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 NewsBangkok hosts Lim Ko Niao spiritual event for devotees | Thaiger

    Bangkok hosts Lim Ko Niao spiritual event for devotees

    Bangkok’s Po Teck Tung Foundation currently hosts a revered spiritual event, inviting devotees to venerate the goddess Lim Ko Niao from Hat Yai. The event at the foundation’s headquarters in Plabplachai is a collaborative effort with the Samakkhi Mitrapap Foundation (Thung Siang Tung) from Hat Yai. It runs from March 10 to 13 corresponding to the Western calendar. On Sunday,…

  • Thailand NewsThai racing champion faces backlash after gym altercation | Thaiger

    Thai racing champion faces backlash after gym altercation

    A well-known Thai racing driver is currently facing scrutiny after a video surfaced online showing the athlete assaulting a Mahidol University student in a condominium gym. The incident, which occurred on February 27, stemmed from a dispute over the use of gym equipment. The altercation took place in the late afternoon at 5.45pm when Non, a 21 year old student…

  • Thailand NewsSurin school head arrested for drug trade, 2.4 million pills seized | Thaiger

    Surin school head arrested for drug trade, 2.4 million pills seized

    The Thai Ministry of Education is currently carrying out a stringent investigation following the shocking arrest of a school director in Surin province for his involvement in a drug trafficking operation. The director was caught with a staggering 2.4 million methamphetamine tablets and has been promptly dismissed from his position to face the full force of the law. On March…

  • Thailand NewsChiang Rai hits highest air pollution levels in Thailand | Thaiger

    Chiang Rai hits highest air pollution levels in Thailand

    Air pollution has reached critical levels in the northern and northeastern regions of Thailand, with 36 provinces reporting particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations exceeding the safe standard, according to a recent report from the Air Pollution Control Department (APCD) under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. The province of Chiang Rai recorded the highest levels in the country. Over the…

  • Thailand NewsMarch stars forecast love and financial boost for Geminis | Thaiger

    March stars forecast love and financial boost for Geminis

    Astrological forecasts suggest a time of prosperity and positive change for some, particularly in the realms of love and finance. According to the popular Thai astrologer Thosporn, those born under the sign of Gemini are likely to experience a significant upswing in their romantic lives, with a chance to leave behind past challenges and embrace new opportunities. March heralds a…

  • Thailand NewsThai gold prices surge, reach new high at 35,750 baht per baht | Thaiger

    Thai gold prices surge, reach new high at 35,750 baht per baht

    Gold prices in Thailand saw a continuous surge today, prompting those interested in trading the precious metal to act swiftly. The Gold Traders Association (GTA) reported a significant increase compared to yesterday’s closing rates, with the selling price of gold ornaments per baht weight reaching 35,750 baht today marking a 50 baht increase from the previous day. The domestic market…

  • Thailand NewsWoman dies in Lamphun as pickup crashes into tree | Thaiger

    Woman dies in Lamphun as pickup crashes into tree

    A tragic road accident claimed the life of a 35 year old woman when her pickup truck veered off the road and crashed into a tree in Lamphun province. The victim, identified as Parichat Kunapong, was pinned behind the wheel, necessitating the use of rescue equipment to extricate her body. A devastating scene unfolded yesterday on the road from Ban…

  • Thailand NewsAccountant arrested in Thailand for 130 million baht tax fraud | Thaiger

    Accountant arrested in Thailand for 130 million baht tax fraud

    Thai authorities recently apprehended a 46 year old accountant involved in a substantial tax invoice fraud, causing a loss of over 130 million baht (US$3.6 million) to the state. The arrest of Wimala, the individual at the centre of the investigation, marked a significant breakthrough in a tax evasion case that has highlighted vulnerabilities in the country’s financial regulation systems.…

  • Thailand NewsThailand and Switzerland secure significant sum from drug kingpin | Thaiger

    Thailand and Switzerland secure significant sum from drug kingpin

    Thailand secured a substantial windfall of 1.88 million Swiss francs (76.89 million baht) from Switzerland, originating from the assets of drug kingpin Wei Hsueh-kang. In a ceremony presided over by Deputy Attorney General Jumpon Phansumrit, Thailand inked its inaugural asset-sharing pact with a foreign nation, setting a precedent for future collaborations in the war against crime. This landmark agreement signals…

  • Thailand NewsManhunt in Bangkok after daylight robbery and shooting | Thaiger

    Manhunt in Bangkok after daylight robbery and shooting

    A shocking incident unfolded in the heart of Bangkok when a man, reportedly close friends with the victim, pulled a gun and opened fire in a violent dispute over personal matters before fleeing with a fake gold necklace. The altercation, which took place in the Ladprao area, has left locals alarmed and law enforcement officers on high alert as they…

