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 NewsLove as ripe as durian: Thai man weds Burmese woman, claiming a 300 year old destiny | Thaiger

    Love as ripe as durian: Thai man weds Burmese woman, claiming a 300 year old destiny

    A 49 year old Thai man and a 19 year old Burmese woman tied the knot in a ceremony in Tha Sae District, Chumphon Province, Thailand. The couple, who met while selling durian at a market, believe they were destined to be together, tracing their bond back to a past life 300 years ago. The groom, a Thai durian trader,…

  • Thailand NewsDiscover Phayao’s revered 500 year old Thong Samrit Buddha image | Thaiger

    Discover Phayao’s revered 500 year old Thong Samrit Buddha image

    A revered ancient Buddha image, known as Phra Chao Thong Samrit or the Phra Singh Sam, aged over 500 years and the only one of its kind in the Lanna region, is believed to grant successful exams and work good fortune. Located in Wat Sri Bun Chum, Sri Thoi sub-district, Mae Chai district, Phayao province, the statue is crafted from…

  • Thailand NewsThai student paralysed in shocking mall car park plunge: Police probe underway | Thaiger

    Thai student paralysed in shocking mall car park plunge: Police probe underway

    A Thai high school student, in her third year at a prominent school, was paralysed after she plunged from the fourth floor of a shopping mall car park. The shocking moment was captured by a passing vendor’s dashcam. Police are now urgently investigating the cause. At 9am today, Police Lieutenant Kaweewut Bunruang, the duty officer of Rayong City Police, was…

  • Thailand NewsUnrequited love fuels deadly shooting in central Thailand bar | Thaiger

    Unrequited love fuels deadly shooting in central Thailand bar

    A violent outburst in a Thai bar led to a woman’s death and left her husband critically injured in central Thailand. The suspect, Sopon Thammasadang, who was reportedly fuelled by jealousy and unrequited love, turned himself in to the authorities after fleeing the scene. The incident occurred at a house in Sam Khok, Pathum Thani, yesterday, January 21. Sopon, also…

  • Thailand NewsChilling CCTV footage reveals suspects buying freezer with dismembered body in Bangkok | Thaiger

    Chilling CCTV footage reveals suspects buying freezer with dismembered body in Bangkok

    CCTV footage revealed a group of Indian suspects casually browsing in a shopping centre, selecting a freezer, before the discovery of a dismembered body. The gruesome find was made yesterday, January 21, in a row building on Soi Sakae Ngam 35/3, Sam Dam Subdistrict, Bang Khun Thian District, Bangkok. The building served as a residence for Burmese labourers waiting for…

  • Thailand NewsThailand bracing for temperature drop due to cold blast from China | Thaiger

    Thailand bracing for temperature drop due to cold blast from China

    A new blast of cold air is set to lower temperatures by four degrees Celsius, warns the Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD). This weather shift, prompted by a strong high-pressure system from southern China and northern Vietnam, is anticipated to affect the northeastern and eastern parts of Thailand today. The cold weather and strong winds in the northeast are expected…

  • Thailand NewsThai man’s 200,000 baht luxury watch gift for child’s teacher sparks online debate | Thaiger

    Thai man’s 200,000 baht luxury watch gift for child’s teacher sparks online debate

    A woman’s post on Pantip, an online Thai community, ignited a fiery debate after she expressed concerns about her partner buying a luxury watch worth over 200,000 baht (US$5,633) for their child’s attractive teacher. However, the post was met with stark criticism as some netizens urged her to face the truth, hinting at a hidden reality. The woman, in her…

  • Thailand NewsYouTube sensation’s military adventure sparks controversy | Thaiger

    YouTube sensation’s military adventure sparks controversy

    A Thai YouTube star finds herself at the centre of a military storm as her latest video sparks a frenzy of controversy. Accusations fly as critics question the Royal Thai Army (RTA)’s involvement in what some dub a cunning information operation (IO). The RTA denied claims that a popular YouTube channel, Pigkaploy, was manipulated in a so-called information operation. Ploypailin…

  • Thailand NewsBangkok braces for severe outbreak of three diseases | Thaiger

    Bangkok braces for severe outbreak of three diseases

    Bangkok’s health office predicts a severe outbreak of three diseases, with high infection rates, and plans to increase monitoring for an additional 12 diseases. Preparations are underway to care for patients, protect against infections, and secure treatment drugs and vaccines. The Health Department of Bangkok predicted a significant outbreak of three diseases in 2024. The illnesses include the Omicron variant…

  • Thailand NewsNorthern Thailand experiences temperature drop as smog levels rise | Thaiger

    Northern Thailand experiences temperature drop as smog levels rise

    The northern region of Thailand is currently experiencing a decrease in temperature of 1-3 degrees Celsius due to a moderate high-pressure system covering the northeast and the South China Sea. Concurrently, weak westerly winds in the upper regions blanket the north, resulting in cool to cold weather with morning fog. Meanwhile, areas in the northeast, central, east and upper south…

