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 NewsThai agency may include monkeys in wildlife compensation scheme | Thaiger

    Thai agency may include monkeys in wildlife compensation scheme

    The Thai Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation (DNP) is contemplating the inclusion of monkeys in its wildlife compensation programme. This consideration arises following an incident where a woman suffered injuries from a macaque attack, leading her to file a police complaint to secure compensation for her medical expenses. The victim, Arikanta Kanchanasinmetha, reported the incident at Tha…

  • Thailand NewsMarket thief electrocuted during wire heist in Mae Klong | Thaiger

    Market thief electrocuted during wire heist in Mae Klong

    A female thief’s audacious wire theft act at the Rom Hub Market nearly turned fatal when she was electrocuted during the thievery, sparking concerns among local shop owners. A CCTV system at a catfish shop in Rom Hub Market, Mae Klong, Mueang district, Samut Songkhram province, captured the shocking incident. On the night of March 6, the woman, wearing what…

  • Thailand NewsChiang Mai faces world’s second-worst air quality amid pollution crisis | Thaiger

    Chiang Mai faces world’s second-worst air quality amid pollution crisis

    Northern Thailand is currently grappling with severe air pollution, with Chiang Mai experiencing the second-worst air quality globally. As of today, March 8, air quality monitoring has revealed that particulate matter PM2.5 levels have exceeded the standard in 46 provinces, prompting health warnings and advisories for residents to limit outdoor activities. PM2.5 concentrations surpassed Thailand’s safety standards in various regions,…

  • Northern Thailand NewsChiang Mai flower festival blooms success with record visitors | Thaiger

    Chiang Mai flower festival blooms success with record visitors

    Chiang Mai is basking in the success of its 47th Flower Festival, which attracted a staggering 668,000 visitors, both Thai and international, generating over 80 million baht (US$2.25 million) in revenue. As a result, the province is preparing to enhance the event’s float parade, focusing on innovation and interest for future festivals. On March 8, the deputy governor of Chiang…

  • Thailand NewsRoyal return: King’s son makes emotional homecoming | Thaiger

    Royal return: King’s son makes emotional homecoming

    In a recent social media post, His Majesty the King’s second-eldest son, Vacharaesorn Vivacharawongse, stirred emotions as he shared a photo from Suvarnabhumi Airport, declaring, “I have returned home, as promised.” The post, which garnered over 25,000 likes and a flood of welcoming comments from netizens, marks Vacharaesorn’s third journey to his homeland in less than a year. Having spent…

  • Thailand NewsWoman’s body found floating in Rayong pond prompts police probe | Thaiger

    Woman’s body found floating in Rayong pond prompts police probe

    A grim discovery was made at dawn today when a woman’s body was found floating in a durian orchard pond in Rayong province, triggering a police investigation. The unidentified victim, estimated to be between 35 and 40 years old, was found naked and bound, with her head covered by a pair of black and white striped trousers and encased in…

  • Thailand NewsInvestigations reveal fake diamonds and counterfeit jewellery | Thaiger

    Investigations reveal fake diamonds and counterfeit jewellery

    Authorities in Bangkok have launched a crackdown on jewellery businesses, manufacturers, and distributors following a surge in complaints from unsuspecting tourists. The Office of the Consumer Protection Board (OCPB), alongside key agencies including the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and the Tourist Police, took decisive action to address concerns raised by visitors who felt deceived into purchasing fake diamonds and counterfeit jewellery.…

  • Road deathsMotorcycle repairman fatally crashes into parked truck in Samut Prakan | Thaiger

    Motorcycle repairman fatally crashes into parked truck in Samut Prakan

    A tragic road accident claimed the life of a motorcycle repairman as he collided with a parked 18-wheeler truck in the early hours on Samut Prakan province’s Suk Sawat Road. The accident occurred near the Prasamut Chedi Police Station, around 100 metres away from the scene. Police Officer Worachet Dechadesho responded to the incident, which took place at 3.30am today,…

  • Thailand NewsThai government urged to prepare for Myanmar refugee influx | Thaiger

    Thai government urged to prepare for Myanmar refugee influx

    In anticipation of a potential surge in refugees from Myanmar, a security expert called on the Thai government to take immediate action by establishing a safety zone or humanitarian corridor near the Thai-Myanmar border. Associate Professor Panitan Wattanayagorn, speaking to Thai PBS, warned of intensified fighting between government troops and rebel forces during the upcoming dry season, fuelled by Myanmar’s…

  • Thailand NewsTeen finds grandmother’s body in car in central Thailand | Thaiger

    Teen finds grandmother’s body in car in central Thailand

    In a tragic turn of events in Ang Thong Province, a 17 year old girl discovered the body of her grandmother in a car outside their home. The incident, which unfolded early this morning, is believed to have been driven by family-related stress. Authorities were alerted at 6.30am today, March 7, and an investigation into the cause of death is…

