Nattapong Westwood

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 NewsNortheast Thailand: Local uncovers rare square yams, boosts income by 4,000 baht

    Northeast Thailand: Local uncovers rare square yams, boosts income by 4,000 baht

    A 74 year old local known as Uncle Aum from the Map Krat district of Nakhon Ratchasima province dug almost 3 metres deep to forage for a rare variety of wild yams, referred to as square yams by locals due to their distinct shape. Uncle Aum used his free time after the end of the rice harvest season to supplement…

  • Thailand NewsMotorcycle parking fee confusion at Mo Chit 2 terminal clarified by TCL

    Motorcycle parking fee confusion at Mo Chit 2 terminal clarified by TCL

    Transport Company Limited (TCL) clarified a recent complaint about a 1,500 baht fee for a four-day motorcycle parking at Mo Chit 2 terminal. The matter, raised on the Facebook page “Want to be famous, I’ll arrange it with a video clip,” featuring a caption claiming a charge of 1,500 baht for four-day motorcycle parking at Mo Chit 2, has been…

  • Thailand NewsLuxury BMW catches fire in Phuket: Engine malfunction suspected

    Luxury BMW catches fire in Phuket: Engine malfunction suspected

    A high-end BMW caught fire near a fuel station in Phuket, causing significant damage to the vehicle in the early hours of the morning today, December 15. The local authorities quickly responded to the incident, extinguishing the blaze to prevent further harm. The owner of the car revealed that smoke began to emit from the engine, prompting suspicions of mechanical malfunction.…

  • Thailand NewsNorth Thailand: Unique black turtle sparks intrigue and hope among villagers

    North Thailand: Unique black turtle sparks intrigue and hope among villagers

    A large black turtle, weighing over 6 kilogrammes, caused a stir among local villagers who were seeking good fortune. The turtle’s owner, 45 year old Natee Jaisaen discovered the unique creature today, December 15. The turtle’s distinct markings under its belly, resembling powerful talismans, have further ignited the local community’s intrigue. Natee, the owner of the house located at 82…

  • Thailand NewsThai hospital compensates family with 30,000 baht after medication mix-up

    Thai hospital compensates family with 30,000 baht after medication mix-up

    A hospital has compensated a family with 30,000 baht after a one year old infant was mistakenly given the wrong medication. The child, who had fallen and hit his head in the bathroom, was taken to a hospital in Samut Prakan province to have a brain scan. During the journey to another hospital for a second scan, a nurse gave…

  • Central Thailand NewsMotorcyclist dies in accident under Rangsit Railway Station bridge

    Motorcyclist dies in accident under Rangsit Railway Station bridge

    A road accident in Pak Khlong Rangsit, Pathum Thani, ended in the death of a motorcyclist late yesterday evening, December 14. The 37 year old motorcyclist, Adisorn (surname withheld), lost control of his vehicle and collided with a vegetable truck, causing his death. The accident took place under the stairs of the Lokal road’s railway station, going towards Rangsit. Adisorn’s motorbike,…

  • Thailand NewsHot pot buffet shifts to cashless payments from January 2024

    Hot pot buffet shifts to cashless payments from January 2024

    The renowned Hot Pot Buffet restaurant chain announced a shift in its payment methods, heralding the onset of a cashless society. As of January 1 next year, customers in Thailand can no longer pay with cash but must opt for credit card payments or QR code scanning. As society becomes increasingly cashless, many businesses have adapted their payment systems. They…

  • Thailand NewsEx-Democrat Party deputy cleared of abduction charges in Thailand

    Ex-Democrat Party deputy cleared of abduction charges in Thailand

    The court dismissed the case against Prinn Panitchpakdi, a former deputy leader of the Democrat Party, stating that the case is time-barred as it was not reported within three months. The court found no wrongdoing in the case of abducting a minor as the defendant had voluntarily driven the minor home without deviating from the route. The incident occurred at…

  • Thailand NewsThai fortune teller’s readings spark controversy on social media

    Thai fortune teller’s readings spark controversy on social media

    A recent incident has rattled social media, where a popular Thai fortune teller, known for her expensive rates and precise predictions, has been accused of using information from clients’ mobile phones for their readings. The case came to light when a TikTok user, cakekanokon, posted a video warning others about this practice. Today, three clients, Pam, Cake and Hem, revealed…

  • Thailand NewsUnpredictable weather in Chiang Rai: Dense fog, thunderstorms and temperature swings

    Unpredictable weather in Chiang Rai: Dense fog, thunderstorms and temperature swings

    In a sudden shift of weather, Chiang Rai has experienced three seasons in a single day. Dense fog blanketed the city in the morning, limiting visibility to less than a kilometre, followed by thunderstorms in some areas. Afternoon temperatures peaked at 32 degrees Celsius before plunging to 19 degrees in the evening. The unpredictable weather has prompted public health warnings.…

