Nattapong Westwood
- Thailand News
Funeral held for student killed in Sa Kaeo bus crash
A heartbreaking accident involving a drug-intoxicated driver resulted in the funeral of a 15 year old student, Nong Tuta, and severe injuries to several others. The incident, which occurred on May 23, saw a pickup truck carrying 30,000 methamphetamine tablets crash into a school bus on Route 3259 in Sa Kaeo Province, killing two students and injuring 19. Yesterday at…
- Thailand News
Monitor lizard sparks electricity office chaos in Thailand
A large monitor lizard caused quite a stir when it wandered into the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) office in Sara Buri, Thailand. The unexpected visitor prompted a call for assistance from rescue volunteers to safely capture and relocate the creature. This morning, security officers at the PEA office in Sara Buri’s Pak Phriao sub-district reported spotting the sizeable reptile, weighing…
- Thailand News
Thai mobile banking sim names & accounts must match or else
Starting tomorrow, individuals using mobile banking in Thailand must ensure that the name registered on their mobile SIM card matches the name on their bank account. Failure to comply will result in the suspension of their mobile banking services. Thailand’s Ministry of Digital Economy and Society announced a new measure aimed at curbing fraudulent bank accounts and SIM cards, commonly…
- Thailand News
Phuket: Belgian expat’s secret stash of illegal pawn busted
Phuket unveiled a clandestine operation hidden within the opulent residence of a Belgian national. Motorcycles, an array of national IDs, and a single mobile phone were found in the expat’s possession. Police Lieutenant Colonel Thepnom Suwannarat, Superintendent of Investigation Division 3, Provincial Police Region 8, bore fruit as he apprehended a 63 year old Belgian, known only as Philippe. His…
- Thailand News
Chinese fugitive running luxury scams in Thailand arrested
Thai immigration authorities nabbed a Chinese fugitive running an illicit tour operation in Bangkok. Following a tip-off about an Asian man suspected of working and residing illegally in Thailand, officers launched an in-depth investigation. Duan, a 42 year old Chinese fugitive residing in a posh condominium in the Ramkhamhaeng district was apprehended. Duan was already on the radar in China…
- Thailand News
Finance Ministry to discuss new economic stimulus measures
The Ministry of Finance is currently considering new economic stimulus measures to boost the economy in the second half of 2024. Previously, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira held discussions about the economic situation, particularly focusing on economic figures. Despite the government’s extensive stimulus efforts, the economy grew by 1.5% in the first quarter of 2024, which, although…
- Thailand News
Diesel shock: Fuel Fund revs prices to 32.44 baht per litre
The Fuel Fund today announced an increase in the diesel price by 50 satangs per litre, raising it to 32.44 baht per litre, effective tomorrow. Despite reduced expenses, the fund still faces liquidity issues, according to the Director of the Fuel Fund Office, Wisak Wattanaphap. The Fuel Fund Management Committee convened and recognised the need to enhance the liquidity of…
- Thailand News
Release of sensitive CCTV footage of Netiporn delayed
The Department of Corrections has clarified its position regarding a lawyer’s request for CCTV footage taken while medical personnel were treating Netiporn Sanesangkhom, also known as Bung Taluwang, who later died during her hunder strike. The department stated that they could not yet provide the footage from the correctional hospital as it must be reviewed to ensure legal accuracy and…
- Thailand News
Neighbour strikes boy over ‘drunkard’ name-calling
A neighbour struck a six year old boy after he called him a drunkard, prompting the boy’s mother to take legal action. The incident left the child frightened and his mother determined to see justice served. Kritsakon, the mother of six year old Kaprao, shared her distressing experience. Yesterday evening, Kaprao was cycling with a friend, the grandson of the man…
- Thailand News
Centenarian couple in Trang share secrets to longevity
Two elders, known as Grandfather Dam and Grandmother Kam, both over a century old and residents of Trang Province, Thailand, have shared their secrets to longevity and good health. Despite their advanced age, both remain remarkably active and healthy. Grandfather Dam Chaisongkram was born in 1922 and is now 101 years old. His wife, Grandmother Kam Chaisongkram, born in 1924,…