  • Thailand NewsThai government tests new lottery system with tickets as low as 20 baht | Thaiger

    Thai government tests new lottery system with tickets as low as 20 baht

    The Government Lottery Office (GLO) plans to experiment with the sale of three-digit and two-digit lotteries within a sandbox system mid-year this year. The test will involve one million numbers, both direct and permutation, to combat underground lottery operations. The cost per ticket is expected to range between 20 to 50 baht. The director of GLO revealed that the initial…

  • Thailand NewsThai explosion victims receive 10,000 baht compensation as identification continues | Thaiger

    Thai explosion victims receive 10,000 baht compensation as identification continues

    The identification of 12 victims from the recent explosion has been confirmed and efforts are being made to complete the process today. Meanwhile, rescue workers are gathering body parts, some found over a kilometre away from the incident site. A total of 10,000 baht in preliminary compensation has been handed over to the families of the deceased by Udom Pongfa,…

  • Thailand NewsThai boy’s cane music tribute to late grandfather strikes a chord on TikTok | Thaiger

    Thai boy’s cane music tribute to late grandfather strikes a chord on TikTok

    A Thai boy’s tribute to his late grandfather captivated many on TikTok. The clip, shared by TikTok user @somchutiya today shows the young lad playing a traditional Thai instrument, the cane, in front of his grandfather’s memorial, alongside a trophy he won in a recent competition. The young musician is seen kneeling before the bone repository of his beloved grandfather,…

  • Thailand NewsThailand uncovers human trafficking operation worth over 117 million baht | Thaiger

    Thailand uncovers human trafficking operation worth over 117 million baht

    A year-long investigation into human trafficking led by Thailand’s National Police Office, under the command of Police Lieutenant General Torsak Sukwimon and Pol. Lt. Gen. Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn resulted in the arrest of a man from Bangladesh. The suspect, 46 years old Asraf, has been involved in a clandestine human trafficking network, charging each individual between 100,000 and 150,000…

  • Thailand NewsThai cyber police bust child porn ring with over 15,000 members | Thaiger

    Thai cyber police bust child porn ring with over 15,000 members

    Cyber police widened their investigation following the arrest of the administrator of a secret group selling child pornography clips, with over 15,000 members and a membership fee of 100 to 200 baht. The arrest comes after the suspect was apprehended on drug charges today, January 18. The operation was led by Police Colonel Chusak Khanadnit and Police Lieutenant Colonel Runglerd…

  • Road deathsDrowsy driver crashes pickup into Ayutthaya eatery, residents in shock | Thaiger

    Drowsy driver crashes pickup into Ayutthaya eatery, residents in shock

    A pickup truck crashed into a local eatery in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya causing shock and turmoil among the residents. The driver, a 30 year old woman, reported falling asleep at the wheel during her journey home. The event did not result in severe injuries or fatalities, thanks largely to the vehicle’s fortunate miss of an electricity pole. At around…

  • Thailand NewsAdani eyes Landbridge project for connecting India to Japan and Korea | Thaiger

    Adani eyes Landbridge project for connecting India to Japan and Korea

    Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin met with the chairman of the Indian company Adani Group during the World Economic Forum (WEF), held in Davos, Switzerland. Adani Group, known for their extensive investments in developing ports and airports, expressed a strong interest in the Landbridge project, aimed at connecting India’s transportation to Japan and Korea, said the Thai PM. “Adani Group’s investment…

  • Thailand NewsStudents offer to sleep in haunted houses for 1,000 baht a night | Thaiger

    Students offer to sleep in haunted houses for 1,000 baht a night

    Two enterprising students at a prestigious university have found a unique way to earn money: they offer to sleep in haunted houses or where deaths have occurred. Their service aims to resolve the issue of previous tenants moving out due to superstitions and to provide assurance to potential new renters. In the Chiang Mai Rental Room, Chiang Mai Rent House,…

  • South Thailand NewsTeenager brandishes firearm in public, fears mother poisoning him for insurance | Thaiger

    Teenager brandishes firearm in public, fears mother poisoning him for insurance

    A 19 year old man was taken into custody by Surat Thani City police after he was spotted brandishing a firearm at a busy road intersection. The youth claimed he was scared of his mother, who he believed was trying to poison him to claim life insurance money. The incident occurred at 2.15am today, January 18 at the intersection of…

  • Pattaya NewsTragic discovery of woman’s body in Pattaya condo | Thaiger

    Tragic discovery of woman’s body in Pattaya condo

    A shocking discovery was made in a condominium in Nong Prue Subdistrict, Pattaya when an unpleasant odour led to the uncovering of a deceased woman’s body. The deceased was identified as 30 year old Romnalin, who hadn’t been seen or heard from for nine days. The discovery was made yesterday, January 17, as reported by Thanakorn Sueatrong, Deputy Inspector of…

  • Thailand Weather UpdatesStorm warnings for southern provinces as Thailand braces for cold snap | Thaiger

