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 NewsBrave officer thwarts student brawl with gun and knife at Ranong | Thaiger

    Brave officer thwarts student brawl with gun and knife at Ranong

    A police officer has been lauded for his bravery after intervening in a student brawl at a busy intersection. The incident, which could have turned deadly with the involvement of a firearm and a knife, was swiftly contained by the officer, who risked his safety to prevent potential injury or death among the youths involved. The altercation occurred on February…

  • Thailand NewsDaruma Sushi owner cleared of scam charges amid business collapse | Thaiger

    Daruma Sushi owner cleared of scam charges amid business collapse

    The Criminal Court acquitted a 41 year old owner of the Daruma Sushi restaurant chain, of charges related to a coupon and franchise sales scam that allegedly caused hundreds of millions in damage. The court ruled that the mismanagement leading to the restaurant’s failure was not intentional or fraudulent. The verdict was delivered at 9am, today, February 15, at the…

  • Thailand NewsBuriram yoga teacher exposes photographer’s sexual harassment | Thaiger

    Buriram yoga teacher exposes photographer’s sexual harassment

    A yoga instructor exposed a prominent photographer from Buriram for sexual harassment and attempted coercion into risqué photography, with a subsequent payoff offer of 30,000 baht to silence the matter. The incident, which she believes was not an isolated case, took place on February 15. The victim shared her traumatic experience on social media to warn other women of the…

  • Thailand NewsKoh Chang woman arrested for mobile scam defrauding 100 people | Thaiger

    Koh Chang woman arrested for mobile scam defrauding 100 people

    A 21 year old woman was arrested in Koh Chang for allegedly deceiving over 100 people in a mobile phone down-payment scam that lasted over a year. The woman, identified only as Marisa, who owned a well-known shop, faced several warrants for her arrest, one being from Thonburi Criminal Court dated November 28 last year, for fraud and entering false…

  • Thailand NewsHopea odorata tree draws crowds in Phayao for lottery luck | Thaiger

    Hopea odorata tree draws crowds in Phayao for lottery luck

    Locals flocked to an ancient Hopea odorata tree, believed to be over 100 years old and requiring a five-person embrace to encircle, to seek blessings and lucky numbers for the upcoming national lottery draw. Situated beside Thung Pa Kha School in the Mae Chai district of Phayao province, this revered tree recently became the centre of attention as the lottery…

  • Thailand NewsUOB LIVE apologizes for Ed Sheeran concert disruption | Thaiger

    UOB LIVE apologizes for Ed Sheeran concert disruption

    Suphalak, the Chairperson of UOB LIVE, issued a heartfelt apology following a disturbance at the Ed Sheeran concert held on February 11. In a formal letter, Suphalak expressed deep regret for the disruption caused by excessive noise in the VIP lounge area, which affected the concertgoers’ experience at UOB LIVE. In a move to address the fallout from the incident,…

  • Thailand NewsNonthaburi woman saved from abuse after son’s accidental call to police | Thaiger

    Nonthaburi woman saved from abuse after son’s accidental call to police

    A two-day ordeal of domestic abuse in Nonthaburi ended with police intervention after a 13 year old boy mistakenly dialled the emergency number while seeking medical help for his mother. The woman, a landlady, was found locked in a room and severely beaten by her younger, drug-addicted partner who was suspected of infidelity. In the quiet soi of Samakkhi 49,…

  • Thailand NewsBangkok retail hotspots top land value at 3.75 million baht per sq wah | Thaiger

    Bangkok retail hotspots top land value at 3.75 million baht per sq wah

    Bangkok’s prime retail locations, including Siam Square, Chidlom, and Ploenchit, retain their position as the city’s most expensive land areas, with prices reflecting the lucrative nature of the retail business compared to other commercial ventures. Sopon Pornchokchai, the president of the Agency for Real Estate Affairs (AREA), revealed that a survey of land prices across Bangkok and its vicinity, ongoing…

  • Thailand NewsThai farmer’s blooming rose garden rakes in cash on Valentine’s Day | Thaiger

    Thai farmer’s blooming rose garden rakes in cash on Valentine’s Day

    The owner of Phraew Banpha Namthiang Rose Garden in Khon Kaen once toiled in the sugarcane fields, until she took a gamble six years ago, swapping cane for the delicate allure of roses. This Valentine’s Day, love isn’t the only thing in the air: the sweet scent of roses drifts from Phraew Banpha Namthiang, where demand for the enchanting blooms…

  • Thailand NewsThai poultry exports soar, feathering their cap as world’s third-largest | Thaiger

    Thai poultry exports soar, feathering their cap as world’s third-largest

    With over 100,000 tonnes of chicken valued at a staggering 100 billion baht shipped abroad last year alone, Thailand has secured its spot as the world’s third-largest exporter, trailing only behind Brazil and the US. Thailand’s poultry industry has been on an upward trajectory, with Chaweewan Kampa, President of the Poultry Promotion Association of Thailand, hailing the nation’s climb to…