  • Road deathsFatal late-night shooting in Nakhon Pathom leaves restaurant server dead

    Fatal late-night shooting in Nakhon Pathom leaves restaurant server dead

    A fatal shooting incident occurred at 1.30am today in Nakhon Pathom when a villain in a pickup truck chased down and shot a young restaurant server. The attacker’s bullets claimed the life of the young man in front of his friend, leaving four others injured. The incident took place on a rural road in the district of Thanon Kad, in…

  • Thailand Weather UpdatesThailand weather update: Cold north, stormy south and rain in 19 provinces

    Thailand weather update: Cold north, stormy south and rain in 19 provinces

    Today’s weather in Thailand sees a mix of cold in the north, stormy conditions in the south, and a forecast of rainfall across 19 provinces, including the capital city, Bangkok, and its surrounding regions. According to the Thai Meteorological Department‘s 24-hour forecast, high atmospheric pressure or mass cold air covers the northeastern regions and the South China Sea. This, combined…

  • Crime NewsPattaya journalist shooting suspect surrenders and confesses

    Pattaya journalist shooting suspect surrenders and confesses

    The prime suspect in the Pattaya journalist shooting case has turned himself in. He confessed to the charges of attempted murder and violation of the Firearms Act, following a warrant issued by Pattaya Provincial Court. The incident involved the shooting of a local journalist, 28 year old Nathaphat Boonchaalee, who sustained severe injuries. He surrendered himself to Nawin Theerawit, Pattaya…

  • Road deathsYoung transport worker dies in tragic roadside accident in Lampang

    Young transport worker dies in tragic roadside accident in Lampang

    A tragic accident has taken a young private transport company worker’s life as he collided with an electricity pole on a roadside, his body flung into the dark forest, unseen by passersby. The incident occurred at 8.45pm yesterday. Natthanan Kamsan, Deputy Investigator at Khelang Nakhon Police Station, Lampang Province, was alerted about a motorcyclist’s fatal collision with an electricity pole…

  • Thailand NewsFire disrupts wedding in Rama 3 district: Couple unsatisfied with event organiser’s response (video)

    Fire disrupts wedding in Rama 3 district: Couple unsatisfied with event organiser’s response (video)

    A wedding celebration in the Rama 3 district was thrown into chaos as fire broke out, forcing guests to flee. The newlyweds, Vat and Porn, had hired a local event organiser for their special day but were left unsatisfied with their handling of the incident and the lack of responsibility shown. Despite the fire, the event organiser quickly focused on…

  • Thailand NewsDelivery rider disguise: Armed man coerces Chinese merchant for 2 million baht

    Delivery rider disguise: Armed man coerces Chinese merchant for 2 million baht

    An indebted young man, disguised as a delivery rider and armed with a gun, coerced a Chinese merchant into transferring 2 million baht by claiming the money was for his child’s medical treatment. The assailant promised to return the money in six months. The incident occurred at the Kukot Police Station in Pathum Thani province. Senior Police Colonel Jirasan Kaewsangaek,…

  • Thailand NewsMajor drug bust in Thai-Myanmar border, 50 million amphetamine pills found

    Major drug bust in Thai-Myanmar border, 50 million amphetamine pills found

    A major drug suspect was apprehended by Thai authorities as they stormed an old shop, uncovering a stash of approximately 50 million amphetamine pills. The premises, discovered today, were found to have secret entrances leading to the Thai-Myanmar border, facilitating illicit cross-border activities. The suspects, 30 year old Pitiphan Nomsoongnern, also known as Num, and 24 year old Pornsiri Kongnandi,…

  • Thailand NewsBangkok MP Rukchanok Srinork sentenced to six years for tweets

    Bangkok MP Rukchanok Srinork sentenced to six years for tweets

    The Criminal Court has sentenced Rukchanok Srinork, a Bangkok MP from the Move Forward Party (MFP), to six years in prison without suspension. The charges stem from her tweets and retweets of others’ messages in 2020, in violation of Section 112 of the Criminal Code and the Computer Crime Act and lèse majesté. The verdict was delivered at 9am today,…

  • Road deathsTragic accident on Phetchakasem Road claims multiple lives

    Tragic accident on Phetchakasem Road claims multiple lives

    A tragic incident unfolded at 8am today on the Phetchakasem Road, Pattalung-Hatyai route when a pickup truck carrying construction workers was involved in a fatal collision with a motorbike. The incident transpired in the vicinity of Moo 13, Kok Sak Sub-District, Bang Kaeo District, Pattalung Province. Following the alert, local police and volunteer rescuers from Mae Kari, Bang Kaeo Hospital,…

  • Thailand NewsHuay Kaew temple in Phitsanulok suffers 200 million baht fire damage

