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 NewsSongkran festival sees Rama II Road works delay till June 2025

    Songkran festival sees Rama II Road works delay till June 2025

    Thailand’s transport minister announced that construction delays on Rama II Road will persist during the upcoming Songkran festival. Despite efforts to expedite the work, the completion date is now set for June 2025. The minister assured that compensation will be paid to the contractors to encourage faster progress. Government spokesperson Suriya Jungrungreangkit addressed the state of transportation during the Songkran…

  • Thailand NewsCar bursts into flames in Thailand from dry tissues and toothpicks

    Car bursts into flames in Thailand from dry tissues and toothpicks

    A car parked under the scorching Thai sun burst into flames, nearly burning the entire vehicle due to the presence of dry tissues and toothpicks. The incident, which serves as a stark warning about the dangers of leaving combustible materials in a car exposed to intense heat, occurred at noon today, April 2. The vehicle’s owner revealed the harrowing moments…

  • Thailand NewsThailand waives tolls for Songkran festival to ease travel costs

    Thailand waives tolls for Songkran festival to ease travel costs

    The Thai Cabinet approved a toll exemption for vehicles on Motorway No. 7 and Motorway No. 9 during the seven-day Songkran festival period to alleviate traffic congestion and facilitate convenience for travellers. The exemption will be in effect from 12.01am on April 11 to midnight on April 17, in time for the country’s traditional new year celebrations. The decision was…

  • Thailand NewsBig Joke woes: Warrant issued for money laundering

    Big Joke woes: Warrant issued for money laundering

    The Criminal Court on Ratchadaphisek Road was the scene of significant legal developments as investigators sought an arrest warrant for Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn, Deputy National Police Chief of Thailand, following three previously issued summonses. The request for his capture was rooted in allegations of money laundering and conspiring to commit a crime, related to an investigation into gambling websites.…

  • Thailand NewsHealth Ministry warns against eating geckos for sexual benefits

    Health Ministry warns against eating geckos for sexual benefits

    The Department of Health of Thailand issued a warning against consuming live geckos in the belief that they can enhance sexual performance, stressing the lack of scientific evidence and potential health risks. Health authorities have raised alarms over a dangerous trend among middle-aged men in Thailand, involving the consumption of live geckos as a supposed sexual enhancement remedy. A 59…

  • Thailand NewsLove con: Thai woman nabbed for 1.7 million baht romance scam

    Love con: Thai woman nabbed for 1.7 million baht romance scam

    Thai authorities have successfully apprehended a 24 year old woman in connection with a sophisticated romance scam operation that swindled a victim out of 1.7 million baht under the guise of a lucrative investment in London gold shares. The arrest of the woman identified only as Saovaluck, which took place yesterday in front of a convenience store in Samrong Klang…

  • Thailand NewsSurat Thani ex-engineer wins 30 million baht lottery

    Surat Thani ex-engineer wins 30 million baht lottery

    A former municipal engineering director from Surat Thani province hit the jackpot, winning a staggering 30 million baht in the national lottery. The 61 year old, who has been living and working in Nonthaburi province since 1978, walked into a local police station today, April 2, with his family to officially record their life-changing win. Polkrit, the lucky winner, alongside…

  • Thailand NewsThailand grapples with intense heatwave, temperatures hit 40°C

    Thailand grapples with intense heatwave, temperatures hit 40°C

    Thailand is grappling with an intense heatwave, with temperatures soaring past 40 degrees Celsius. The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issued a warning for intense heat across the country, along with thunderstorms expected in ten provinces. As the high-pressure system caused by intense heat envelops the upper region of Thailand, the entire country faces generally hot weather, accompanied by scattered…

  • Thailand NewsNonthaburi police bust counterfeit shampoo ring selling for 100 baht

    Nonthaburi police bust counterfeit shampoo ring selling for 100 baht

    Police recently cracked down on a counterfeit shampoo operation in Nonthaburi, leading to the arrest of a 58 year old woman and her 30 year old nephew. Engaging in a deceptive practice, they were caught refilling used branded shampoo bottles with their concoction and passing them off as genuine products at local markets, with a startling two bottles being sold…

  • Thailand NewsElderly Bangkok vendor robbed at knifepoint for gold and cash

    Elderly Bangkok vendor robbed at knifepoint for gold and cash

    A 72 year old woman was threatened and robbed at knifepoint at her street vendor stall by a male and a female assailant. The incident occurred at approximately 5.31am today in the Bang Khae district of Bangkok, leaving the septuagenarian victim, Srirat (last name withheld), without two gold necklaces weighing a combined five baht and an unspecified amount of cash.…