  • Thailand NewsThai authorities dismantle illegal border communication networks | Thaiger

    Thai authorities dismantle illegal border communication networks

    A coordinated effort by the Thai Cyber Police, the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), and the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has led to the successful crackdown on illegal communication networks along Thailand’s border. The operation, which took place today, March 2, resulted in the dismantling of illicit signal towers and the confiscation of thousands of unauthorized SIM cards,…

  • Road deathsChiang Mai to Bangkok bus crash injures passengers near Ban Tak | Thaiger

    Chiang Mai to Bangkok bus crash injures passengers near Ban Tak

    A tour bus en route from Chiang Mai to Bangkok met with a severe accident, ramming into the back of a trailer truck, leaving passengers injured, two critically. The incident unfolded near Ban Tak District Hospital in Tak province, prompting an immediate emergency response. Yesterday, a catastrophic collision occurred on Phahonyothin Road between kilometres 547 and 548, just north of…

  • Thailand Weather UpdatesNorthern Thailand girds for major summer storms, residents warned | Thaiger

    Northern Thailand girds for major summer storms, residents warned

    Thailand’s northern regions brace for severe summer storms, with the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issuing a warning for heavy rainfall, strong winds, hail, and potential lightning strikes. Citizens are advised to take precautions and avoid open spaces, with the alert spanning from March 2 to March 3. The TMD’s fourth warning has put the upper parts of Thailand on high…

  • Thailand NewsKamphaeng Phet gold shop heist nets 74,300 baht in jewellery | Thaiger

    Kamphaeng Phet gold shop heist nets 74,300 baht in jewellery

    In a brazen daylight heist, a young man robbed a gold shop in Kamphaeng Phet Province, making off with two baht-weight gold necklaces valued at 74,300 baht (US$2,000). The robbery took place at approximately 3.30pm yesterday, March 1, when the suspect, feigning a regular purchase, snatched the jewellery and fled on a motorcycle. The police, led by Deputy Inspector Atit…

  • Thailand NewsThailand announces extra holiday to boost Songkran economy | Thaiger

    Thailand announces extra holiday to boost Songkran economy

    Thailand’s financial sector is set to benefit from an additional public holiday, as declared by the Royal Thai Government Gazette. The special holiday is part of a government initiative to facilitate travel flexibility and stimulate the tourism, service sectors, and the overall economy during the Songkran festival. This move aligns with the Cabinet’s decision from February 13, and marks a…

  • Thailand NewsJournalist found dead in car after aiding Thai accident rescue | Thaiger

    Journalist found dead in car after aiding Thai accident rescue

    A tragic incident unfolded yesterday when a 44 year old journalist, identified only by his first name, Pairin, was found dead in his vehicle, which was parked in the middle of a road in Pathum Thani Province. The cause of death remains undetermined, but no signs of violence were apparent on the body. The journalist had recently been involved in…

  • Thailand NewsPhachi chemical warehouse fire triggers emergency evacuation | Thaiger

    Phachi chemical warehouse fire triggers emergency evacuation

    A chemical warehouse fire in Phachi, Ayutthaya, prompted a swift evacuation as toxic fumes spread. Yesterday, February 29, at around 10.30pm, a blaze broke out in a warehouse illegally storing chemicals, necessitating an urgent response from fire services due to ongoing explosions and noxious odours. The Phachi Municipality Facebook page advised residents within a 5-kilometre radius to evacuate immediately, wear…

  • Thailand NewsAyutthaya meth bust nets 10 million pills worth 500 million baht | Thaiger

    Ayutthaya meth bust nets 10 million pills worth 500 million baht

    A major drug bust involving 10 million methamphetamine pills, valued at 500 million baht (US$13.9 million), was thwarted by authorities in Ayutthaya province. The capture was made possible after a meticulous tracking operation, leading to the arrest of two suspects who attempted to disguise the illicit cargo amidst vegetables on a six-wheeled truck. Late yesterday night, at around 11pm, law…

  • Thailand NewsBoxing camp owner arrested for assaulting young female boxers | Thaiger

    Boxing camp owner arrested for assaulting young female boxers

    Police arrested a 54 year old boxing camp owner for allegedly using a firearm to intimidate and sexually assault two 12 year old female boxers at his facility. The arrest followed the mother of one of the victims reporting the incident, which led to the shutdown of the camp and the suspect fleeing to Bangkok to hide. Despite his attempt…

  • Thailand NewsThai police arrest duo after violent mugging in Bangkok Noi | Thaiger

    Thai police arrest duo after violent mugging in Bangkok Noi

    Bangkok police apprehended two young men following a violent assault and robbery in Bangkok Noi district. The suspects, identified as 23 year old Pongpattan from Kalasin, and 29 year old Somjai from Bangkok allegedly demanded money from a pedestrian and subsequently attacked and robbed the individual when the request was denied. The incident occurred yesterday when the victim was walking…