  • Thailand NewsChiang Mai now world’s third most polluted city | Thaiger

    Chiang Mai now world’s third most polluted city

    Chiang Mai ranks as the third most polluted city globally amid a severe air quality crisis in northern Thailand, with particulate matter (PM)2.5 levels surging due to widespread forest fires. The situation, which peaked today, March 7, has triggered health concerns and advisories. Northern Thailand is grappling with a significant air pollution crisis. Today, the Air Pollution Crisis Resolution Centre…

  • Thailand NewsTrang locals vexed by PEA’s abrupt power cuts over minimal dues | Thaiger

    Trang locals vexed by PEA’s abrupt power cuts over minimal dues

    Residents in Trang province are experiencing a wave of frustration following a stringent new policy by the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) that has led to the abrupt disconnection of electricity services and the removal of metres for overdue payments as low as 100 baht. Without warning, many are caught off guard by the aggressive enforcement that has seen meters removed…

  • Thailand NewsThai man found asleep in police van outside Nong Prue station | Thaiger

    Thai man found asleep in police van outside Nong Prue station

    Nong Prue Police officers were taken aback last Friday, March 1 when they stumbled upon a Thai man sleeping inside a police van parked right in front of the local station. The bizarre incident left the officers bewildered and concerned for the man’s welfare. Initially appearing innocuous with the van’s engine off and windows tightly shut, the situation took a puzzling…

  • Thailand NewsNew vegan fried egg dazzles on social media with plant-based twist | Thaiger

    New vegan fried egg dazzles on social media with plant-based twist

    A vegan version of the classic fried egg has taken social media by storm, thanks to a post by the page Vegan Inspired by Mink. The creation, which at first glance seems like a regular fried egg, is a plant-based innovation, completely devoid of animal products. Social media users were immediately captivated by an image posted by Vegan Inspired by…

  • Thailand NewsThai police seize 10 million meth pills, arrest major dealer | Thaiger

    Thai police seize 10 million meth pills, arrest major dealer

    A major drug bust led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior Anutin Charnvirakul resulted in the seizure of 10 million methamphetamine pills and the arrest of a key suspect in Pathum Thani province. In a significant clampdown on drug trafficking, Thai police apprehended a major drug dealer and seized a colossal haul of 10 million methamphetamine pills.…

  • Thailand NewsSurging gold prices trigger counterfeit boom in Thailand | Thaiger

    Surging gold prices trigger counterfeit boom in Thailand

    Police have issued a stark warning about a surge in counterfeit gold following a significant increase in its price. The warning comes after a prominent store suffered a loss of over 8 million baht (US$ 224,000) due to the undetectable blending of gold with other metals using sophisticated techniques. The Royal Thai Police’s Central Forensic Science Division, in a joint…

  • Thailand NewsIndian tourist survives 6th floor plunge onto floating deck | Thaiger

    Indian tourist survives 6th floor plunge onto floating deck

    In North Pattaya, a 43 year old Indian tourist defied the odds as he miraculously survived a terrifying fall from a condominium building’s 6th floor, only to land on a floating deck one floor below. Responding to a frantic distress call at approximately 4.36am today, the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation’s rescue volunteers arrived on the scene to find the tourist,…

  • Thailand NewsFugitive woman arrested for fraud and embezzlement in Sing Buri | Thaiger

    Fugitive woman arrested for fraud and embezzlement in Sing Buri

    Police apprehended a 51 year old woman for her involvement in a multifaceted criminal enterprise that included document forgery, job application fraud, and a significant embezzlement scandal. These events followed her flight after being caught using fake documents, leading her to con people by selling products online without delivery, ultimately exposing her full participation in an 18 crown scheme—a term…

  • Thailand NewsJapan’s banana boost leaves Thai growers going ape | Thaiger

    Japan’s banana boost leaves Thai growers going ape

    Thai banana growers are going ape over the news that Japan is considering increasing the import quota of Thai bananas, potentially adding a bunch of up to 100,000 tonnes. This announcement came after a fruitful meeting at the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries in Tokyo, Japan, where the Thai Trade Representative, Naruemon Phinyosinwat, alongside the Thailand team, held discussions…

  • Thailand NewsThai abbot found burnt in forest shocks local community | Thaiger

    Thai abbot found burnt in forest shocks local community

    A revered abbot’s tragic demise has sent shockwaves through a Thai community after his body was found burned to the extent that only his upper torso remained identifiable. The abbot, Luang Pu Poon Thitapunyo, of Wat Pa Kesem Suk in Phetchabun Province, was discovered in a forested area behind the temple. The police have been meticulously piecing together evidence ever…

  • Thailand NewsSwiss retiree’s brutal attack on Thai woman sparks outcry in Trang | Thaiger