  • Thailand NewsOnline prayer nets over 100,000 baht windfall and 200 Thai treats offered in thanks

    Online prayer nets over 100,000 baht windfall and 200 Thai treats offered in thanks

    A fortunate individual’s online prayer for luck turned into a windfall of over 100,000 baht (US$ 2,700), leading to a generous offering of 100 sets of traditional Thai boat noodles and 100 sets of coconut milk desserts as a gesture of gratitude. The offerings were made at the revered hermitage of the hermit in Ayutthaya, which has recently gained popularity…

  • Thailand NewsBlaze engulfs Sisaket building following gas cylinder explosions

    Blaze engulfs Sisaket building following gas cylinder explosions

    A commercial building in Sisaket province was engulfed in flames early this morning, following two explosive sounds suspected to be from gas cylinders. The blaze rapidly spread, causing chaos as firefighting teams rushed to extinguish the fire, which started at 4.10am near Luang Sumangkalaram Temple. Police officer Weerawich Sriponduan from the Sisaket City Police Station immediately attended the scene alongside…

  • Road deathsLate night Prachinburi crash leaves 3 injured, prompts road safety reminder

    Late night Prachinburi crash leaves 3 injured, prompts road safety reminder

    A tragic road accident occurred late last night, leaving three individuals severely injured, one of whom suffered amputations. The incident took place at approximately 3am today in the area of Prachinburi province when a Toyota Fortuner lost control around a bend and collided with a factory employee waiting for his partner to finish work. At the entrance of a local…

  • Thailand NewsPhuket karaoke owner arrested for operating underage prostitution

    Phuket karaoke owner arrested for operating underage prostitution

    Authorities in Phuket conducted a sting operation at a local karaoke establishment after uncovering evidence of minors being exploited for prostitution. A 13 year old was found among those being offered for sexual services. The operation, spearheaded by high-ranking police officials, led to the arrest of the 39 year old owner, who confessed to knowingly profiting from the illicit trade.…

  • Thailand NewsNACC cracks down on corruption in government top brass

    NACC cracks down on corruption in government top brass

    The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has set its sights on high-ranking government officials, leaving no stone unturned in the battle for transparency and accountability. The NACC, led by President Police General Watcharapol Prasarnrajkit, is leading a proposal to extend asset reporting laws to encompass agencies notorious for corruption risks. Under this plan, heavyweights from the Revenue Department, Excise Department, and…

  • Thailand NewsParliament in favour of legalising gambling to boost economy

    Parliament in favour of legalising gambling to boost economy

    The House of Representatives voted in favour of legalising gambling while boosting the nation’s economy. The special commission championing the creation of integrated entertainment complexes unveiled its plan, urging the government to join hands with the private sector. The commission stressed that public involvement is key, advocating for the legalisation of specific gambling forms like Thai boxing to drive this…

  • Thailand NewsThai fugitive arrested in Chiang Rai for murder 18 years ago

    Thai fugitive arrested in Chiang Rai for murder 18 years ago

    A fugitive involved in a fatal shooting at a restaurant in Surat Thani who fled to Chiang Rai has been arrested at his son’s ordination ceremony. Police Major General Mantri Teskhan, Chief of Provincial Police, ordered Police Colonel Patthanasak Buppasuwannakorn, along with his deputies, to capture 49 year old Charan (surname withheld) under a warrant issued by the Wiang Sa…

  • Thailand NewsMurdered teen’s body found in reservoir in Chiang Mai

    Murdered teen’s body found in reservoir in Chiang Mai

    A 15 year old boy was savagely beaten and murdered by a group of five teenagers, who then concealed his body by throwing it into a reservoir in Chiang Mai. The assailants, aged between 15 and 17, admitted to the crime, citing a dislike for the victim’s character as the motive. Law enforcement officials apprehended five youths responsible for the…

  • Thailand NewsChon Buri bridge marred by graffiti, locals demand action

    Chon Buri bridge marred by graffiti, locals demand action

    Graffiti vandalism on the Chon Buri bridge has sparked outrage among locals, leading to calls for swift action by authorities. Social media was abuzz with criticism after images of spray-painted railings on the bridge surfaced online. The Chon Buri bridge, a landmark of the city, was defaced with large, blue spray-painted words, including crude language that has not only marred…

  • Thailand NewsBus collides with truck in central Thailand due to brake failure

    Bus collides with truck in central Thailand due to brake failure

    A bus carrying a group of 25 teachers experienced brake failure while descending a hill in Prachin Buri province, Central Thailand, leading to a collision with a 22-wheel truck. The accident, which occurred in the Nadi district, Prachin Buri, left several passengers injured, with three sustaining serious injuries. In the aftermath of the brake failure, the tour bus driver lost…