    Storm warnings for southern provinces as Thailand braces for cold snap

    The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) warns of storms hitting eight southern provinces with sea waves exceeding 2 metres. Meanwhile, the upper part of the country continues to experience cold weather today. For the next 24 hours, the moderately high-pressure area covering the northeastern part and the South China Sea is weakening, while the westerly wind at the upper level…

  • Thailand NewsThai authorities bust Chinese-funded counterfeit cosmetics ring causing hair loss | Thaiger

    Thai authorities bust Chinese-funded counterfeit cosmetics ring causing hair loss

    A Chinese-funded warehouse was raided and counterfeit cosmetics and hair straightening products were seized. These fraudulent products, sold online, resulted in significant hair loss for many consumers. The operation revealed that the warehouse was selling an astonishing 3 million units per month. Witthaya Sriprasertphap, an officer from the Royal Thai Police, along with Anuwat Rakcharoen, Chattha Nakkaew, Weeraphong Klaithong, and Veerachai…

  • Thailand NewsUdon Thani youth gang nabbed for burglary spree and drug use | Thaiger

    Udon Thani youth gang nabbed for burglary spree and drug use

    A gang of young boys aged between eight and 15 years old have been apprehended by the local police in Udon Thani for a string of burglaries in the neighbourhood, as well as drug use. The group, led by a 15 year old Puek (pseudonym), was arrested on the evening of today, at 10.30pm, by the investigative unit of the…

  • Thailand NewsGrim reality of Thai agricultural worker’s life in South Korea revealed | Thaiger

    Grim reality of Thai agricultural worker’s life in South Korea revealed

    Working as an agricultural labourer in South Korea may not be as pleasant as one might think, according to a Thai worker’s review posted online today. The worker, Abhisit began his job in South Korea on June 29, 2023, after passing the Department of Labour’s E-9 agricultural visa exam. Abhisit worked in a mixed vegetable farm, primarily cultivating high-value crops…

  • Thailand NewsHeated debate over car mods escalates into fatal stabbing | Thaiger

    Heated debate over car mods escalates into fatal stabbing

    A heated argument over car modifications during a hot pot party in Don Tum, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand, ended in a fatal stabbing incident today, at 3am. The 40 year old attacker, identified as Teedsak, managed to escape the scene but was later apprehended. The victims were identified as 31 year old Songkran, who unfortunately did not survive the assault, and…

  • Thailand NewsThai actress Mew Nittha receives public apology after bakery’s cake mishap | Thaiger

    Thai actress Mew Nittha receives public apology after bakery’s cake mishap

    A recent incident involving a cake order mishap by popular Thai actress Mew Nittha led to the bakery owner issuing a public apology. The misunderstanding occurred when Mew ordered a cake to celebrate the one-month birthday of her youngest son, Makin. Mew requested for Makin 1 month to be written in white. However, the bakery staff misinterpreted the instructions and…

  • Road deathsFatal motorbike and truck collision in Chachoengsao City centre | Thaiger

    Fatal motorbike and truck collision in Chachoengsao City centre

    A fatal collision between a motorbike and an 18-wheel truck took place around 10am today in the heart of Chachoengsao City. The incident resulted in one death and serious injuries. The accident occurred near the city’s central intersection. The deceased, 49 year old Nikom, from Bang Samak sub-district in Bang Pakong district, Chachoengsao, was found with major facial injuries. Nearby…

  • Thailand NewsMystery of Thai hunter’s death deep within Nam Nao national park | Thaiger

    Mystery of Thai hunter’s death deep within Nam Nao national park

    The body of a 42 year old Thai hunter, who had been missing for five days, was discovered deep in the forest on January 17. Police investigator Phitak Deesang from the Ban Klang Police Station, Lom Sak, Phetchabun, was notified of the discovery of Saiyant Mueangkaen’s body near Wang Yao village, Pak Chong sub-district, Nam Nao national park. A subsequent…

  • Thailand NewsThai court clears postal worker accused of drug trafficking | Thaiger

    Thai court clears postal worker accused of drug trafficking

    A Thai court today dismissed a case against a postal worker accused of being involved in a drug trafficking incident. The case pertained to the seizure of a parcel containing 6,000 ecstasy pills, intercepted at the Bangkok Post Centre in Hua Lamphong, Bangkok, on October 17, 2022. The parcel was traced back to Germany. An Airport Interdiction Task Force comprising…

  • Thailand NewsNew year fortune seekers flock to Kamchanod for lucky numbers | Thaiger

    New year fortune seekers flock to Kamchanod for lucky numbers

    The island of Kamchanod in the Non Mueang District, Ban Dung, Udon Thani Province, continues to attract visitors, hoping for good luck. Today, many came to request blessings and participate in the late-night ceremony conducted by Por Jum Chawakarn, Kam Wan Sa, the resident fortune teller of Kamchanod. People seeking fortune at Kamchanod cannot miss PorJum. Last night’s ceremony took…