    Swiss retiree’s brutal attack on Thai woman sparks outcry in Trang

    A shocking incident at a shopping mall in the city of Trang Yesterday left a 58-year-old Thai woman with severe injuries after a violent altercation with a 60 year old Swiss national, Dieter Matthias Straumann. The 25 year old victim’s son, Kritpong Kikkham, is resolute in seeking justice for his mother, who is now hospitalised with a prognosis of at…

  • Thailand NewsDSI grills teacher candidates over Khon Kaen exam scam | Thaiger

    DSI grills teacher candidates over Khon Kaen exam scam

    The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has initiated an extensive interrogation of candidates for assistant teacher positions at the Primary Educational Service Area Office 2 in Khon Kaen, following allegations of widespread exam fraud. Investigators have discovered that exam materials were being sold for 600,000 baht each. The probe, which took place today at the Learning Promotion Office in Ban…

  • Thailand NewsUS Army captain defying tradition with a Buddhist twist | Thaiger

    US Army captain defying tradition with a Buddhist twist

    In a bustling Southwestern bar at a Royal Thai Navy (RTN) base, a US Army captain stood out, not just for his uniform but for the emblem adorning his cap, the Buddhist wheel of dharma, a rare sight in military circles. Chaplain (Captain) Songkran Waiyaka, one of only 10 Buddhists among over 3,000 religious leaders in the Army, often finds…

  • Thailand NewsShooting spree at Terminal 21 Korat unveils workplace vendetta | Thaiger

    Shooting spree at Terminal 21 Korat unveils workplace vendetta

    Nakhon Ratchasima police raced to Terminal 21 Korat following a shooting report at 7.15pm on Saturday, March 2. Amidst bustling shoppers, panic gripped the air as echoes of a previous massacre resurfaced, casting a shadow of fear over the scene. Arriving swiftly, emergency responders discovered Natdanai Leklak, a 30 year old security guard at the hotel, bearing six gunshot wounds…

  • Thailand NewsLong-fugitive rape suspect caught after 19 years in Thailand | Thaiger

    Long-fugitive rape suspect caught after 19 years in Thailand

    A 52 year old man was arrested yesterday for a 19 year old case involving the rape of a nurse’s aide, a crime he says was motivated by love and financial incapacity. The Central Investigation Bureau’s (CIB) long arm of the law finally closed in on the suspect, known only as Got, who had successfully eluded capture for nearly two…

  • Thailand Weather UpdatesChon Buri hits dangerous 51.4°C heat index, TMD issues warning | Thaiger

    Chon Buri hits dangerous 51.4°C heat index, TMD issues warning

    The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a severe heat index warning for today, March 5 and 6, with temperatures soaring to a scorching 51.4 degrees Celsius in Chon Buri province, placing it in the danger zone for heatstroke. On March 5, the heat index, which is a measure that reflects the human body’s perceived temperature by combining air temperature with…

  • Thailand NewsMissing Buriram woman found after mysterious journey | Thaiger

    Missing Buriram woman found after mysterious journey

    After an agonising three-month disappearance, a 22 year old woman from Buriram province was found and reunited with her overjoyed family. The woman, who had been missing since the Loy Krathong festival in November last year, was discovered near a hospital in the Pakham district. Her return was facilitated by a network of community leaders and law enforcement officials. The…

  • Thailand NewsBurmese woman stabbed in Nakhon Pathom domestic row | Thaiger

    Burmese woman stabbed in Nakhon Pathom domestic row

    A domestic dispute in Nakhon Pathom province escalated into a violent confrontation, resulting in a Burmese woman being critically injured after being stabbed. The incident, which occurred in the early morning hours yesterday, has led to the apprehension and confession of the assailant, who claimed the stabbing was unintentional. In the workers’ quarters of a company in Bang Len district,…

  • Thailand NewsLoan rejections soar for Thai homes under 3 million baht | Thaiger

    Loan rejections soar for Thai homes under 3 million baht

    The Thai housing market is facing a significant challenge as a growing number of loan applications for homes priced below 3 million baht are being rejected. According to the Housing Finance Association, the rejection rate has spiked to 50%, highlighting the vulnerability of this segment despite its substantial market size. The association’s secretary-general and chairman of the executive board, Alangkot…

  • Thailand NewsViolent clash between Thai and Filipina trans groups rocks Bangkok | Thaiger

    Violent clash between Thai and Filipina trans groups rocks Bangkok

    Chaos erupted early this morning outside a hotel on Sukhumvit Soi 11 when a violent confrontation broke out between Thai and Filipina ladyboys. The Thai group assembled in response to an incident today, March 5, where a Thai ladyboy was assaulted and robbed by a group of about 20 Filipina ladyboys. Tensions heightened as the Thai group demanded justice, leading…