  • Thailand NewsThai police nab online lottery promoter in Roi Et Province raid | Thaiger

    Thai police nab online lottery promoter in Roi Et Province raid

    Thai police arrested a 44 year old woman for illegally promoting online lottery gambling on her Facebook fan page. During a raid today, February 14, police seized mobile phones and lottery tip sheets from her home in Roi Et Province. Arunee confessed to the crime, admitting she was paid a monthly fee to post gambling links by the website owner. A…

  • Thailand NewsBritish tourist’s body found in Cheow Lan Dam after intense search | Thaiger

    British tourist’s body found in Cheow Lan Dam after intense search

    A British tourist’s body surfaced at Cheow Lan Dam three days after the individual went missing, prompting expressions of gratitude from the British Embassy for the search efforts. The 24 year old, along with friends, had embarked on a kayaking trip from their accommodation at the Kraisorn Resort in Khao Sok National Park‘s protection Unit 7 (Kraisorn) area near the…

  • Road deathsDrunken taxi driver causes fatal Valentine’s Day crash in Pathum Thani | Thaiger

    Drunken taxi driver causes fatal Valentine’s Day crash in Pathum Thani

    Valentine’s Day turned tragic for a couple in Pathum Thani when a drunken taxi driver struck them with full force, leading to their deaths. The incident occurred at 7.30am today, February 14. Police Lieutenant Prachanan Korkhun, an investigative officer at the Khlong Luang police station, was alerted to a collision between a taxi and a motorcycle along a canal road…

  • Thailand NewsVillage leader fatally shot in Surat Thani, community mourns | Thaiger

    Village leader fatally shot in Surat Thani, community mourns

    Tragedy struck a local community in Surat Thani province when a 35 year old village leader was fatally shot in an appalling act of violence. The incident, which occurred shortly after 9pm yesterday, February 13, has left the village in shock and mourning. According to Police Lieutenant Colonel Withoon Sukpradit, the investigative officer from Kanjanadit Police Station, the emergency call came…

  • Thailand NewsThai shop owner’s lottery win ignites Ayutthaya blessing frenzy | Thaiger

    Thai shop owner’s lottery win ignites Ayutthaya blessing frenzy

    A Thai mag wheel shop owner struck it lucky with a lottery win worth hundreds of thousands of baht after requesting blessings online and vowed to make a merit offering to a revered child spirit known as Kumarn Thong Jao Sua Heng. This event sparked a surge of lottery enthusiasts flocking to the Rasi Salai Hermitage in Ayutthaya Province, seeking…

  • Thailand NewsBangkok grapples with hazardous PM2.5 pollution levels | Thaiger

    Bangkok grapples with hazardous PM2.5 pollution levels

    Bangkok and 38 other provinces in Thailand are currently experiencing dangerous levels of PM2.5 pollution, prompting health warnings and recommendations for the public to wear masks at all times when outdoors. The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA), together with the National Research Council of Thailand, the Pollution Control Department, Kasetsart University, and Chiang Mai University, are closely monitoring…

  • Thailand NewsSurat Thani police launch safety sweep for holidays | Thaiger

    Surat Thani police launch safety sweep for holidays

    Surat Thani Provincial Police mobilised a security sweep to ensure public and tourist safety during the Valentine’s Day and Makha Bucha Day holidays in 2024. The operation, fronted by high-ranking officers, aims to prevent sexual harassment, inappropriate behaviour, and crime in vulnerable areas. In a proactive measure to ensure public safety, Surat Thani Provincial Police launched a comprehensive crime sweep…

  • Thailand NewsThailand PM drives tourism growth, targets 35 million visitors | Thaiger

    Thailand PM drives tourism growth, targets 35 million visitors

    Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin recently underscored the significance of tourism collaboration to elevate Thailand’s travel industry. The announcement comes on the heels of Maya Bay in Krabi province being named the third-best beach in the world by Lonely Planet, a testament to the country’s natural beauty. Prime Minister Office Spokesperson Chai Wacharongkakul revealed that the prime minister, who also serves…

  • Crime NewsMyanmar businessman killed over black money deal in Bangkok | Thaiger

    Myanmar businessman killed over black money deal in Bangkok

    A violent altercation in Bangkok’s Sukhumvit area led to the death of a 53 year old Myanmar businessman in the early hours of this morning. The incident occurred at 1.30am today, February 14, in a room in a Sukhumvit Soi 4 mansion, where the victim, Kayo Seya, was found with multiple injuries and significant blood loss. The businessman was reportedly…

  • Thailand NewsThunderstorm alert for Thai provinces with rising temps | Thaiger

    Thunderstorm alert for Thai provinces with rising temps

    The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issued a weather warning for thunderstorms across ten provinces, signalling a rise in temperatures for the upper parts of the country. Despite the warmer climate, mornings will continue to be shrouded in fog, retaining the chill, particularly in the northeastern regions. This forecast, released at 5am today, February 14, also highlights an ongoing concern…