    Huay Kaew temple in Phitsanulok suffers 200 million baht fire damage

    A devastating fire swept through the renowned Huay Kaew temple in Phitsanulok, destroying a teakwood sermon hall and causing over 200 million baht in damages. The blaze, which reportedly originated in the kitchen, led the resident monks to flee for their lives and also engulfed a red-plate Toyota truck parked nearby. The incident occurred at approximately 2.30am today. Upon receiving…

  • Thailand NewsSomrak Kamsing attends religious ceremony amid controversy

    Somrak Kamsing attends religious ceremony amid controversy

    Former Thai boxer Somrak Kamsing today attended a religious ceremony at Sirisuttho Temple in Ban Dung, Udon Thani where renowned teacher Pairoj, a famous Yant cloth writer, presided over the event. The ceremony included the consecration of the temple hall, the installation of a new Buddha statue, and the blessing of the Buddha statue. The 50 year old Somrak, who…

  • Thailand NewsUnidentified man attacks Thai political aide in Government House

    Unidentified man attacks Thai political aide in Government House

    A dispute erupted at Government House during a Cabinet meeting today, December 12, when an unidentified man assaulted a Thai political aide. The incident occurred around 11.35am at the APCD 60+ coffee shop, adjacent to the main government building where the Cabinet meeting was taking place. The assailant, whose identity is known only as Itthipol, entered Government House without uttering…

  • Thailand NewsWeather warning: Thailand set for thunderous theatrics and chilly mornings

    Weather warning: Thailand set for thunderous theatrics and chilly mornings

    The Thailand Meteorology Department (TMD) warns of thunderstorms across 14 provinces, with foggy mornings and cooler temperatures in the north and northeast regions of Thailand. The south experiences waves up to 2 metres high, while Bangkok sees fog and a minimum temperature of 25 degrees Celsius, as reported on today. The TMD’s 24-hour forecast states that high atmospheric pressure, or…

  • Thailand NewsThai organisations demand stronger action against sexual harassment in education

    Thai organisations demand stronger action against sexual harassment in education

    A network of over 100 child and women’s organisations led by Ticha Na Nakorn today submitted a petition to the Ministry of Education (MOE) in Thailand, demanding stronger action against sexual harassment following the life imprisonment of six perpetrators. The defendants, four teachers and two older students were convicted of sexually abusing three students in Mukdahan Province. Ticha, an advisor…

  • Thailand NewsThai government proposes 15 billion baht plan for informal debtors relief

    Thai government proposes 15 billion baht plan for informal debtors relief

    The Ministry of Finance proposed a plan to the Cabinet to assist informal debtors, allocating a budget of 15 billion baht through the Government Savings Bank (GSB) and the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC). This initiative will also aid debtors affected by the Covid-19 situation who have lost their credit bureau records. At the Government House at 10am…

  • Thailand NewsFour Thai teens drown after electrocution in public pond

    Four Thai teens drown after electrocution in public pond

    A tragic incident unfolded in Ubon Ratchathani, where four teenagers drowned after being electrocuted in a public pond. The event happened near a ruined temple, where an electrical fault had caused a live current to pass into the water. The deputy investigation officer of Nam Yuen Police Station in Ubon Ratchathani was informed today, December 12, of the fatal accident…

  • Thailand NewsThai man’s test drive goes viral as EV’s AI says ‘I quit’

    Thai man’s test drive goes viral as EV’s AI says ‘I quit’

    An amusing incident involving a young man test-driving an electric vehicle (EV) has gone viral on social media today. While attempting to command the vehicle’s artificial intelligence (AI) to lower the windows, the AI responded with the unexpected phrase, “I quit,” causing a wave of laughter across the online community. The story was shared by a user on Facebook’s EV…

  • Thailand NewsUpdate: Former Thai boxer denies sexual assault allegations

    Update: Former Thai boxer denies sexual assault allegations

    A renowned former Thai boxer denies sexually assaulting a 17 year old girl from Kalasin province after she lodged a complaint with Khon Kaen police. The incident allegedly took place in a hotel in Khon Kaen after they met at a local club. The accused, Somsak Singmanee, however, vehemently denied the sexual assault accusations, asserting his innocence and respect for his…

  • Thailand NewsUnjust arrest sparks outrage over police corruption in Thailand

    Unjust arrest sparks outrage over police corruption in Thailand

    A 50 year old Thai man aired his grievances about police corruption after being unjustly arrested for illegal possession of a gun that was not his. The police demanded a 50,000 baht bail fee, which was eventually negotiated to 20,000 baht, in exchange for his release. The victim, Piboon Tanthai, claimed that someone had left the gun at his house…

  • Thailand NewsDebate arises over child’s safety as zoo employee drapes python around him

    Debate arises over child’s safety as zoo employee drapes python around him

    The appropriateness of a zoo employee placing a large python around a young boy sparked a debate online. A member of the Facebook group, AtHome Reptile, posted a photo of the incident, questioning whether the staff member could have ensured the boy’s safety in time in case of an emergency. The photo, taken yesterday, December 11, shows a man, presumably…