- Thailand News
Lopburi authorities struggle to capture monkeys amid heavy rain
Lopburi authorities have launched a major operation to capture over 30 monkeys from buildings amidst heavy rain, but the intelligent primates have proven difficult to trap. Authorities from the Department of National Parks (DNP) and Lopburi Municipality set up large monkey traps, each measuring 1.8 metres wide, 1.8 metres tall, and 15 metres long, in various parts of Lopburi city,…
- Thailand News
Surin woman scoops lottery after heeding mysterious whisper
A woman’s life in Surin was changed forever when she found a lost lottery ticket in her bag and realised it had won first prize. The winning lottery number, 205690, was for the draw held on May 16. The 52 year old woman who resides in Lampduan district, shared her extraordinary story. She had bought a lottery ticket on a whim…
- Thailand News
Nakhon Ratchasima farmers wade through ‘rice-crisis’ as floods surge
Heavy rains and storms have hit Nakhon Ratchasima, causing significant concern among local farmers due to widespread flooding of rice fields. The continuous downpour over the past few days has completely engulfed the farmlands, thwarting the growth of the seedlings, which have just begun to sprout. A 76 year old local farmer, Ken Tethaisong, from Sarai Subdistrict in the Chum…
- Thailand News
Nakhon Ratchasima locals spoon up a ‘fungi’-tastic forest feast
Residents of Nakhon Ratchasima have been flocking to the forests, armed with spoons and ladles, to collect hed phor, a mushroom and local delicacy. This sought-after mushroom, prized for its distinct texture and flavour, can fetch up to 500 baht per kilogramme in the market. Also known as false earthstar or barometer earthstar, reports indicate that an influx of locals…
- Thailand News
Monk donates 300,000 baht to rebuild fire-damaged residence
A monk known for altruism donated 300,000 baht to aid in rebuilding a fire-damaged monk’s residence at Wat Suan Kaew in Nonthaburi. The fire tragically claimed the lives of three boys, with the exact cause still under investigation. Kom Saengbumrung, the former Director of the Engineering Division of Nonthaburi Municipality, was tasked yesterday, May 23, at 6.30pm by Luang Ta Sin…
- Thailand News
Homeless man suffocates under plastic sheet in Nontha Buri rain
A homeless man collecting recyclables was found dead on a roadside near a luxury home after using a plastic sheet to shield himself from the rain, leading to suffocation. The incident occurred early today at around 4.30am when police and forensic doctors were called to the scene on Ngam Wong Wan Road in Bang Khen, Nontha Buri. The deceased, identified…
- Thailand News
Teen gang nabbed after robbing Cambodians and boasting online
A teenage gang who robbed Cambodian youths of their clothing and belt buckles while flaunting their actions on Facebook was apprehended by the police. The incident took place at around 9.30pm yesterday, according to the investigative team at Bang Phli Police Station. The investigation led officers to a house in Bang Pla, Bang Phli District, Samut Prakan Province. Authorities had…
- Thailand News
Man high on marijuana crashes car, cuddles pets & smiles at cops
A heavily intoxicated man driving under the influence of marijuana crashed his car into a power pole and refused to leave the vehicle, instead choosing to cuddle with his dog and cat while smiling at officers. The incident occurred yesterday at approximately 10.46pm in Soi Wat Boon Sumpan 9, Nong Prue Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, Chon Buri Province. Police from…
- Thailand News
Heavy rain warning issued for 35 provinces in Thailand
The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issued a warning for heavy rain, predicting a high probability of rainfall across 80% of the northern and central regions of Thailand, impacting 35 provinces. Bangkok is also expected to experience significant weather conditions, with risks of sudden flooding and forest runoff. Today, May 24, the TMD forecasted the weather for the next 24…
- Thailand News
Snakes alive: Python and king cobra showdown stuns locals
A dramatic encounter between a 3-metre king cobra and a large python ended in a surprising twist, with the king cobra regurgitating its half-swallowed prey. The incident took place in Chai Buri, Surat Thani, and was reported by residents to the Chai Buri Rescue Centre. Locals of Khlong Noi, Chai Buri, last night, May 22, alerted the rescue team about…
- Crime News
Myanmar national arrested for samurai sword attack in Bangkok
