Japanese man died after falling from a Bangkok hotel, landing on a parked car. He was staying alone and no signs of violence were found when the room was searched. The Thai authorities responded to the incident at 1am today, April 15, and coordinated with the Japanese Embassy to notify the man’s relatives. The tranquillity of…

  • Thailand NewsCar fire at Bangkok temple parking spurs emergency response | Thaiger

    Car fire at Bangkok temple parking spurs emergency response

    A sudden car fire erupted in the parking lot of a well-known temple in the Bang Chak area of Bangkok, prompting a swift response from firefighting teams. The incident was reported today, April 15, and officials are currently investigating the cause. Panic spread rapidly as a car caught fire in the parking lot of the famed Wat Thammongkol Thaobunnonthawihan in…

  • Thailand NewsBangkok ramps up AI security for safe Songkran festivities | Thaiger

    Bangkok ramps up AI security for safe Songkran festivities

    Bangkok tightens security for Songkran celebrations with artificial intelligence (AI) and emergency measures. Bangkok is bracing for Songkran, the traditional Thai New Year, with stringent security measures in place, particularly in popular celebration areas such as Silom and Khao San Road. In previous years, overcrowding has been a significant concern, prompting authorities to implement new strategies to ensure public safety.…

  • Thailand NewsReferee attack at Thai boxing match sparks sport integrity debate | Thaiger

    Referee attack at Thai boxing match sparks sport integrity debate

    Chaos erupted at a traditional Thai boxing match when a controversial draw decision by the referee led to an assault on the official and the opposing sides. The incident, captured in a widely criticised video, has sparked a debate about violence and fairness in sports. Yesterday, a boxing match took the term fighting spirit too literally when the referee’s decision…

  • Thailand NewsSevere weather alert for 36 Thai provinces amid heatwave | Thaiger

    Severe weather alert for 36 Thai provinces amid heatwave

    The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) today issued a severe weather warning for 36 provinces, forecasting thunderstorms, strong winds, and potential hailstorms across the regions. This alert comes amid a period of intense heat enveloping the country, with scorching temperatures and sporadic thunderstorms expected throughout the day. As of 6am, today, April 15, the low-pressure system caused by the prevailing heat…

  • Thailand NewsLocal leader’s gunfire hits elderly man during Songkran celebration | Thaiger

    Local leader’s gunfire hits elderly man during Songkran celebration

    A celebration took a perilous turn when a local leader of the Volunteer Defense Corps fired shots into the air, with one stray bullet striking a disabled 67 year old man, Somchai, as he rested at home. The gunman, identified as 48 year old Phiphat admitted to losing control due to intoxication during the Songkran festivities. This reckless act not…

  • Crime NewsMan arrested in Thailand for assaulting teen during Songkran | Thaiger

    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 | Thaiger

    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 | Thaiger

    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…

  • Crime NewsChon Buri locals detain armed man during Songkran celebration | Thaiger

    Chon Buri locals detain armed man during Songkran celebration

    Residents in a Chon Buri community acted swiftly to detain a heavily intoxicated man who, after becoming agitated during a Songkran celebration, returned home to fetch a gun and threaten his companions. The incident, which took place yesterday at around 5.30pm, saw local law enforcement led by Police Colonel Navin Sinthurat, the superintendent of Bang Lamung Police Station, along with…

  • Thailand NewsArmy private drowns in reservoir during Songkran festivities | Thaiger

    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 | Thaiger

    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 | Thaiger

    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 NewsMan found dead in Khon Kaen, police chase killer | Thaiger

    Man found dead in Khon Kaen, police chase killer

    Police are urgently pursuing a suspect in the brutal slaying of a 41 year old man, who was found with his throat slit while returning to his shack in the middle of a field. The murder incident occurred today, April 12, when police from the Ubonrat Police Station in Khon Kaen Province were dispatched to investigate the crime scene in…

  • Thailand NewsSouth Korean singer Park Boram dies at 30 | Thaiger

    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 | Thaiger

    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 | Thaiger

    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 NewsInterior Ministry official disrupts police at Songkran checkpoint | Thaiger

    Interior Ministry official disrupts police at Songkran checkpoint

    A high-ranking government official from the Ministry of Interior caused a stir when he confronted and attempted to obstruct police officers at a traffic checkpoint during the Songkran Festival celebrations. The incident, which took place yesterday, April 11 at around 5pm, occurred in the district of Yang Chum Noi, Sisaket Province. The man, identified as a district chief, reacted aggressively…

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

    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 | Thaiger

    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 | Thaiger

    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 NewsKanchanaburi man arrested after violent restroom assault | Thaiger

    Kanchanaburi man arrested after violent restroom assault

    A brutal incident of violence has shaken the community of Tha Maka in Kanchanaburi Province, where a 38 year old man turned methamphetamine agent was arrested for a savage attack. The altercation, which occurred on October 22, 2023, resulted from a seemingly minor incident where the victim, Anek (surname withheld), inadvertently bumped into Udon (surname withheld) near a restroom, prompting…

  • Thailand NewsFake gold sales soar as Thai baht-weight hits 40,000 baht record | Thaiger

    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 | Thaiger

    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 | Thaiger

    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 | Thaiger

    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 | Thaiger

    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 | Thaiger

    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…