  • Thailand NewsValentine trend: Banknote bouquets outsell roses in Trang | Thaiger

    Valentine trend: Banknote bouquets outsell roses in Trang

    Valentine’s Day in Trang witnessed an innovative gifting trend that has captured the hearts of many: beautifully crafted bouquets made not only with traditional roses but also with chocolate and banknotes. At Ari Flower Shop on Jermpanya Road, in the Thap Thiang district of Trang, the owner and her team are busy preparing these unique bouquets for the season of…

  • Thailand NewsFormer PM Thaksin granted parole, walks free this weekend | Thaiger

    Former PM Thaksin granted parole, walks free this weekend

    It has been confirmed that Thaksin Shinawatra, former prime minister of Thailand, will walk free from prison this weekend. A source from Government House made the following announcement. “Convicted former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is set to be released on parole this weekend, following confirmation from Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong on Tuesday (February 13).” Tawee disclosed that Thaksin was among…

  • Thailand NewsSunken secrets unveiled: Thai-US Navy joint mission to salvage Sukhothai corvette | Thaiger

    Sunken secrets unveiled: Thai-US Navy joint mission to salvage Sukhothai corvette

    In a bid to lay to rest the haunting echoes of the past, Admiral Adung Phan-iam, commander-in-chief of the Royal Thai Navy (RTN), declared today the impending joint operation with the US Navy to probe the depths where the Sukhothai corvette now rests. Sinking beneath the waves on that fateful December 19 night in 2022, the Sukhothai corvette became a…

  • Thailand NewsNASA’s air pollution blitz: Ambitious mission to clear the skies | Thaiger

    NASA’s air pollution blitz: Ambitious mission to clear the skies

    In a move to tackle the global scourge of air pollution, NASA launched a series of missions aimed at revolutionising the way we forecast and combat this deadly threat. With millions of lives hanging in the balance each year due to air pollution-related illnesses, the need for accurate identification and tracking of pollutants has never been more pressing. Kicking off…

  • Thailand NewsBangkok socialite denies blackmail in high-society assault case | Thaiger

    Bangkok socialite denies blackmail in high-society assault case

    A high-profile socialite vehemently denied allegations of blackmail after accusing a well-known high-society individual, the son of a prominent politician, of sexual assault. Police are expediting their investigation, seeking testimony from an additional witness who reportedly aided the victim’s escape. Officials are prepared to issue a summons to the young high-society man today, stressing that there has been no external…

  • Thailand NewsTechnician finds stingless bee nest in air conditioner in Thailand | Thaiger

    Technician finds stingless bee nest in air conditioner in Thailand

    An air conditioning technician recently encountered a peculiar situation while servicing a unit in a customer’s bedroom. Seeking advice, the technician posted an inquiry online, asking for the identification of a mysterious creature found within the air conditioning system. The online community quickly responded, revealing that the creature was a stingless bee, known locally as “ชันโรง,” which also happens to…

  • Thailand Weather UpdatesThailand braces for cold front and fierce monsoons | Thaiger

    Thailand braces for cold front and fierce monsoons

    The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issued a severe weather warning due to a powerful cold front and strong northeastern monsoons affecting various regions of the country. The warning, specifically targeting the upper part of Thailand and the lower Gulf of Thailand, indicates that the nation is experiencing unusually volatile weather patterns, leading to cooler to cold temperatures in the…

  • Thailand NewsSchool transport truck crash in Chachoengsao Province injures 13 | Thaiger

    School transport truck crash in Chachoengsao Province injures 13

    A harrowing collision between a pickup truck and a six-wheeled school transport truck in Chachoengsao Province resulted in 13 injuries. The incident occurred today at 7am on Highway 319 in front of Wat Ban Song, Phanom Sarakham District. The rescue team from the Buddhist Association of Thailand (Phanom Rescue Center) responded immediately to the emergency call. Upon arriving at the…

  • Thailand NewsSamut Prakan police arrest 42 teens in street racing crackdown | Thaiger

    Samut Prakan police arrest 42 teens in street racing crackdown

    In Samut Prakan, an operation led by the police resulted in the arrest of 42 teenagers and the seizure of 49 motorcycles, following complaints from residents about noise and disruption caused by street racing. The teenagers were apprehended during a coordinated police action on Suk Sawat Road, from the Prasamut Jadee intersection to the Son Rom Yen junction. This crackdown…

  • Thailand NewsChinese New Year celebrations across Thailand: Golden dragons, vibrant attire, and mouthwatering feasts | Thaiger

    Chinese New Year celebrations across Thailand: Golden dragons, vibrant attire, and mouthwatering feasts

    Chiang Mai has been transformed into a mesmerising spectacle as lion and golden dragon dance troupes from Bangkok took to the streets for the Chinese New Year celebrations. Store owners eagerly invited them inside, hoping to bask in the good luck and prosperity they brought. Meanwhile, at the iconic Tha Phae Gate, Chinese tourists swarmed, dressed in Thai traditional attire,…