Authorities in Bang Khun Thian arrested a 21 year old Myanmar national for attacking a teenager with a samurai sword, leaving the victim seriously injured. The incident occurred yesterday when Ye Min Htit, reportedly angered by taunts, retaliated violently. Earlier today, authorities led by Police Major General Prasong Anomanee and Police Colonel Kritidech Chanphet, apprehended Ye Min Htit. The arrest…
- Thailand News
Principal removed after child trafficking allegations in Khon Kaen
The Director of the Khon Kaen Primary Educational Service Area Office 5 issued an order for a school principal to be removed from their position, following allegations of involvement in a child trafficking ring. The principal is accused of engaging in sexual activities with a 12 year old girl. Authorities from the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division, along with the Paweena…
- Thailand News
Gunman surrenders after shooting municipal worker in Nontha Buri
A man involved in a shooting incident with a municipal employee in Sai Ma municipality surrendered to authorities after firing his gun at a municipal employee in his vehicle. Police have filed four charges against him and granted bail. A Sai Ma municipal employee, 42 year old Saranyut reported to the police yesterday after being shot at while driving his…
- Thailand News
Lawyer arrested for alleged rape and threats against female client
A prominent lawyer and former parliamentary candidate was arrested yesterday for allegedly raping a female client and issuing multiple threats, leading to the victim’s severe emotional distress and a subsequent suicide attempt on a ship. Police Major General Thiti Saengsawang directed the arrest, carried out by Police Major General Teeradet Thamsutee and his team, including officers from various investigative units.…
- Thailand News
Man murders drinking friend with concrete block after argument
A tragic murder unfolded in Surin province when 67 year old man allegedly killed his 58 year old drinking companion by hitting him with a concrete block and then dragging his body with a motorcycle before dumping it in a canal. The incident occurred at approximately 6.05pm yesterday. Police reported that the suspect Thip and the victim Wantong were drinking…
- Thailand News
Bangkok official arrested for 9 million baht bribe in road plan scam
A senior Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) official has been arrested for allegedly accepting a 9 million baht bribe to alter road construction plans to avoid a golf course, seizing luxury cars and Harley-Davidson motorcycles in the process. At 6am today, Brigadier General Prasong Chelimpun, head of the Anti-Corruption Division, led a team of officers in the Anti-Corruption Commission Division 2,…
- Thailand News
Brief bandit: thief strips down to underwear, swipes stash of briefs
An underwear thief, dressed only in his undies, drove to a house and stole a collection of underwear, later claiming it was the result of a dare. The incident took place on the morning of May 18 in Ban Pa Tueng Ngam, Pa O Don Chai sub-district, Mueng district, Chiang Rai. The homeowner, 44 year old Somphop shared CCTV footage…
- Thailand News
Thai influencer deceived by ex-partner over 200,000 baht payment
A Thai influencer tearfully disclosed being deceived by her former lover into losing a substantial amount of advertising money. Unable to contact her ex, she is now seeking legal recourse. The 59 year old influencer Sataporn Phutthakul, known as Aunt Porn, revealed that her ex-partner swindled her out of 200,000 baht, leaving her with only 50,000 baht and subsequently deducting…
- Thailand News
Commerce ministry acts to control prices amid minimum wage hike
The Ministry of Commerce implemented two measures to tackle rising product prices following the minimum wage increase to 400 baht. Officials are closely monitoring clothing prices and urging businesses to maintain prices for essential goods in eight categories. Director-General of the Department of Internal Trade Wattanasak Sueaiam stated yesterday May 16 that the private sector is preparing to raise product…
- Thailand News
Heavy rainfall warnings for Thailand’s 54 provinces
Thailand is braced for heavy rainfall today as the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issues warnings for 54 provinces, including Bangkok, which faces a 60% chance of storms. The southern region is expected to be hit the hardest, with 70% of the area affected. The TMD forecasted the weather for the next 24 hours, indicating that high-pressure systems or cold air…