  • Thailand NewsChon Buri apartment owner battles raucous bars in neighbourhood | Thaiger

    Chon Buri apartment owner battles raucous bars in neighbourhood

    In a neighbourhood near Wat Boon Kanjanaram, Bang Lamung, Chon Buri, a battle rages between the tranquillity of the residences and loud music from neighbouring bars. Seven nearby bars, each blasting tunes with the fervour of a rock concert, have transformed the once-tranquil area into a sleepless nightmare. International tourists, seeking refuge in apartment owner Kanjana Brousa’s building, now toss…

  • Thailand NewsFactory owner’s son stabs man at Phatthalung pig butchering event | Thaiger

    Factory owner’s son stabs man at Phatthalung pig butchering event

    A grisly incident unfolded at a furniture factory in Phatthalung province where the son of the factory owner, after slaughtering a pig, fatally stabbed a fellow participant, leading to an urgent manhunt. The perpetrator’s father warned against interference, insisting on handling the matter privately. At the scene of a chilling crime in Phatthalung’s Khuan Khanun district, police discovered blood traces…

  • Thailand NewsPilgrimage bus crash near Khao Kitchakut claims a life, injures 9 | Thaiger

    Pilgrimage bus crash near Khao Kitchakut claims a life, injures 9

    A pilgrimage bus met a tragic fate today as it descended from the Khao Kitchakut mountain in Chanthaburi province, Thailand, veering off course and overturning. The calamitous incident claimed the life of one individual and left nine others with injuries, including three foreigners. The accident occurred close to a toll station when the bus, filled with worshippers returning from a…

  • Thailand NewsIllegal Myanmar workers found in vegetable crates on Thai border | Thaiger

    Illegal Myanmar workers found in vegetable crates on Thai border

    A covert operation to smuggle illegal workers across the Thai-Myanmar border was thwarted when vigilant paramilitary forces discovered eight Myanmar nationals hidden in vegetable crates. The shocking find occurred during a routine vehicle stop by soldiers from the 35th Ranger Forces Regiment at a checkpoint on the Mae Sot-Tha Song Yang road in Tak province. Paramilitary forces, led by Colonel…

  • Thailand NewsIndonesian tourist’s false Thai honeymoon drama debunked | Thaiger

    Indonesian tourist’s false Thai honeymoon drama debunked

    A viral clip of an Indonesian woman‘s outcry on social media, claiming her honeymoon trip to Thailand collapsed because her husband was denied entry for not carrying cash, sparked significant attention. However, Thai immigration authorities have debunked the story as a fabrication for content creation, further uncovering that the woman is a frequent traveller to Thailand and an online merchant.…

  • Thailand NewsThai police foil luxury car fake plate scam in Bangkok | Thaiger

    Thai police foil luxury car fake plate scam in Bangkok

    A sophisticated scheme involving the use of counterfeit license plates on luxury vehicles has been thwarted by Thai highway police in a recent crackdown. A 41 year old woman was arrested for affixing a forged red license plate to a brand-new Bentley. The incident, which took place along Bangkok’s outer ring road, has raised concerns about the ease with which…

  • Thailand Weather UpdatesThailand braces for turbulent weather as storms target 18 provinces | Thaiger

    Thailand braces for turbulent weather as storms target 18 provinces

    Thailand faces a significant meteorological event as the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issues a storm warning affecting 18 provinces. The TMD forecasts thunderstorms, with a 10% chance of heavy rainfall across these regions, signalling a turbulent start to March. As the country braces for summer storms from March 1 to March 3, areas particularly affected should prepare for strong gusts…

  • Thailand NewsTragic last ride: Bangkok taxi driver found dead at gas station | Thaiger

    Tragic last ride: Bangkok taxi driver found dead at gas station

    A taxi driver was discovered dead in his vehicle at a gas station in Bangkok’s Jomthong district. The incident occurred early this morning, February 28, and the circumstances surrounding the driver’s death are currently under investigation. The gas station on Kalapapruek Road became an unexpected crime scene this morning when a 59 year old taxi driver, identified as Sathian (surname…

  • Thailand NewsThai workers win million baht each after Naga visits dreams | Thaiger

    Thai workers win million baht each after Naga visits dreams

    A group of municipal workers hit the lottery jackpot, each winning 1 million baht after a sacred Naga, a mythological serpent, allegedly visited them in their dreams. This windfall coincided with an auspicious ceremony held today, February 28, at the Nong Yat Municipal Office in Nakhon Phanom Province, where Uthai Kotsa, the Mayor, and Chawanin Buntengsaksiri, the Municipal Clerk, led…