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 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 NewsUrgent national police investigation into ruthless debt collector suicides in Thailand

    Urgent national police investigation into ruthless debt collector suicides in Thailand

    The National Police Chief launched an investigation into the case of an individual who took his own life due to the extreme pressure from ruthless debt collectors. The investigation, conducted today at the National Police Office, aims to identify any other possible victims and vows to prosecute all cases without exception. The debtor, creditor, and debt collector will be brought…

  • 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 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 NewsYoung man caught smuggling illegal Burmese workers into Thailand for 24,000 baht

    Young man caught smuggling illegal Burmese workers into Thailand for 24,000 baht

    A 20 year old man was apprehended for smuggling illegal Burmese workers into the country. This marks the fourth time the suspect has been caught in the act. The authorities are preparing to repatriate the workers and proceed with legal action against the suspect. The intensification of vehicle inspections by highway patrol officers led to the arrest of the young…

  • 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…

  • Thailand NewsDanish family in critical road accident on Phuket’s border area

    Danish family in critical road accident on Phuket’s border area

    A family of Danish tourists experienced a harrowing road accident in Phuket when their van collided head-on with a pickup truck. The accident, which occurred yesterday on the Mueang Mai-Paara Road in the border area between Thepkrasattri and Pa Klok, Thalang, left all four family members and both drivers injured. Around 9.30am, the incident was reported to Phongpipat Kamchomphu, the…

  • Thailand NewsSuvarnabhumi Airport opens automated channels to foreign travellers

    Suvarnabhumi Airport opens automated channels to foreign travellers

    The Immigration Bureau (IB) announced that Suvarnabhumi International Airport’s automated channels are now accessible to foreigners to alleviate congestion for outbound travel. This decision, effective from December 15, aligns with the Prime Minister’s directive, enforced by Srettha Thavasin, to enhance the outbound immigration system. The move is aimed at reducing the density of passengers who need to rush to catch…

  • Thailand NewsFootball field gunman caught in Chanthaburi following dramatic escape

    Football field gunman caught in Chanthaburi following dramatic escape

    The gunman responsible for an attack at a football field has been apprehended in Chanthaburi province after fleeing the scene. He confessed to the crime, revealing that he had discarded his firearm in a canal. Police are rapidly investigating the motive behind the incident. Today, news emerged that the suspect had been spotted at a checkpoint in Chanthaburi’s Ban Laem…

  • Thailand NewsNBTC and Thai police bust illegal communications warehouse worth over 200 million baht

    NBTC and Thai police bust illegal communications warehouse worth over 200 million baht

    The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) and the Royal Thai Police (RTP) demolished an illegal communications radio warehouse in Pathum Thani province. The joint operation aimed to disrupt the network of call centres, seizing CCTV cameras fitted with SIM cards and 58,400 related items, valued at over 200 million baht. At 10am today, Dr Sornchai Boonyachaiyapruek, the chairman of…

  • World NewsChinese student’s health risk highlights education pressure

    Chinese student’s health risk highlights education pressure

    A recent incident in China has brought to light the intense pressure placed on students to excel academically, even compromising their health. A 13-year-old girl was seriously ill with a severe respiratory infection, yet her mother resisted hospitalisation due to concerns about her daughter’s schoolwork. The incident has provoked a national conversation about the priorities placed on education over health.…

  • Thailand NewsBang Pu chemical factory fire sparks swift evacuation

    Bang Pu chemical factory fire sparks swift evacuation

    A chemical factory within the Bang Pu Industrial Estate was engulfed in flames, resulting in the immediate evacuation of nearby residents. Firefighters swiftly responded to contain the blaze, clearing the area by 7.30am. The fire was reported to have originated in a chemical storage warehouse within the factory complex. By 8.25am, reports suggested that the fire was yet to be…

  • Thailand NewsThai police step up probe into underage assault linked to ex-Olympic boxer

    Thai police step up probe into underage assault linked to ex-Olympic boxer

    Thai police are accelerating their investigation into the case of a 17 year old girl who reported being sexually assaulted after a night out at a club. They are gathering information before summoning Somluck Kamsing, a former Olympic gold medal boxer, for questioning about the underage assault. The incident occurred today, at an entertainment venue on Prachasamran Road, Khon Kaen…

  • Thailand NewsDevastating road accident in Chumphon leaves one dead, six injured

    Devastating road accident in Chumphon leaves one dead, six injured

    A pickup truck, carrying six workers, swerved drastically to avoid an oncoming motorbike, resulting in the vehicle flipping and leaving one dead and six injured. The incident occurred around 5pm yesterday, in Chumphon province. Manoch Plodkankan, an investigative officer from the Lang Suan Police Station, was among the first to arrive at the scene. The accident happened off the Asian…

  • Crime NewsBrutal murder mystery in Srisaket solved with a shocking family confession

    Brutal murder mystery in Srisaket solved with a shocking family confession

    A shocking case of a man’s brutal murder has been cracked in Srisaket, Thailand. A gruesome discovery of the body of a 48 year old man was made near a reservoir, Huay Haed, between the village of Ban Na and Ban Pho. His body bore deep stab wounds, inflicted by a sharp object, on his neck, chest, and back. The…

  • Crime NewsLamduan drug gang apprehended in high-speed chase by operation unit 238

    Lamduan drug gang apprehended in high-speed chase by operation unit 238

    Operation Unit 238, tasked with protecting the city of Lamduan, successfully apprehended a drug gang following a high-speed car chase. The operation ended with two young men in custody and almost 70,000 methamphetamine pills confiscated. Another suspect managed to escape during the pursuit yesterday. Anupong Suksomnit, the Provincial Police Region of Sisaket, revealed the details of the drug bust, which…