  • Thailand NewsMassive turnout for sacred coin giveaway at Surin temple event

    Massive turnout for sacred coin giveaway at Surin temple event

    Thousands gathered at a temple in Surin Province, eagerly awaiting the distribution of sacred coins and other charitable gifts by the revered monk Luang Pu Heng, known as the god of fortune in southern Isaan. The event, also known as Wat Ban Dan Chong Jom, saw the distribution of 3,000 kilogrammes of rice and 200,000 baht in cash, drawing a…

  • Thailand NewsThai police seize 20 kg of meth from Chinese nationals in Bangkok

    Thai police seize 20 kg of meth from Chinese nationals in Bangkok

    Thai authorities have apprehended two Chinese nationals involved in the illicit trade of meth pills in Rama 9 district, Bangkok. The individuals, identified as 25 year old Li Xiang Song and 29 year old Yang Zhou, were arrested in a high-end condominium in the Rama 9 district. Upon their capture, an astounding 18.8 kilogrammes of methamphetamine was seized along with…

  • Thailand NewsFemale off-duty ranger shot dead in Narathiwat province

    Female off-duty ranger shot dead in Narathiwat province

    Amidst the hustle and bustle of the Dusongyor market in Chanae district, Narathiwat province, southern Thailand, tragedy struck when a lone gunman fatally shot a female para-military ranger. Without warning, the assailant drew a 9mm handgun and fired a fatal shot into the 30 year old off-duty ranger’s head, killing Nurisan Phromsri instantly. The sudden gunfire sent shockwaves throughout the…

  • Thailand NewsHuman remains found near Udon Ratthaya Expressway

    Human remains found near Udon Ratthaya Expressway

    A chilling discovery has been made along the Udon Ratthaya Expressway, where additional human remains were found not far from where a skull was previously located. A Laotian woman came forward with critical information regarding her husband, missing for two months, identifying the skull through its distinct dental work. Late last night, police were alerted to the presence of human…

  • Thailand NewsYouth gang violence in Pattaya escalates over jeans

    Youth gang violence in Pattaya escalates over jeans

    Violence erupted in Pattaya South at Laem Bali Hai Pier when a gang of approximately 30 youths descended on the area, wielding knives and seeking retribution over a pair of jeans. The confrontation left two young men injured, with one unconscious and the other with a severe head wound, prompting an urgent response from rescue services and local officials. Upon…

  • Thailand NewsWoman finds roommate atop fridge at night

    Woman finds roommate atop fridge at night

    A young woman’s plea for help after witnessing her roommate’s bizarre behaviour on a fridge in the middle of the night has sparked online discussion about the challenges of shared living. The incident involved the woman waking up to a startling and somewhat eerie scene that left her reaching out to netizens for advice. Urban living often necessitates sharing accommodation…

  • Thailand NewsLamphun family hospitalised after toxic fungus ingestion

    Lamphun family hospitalised after toxic fungus ingestion

    A family in Lamphun province was hospitalised after consuming a toxic fungus, commonly known as Waan Jak Jan. The incident occurred after the husband, 60 year old Tui, collected fungus from a termite mound in his longan orchard, mistaking it for a recently deceased termite larvae which he thought was safe to eat. Tui, a resident of Thung Man, Pa…

  • Thailand NewsRed Ferrari crashes into Bangkok canal, driver unharmed

    Red Ferrari crashes into Bangkok canal, driver unharmed

    The driver of a Ferrari miraculously escaped with no injuries after crashing into a canal off Prasert-Manukitch Road in Bangkok. The incident occurred around 10.37am today shortly after the luxury sports car had been taken for a test drive following repairs. Emergency services, including police and volunteers from the Siam United Foundation, responded to the scene where the red Ferrari…

  • Thailand NewsSurat Thani police arrest duo for village headman’s murder

    Surat Thani police arrest duo for village headman’s murder

    Two suspects were apprehended in connection with the fatal shooting of a village headman who was killed outside his home in Surat Thani province. The assailants, apprehended along with firearms and clothing worn during the incident, are thought to have had a personal dispute with the victim. In the early hours of February 13, 36 year old Mae Mok village…

  • Thailand NewsBangkok police seize 10 million baht in bogus health supplements

    Bangkok police seize 10 million baht in bogus health supplements

    The Thai authorities have cracked down on a dietary supplement company for falsely advertising health benefits, using celebrities as endorsers, and selling products worth over 7 million baht in a significant consumer protection case. In a major operation, Bangkok’s Consumer Protection Police Division, alongside officers from the Thai Food and Drug Administration (FDA), conducted raids on warehouses in Bangkok and the…