  • Thailand NewsTragic discovery as government official found hanged in Samut Songkhram

    Tragic discovery as government official found hanged in Samut Songkhram

    The body of a 43 year old government official was discovered hanging from a bridge over the Mae Klong River in Samut Songkhram province at 3am today. The deceased, was an employee of the Department of Agriculture and Cooperatives in Samut Songkhram. Her body was found by a group of shrimp fishers, who alerted the authorities. The incident took place…

  • Thailand NewsLate night inferno destroys family home in Ratchaburi

    Late night inferno destroys family home in Ratchaburi

    Firefighters were called to extinguish a blazing inferno that had engulfed a house late at night. The property belongs to a man who had left it in the care of his grandson and his family. The entire building was destroyed in the fire that is suspected to have been caused by an electrical short circuit at around 10pm yesterday. Police…

  • Thailand NewsBangkok nightclub raided for illegal operation and drug use

    Bangkok nightclub raided for illegal operation and drug use

    A prominent nightclub was raided by a team led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Health, Anutin Charnvirakul, today for violating the law by operating beyond the legal hours and allowing drug use on premises. The operation carried out at 2.20am, was also joined by Ansit Samphantharat, Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration, Ronnarong Thipsiri, Inspector-General of…

  • Thailand NewsUpdate: Thap Sakae bus accident death toll rises to 15 as woman succumbs to injuries

    Update: Thap Sakae bus accident death toll rises to 15 as woman succumbs to injuries

    The bus accident in Thap Sakae, Prachuap Khiri Khan province, claimed one more life, raising the death toll to 15. The latest victim was a 29 year old woman, Mantira Deema, who passed away after battling for her life since the accident occurred on December 5. The incident involved a Sri Siam Tour bus (Bangkok-Na Thawi) that veered off the…

  • Thailand NewsPopular Thai meatball franchise accused of unfair practices

    Popular Thai meatball franchise accused of unfair practices

    A well-known meatball franchise is in the midst of a drama, as a customer accuses the franchise owner of unfair practices and taking advantage of buyers. The complainant shared her experience on Facebook, sparking a wave of controversy. Numerous other individuals have allegedly suffered similar mishaps and are considering legal action. The Facebook user detailed her experience with the popular…

  • Thailand NewsHealth department halts bottled water factory production in Roi Et (video)

    Health department halts bottled water factory production in Roi Et (video)

    The Department of Health has ordered an immediate halt to production at a bottled water factory in Roi Et province. The decision was made following the release of a shocking video showing water being manually filled into bottles. The factory, which is a licensed water production facility, was inspected and found to be non-compliant with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards.…

  • Thailand NewsThailand’s 2 billion baht electricity subsidy for 17.7 million households

    Thailand’s 2 billion baht electricity subsidy for 17.7 million households

    The Thai Cabinet has allocated 2 billion baht to subsidise electricity costs for 17.7 million vulnerable households. The scheme, set to be a new year’s gift, will apply to those using no more than 300 units of electricity per month, maintaining a cost of 3.99 baht per unit. Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Minister Peeraphan Salirathaviphak, stated today, December 8,…

  • Thailand NewsNeigh-saying no more: Horse racing chief urges PM to reopen track after four-year hiatus

    Neigh-saying no more: Horse racing chief urges PM to reopen track after four-year hiatus

    Sunthorn Paengpairi, head of the Horse Racing Association in Nakhon Ratchasima, appealed to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin to reopen a local horse racing track which has been closed for four years. This long-term closure has significantly impacted the livelihood of around 400,000 individuals involved in the industry, leaving them in severe hardship and without means to support their families. On…

  • Thailand NewsThai mechanic found dead in sewer highlights lethal risks of heavy drinking

    Thai mechanic found dead in sewer highlights lethal risks of heavy drinking

    Tragedy struck when a 44 year old mechanic, known for his drinking habits, was found dead in a sewer in front of Wat Khae School, located in Pak Klong Bang Pla Kod, Phra Samut Chedi district, Samut Prakan province. The incident was reported today, December 8, at around 7.30am by residents and the local authorities. The tragic discovery was made…

  • Thailand NewsLoan sharks circle in: 65 year old business owner seeks refuge in Chon Buri

    Loan sharks circle in: 65 year old business owner seeks refuge in Chon Buri

    A 65 year old business owner in Chon Buri approached the Saaih Mai Tong Rod coordination centre at 10.40am today, seeking assistance after being ruthlessly pursued by loan sharks. The business owner, Chai, borrowed just 30,000 baht but has ended up paying over 3 million baht in interest. His lenders, a total of 29, have forced him to become a…

  • Thailand NewsMackerel ice cream becomes star attraction at Maeklong Festival

    Mackerel ice cream becomes star attraction at Maeklong Festival

    The Maeklong Mackerel Festival in Samut Songkhram province has taken a delightful turn with a unique signature item – Mackerel Ice Cream. The frozen dessert, designed to resemble the iconic fish, comes in four delicious flavours: Thai tea, chocolate, strawberry, and milk. The news broke out on the festival’s Facebook page, leading to a rapid viral spread. The post received…

  • Thailand NewsThai man robs store for 900 baht to buy rice for sick family

    Thai man robs store for 900 baht to buy rice for sick family

    A Thai man was arrested for robbing a convenience store using a fake gun, tearfully confessing he had no money to buy rice for his sick mother-in-law and wife. The 24 year old, Thanawut Thiapthanom, admitted to the crime, stating he also used drugs to help him work longer hours and earn more money. He was tracked and seized by…