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 NewsTourists rescued after speedboat sinks off Surat Thani coast

    Tourists rescued after speedboat sinks off Surat Thani coast

    A speedboat carrying tourists on a fishing trip was hit by large waves, causing it to take on water and eventually sink. Five people were left stranded in the sea before being rescued by local fishing boats and the marine police. At 12.20am today, the marine police received a distress call from relatives of the speedboat’s driver, alerting them that…

  • Road deathsFatal crash at notorious Panthong bend leaves one dead, several injured

    Fatal crash at notorious Panthong bend leaves one dead, several injured

    A severe accident occurred at a notorious bend in Panthong, Chon Buri, resulting in the death of one individual and serious injuries to several others. The collision involved an Isuzu SUV and a Toyota pickup truck. At 4.30am today, Kittikul Amatatrakul, Deputy Inspector of Investigation at Panthong Police Station, Chon Buri, received a report of a crash at the Christian…

  • Crime NewsChon Buri police raid villa party, seize drugs and arrest man

    Chon Buri police raid villa party, seize drugs and arrest man

    Police in Chon Buri raided a pool villa party in Najomtien, seizing drugs and arresting a 29 year old man. The police acted on a tip-off regarding loud music and suspicious activities at the property. At around 3.30pm yesterday, officers led by Police Colonel Wattanachai Saengrith, along with Deputy Superintendent Arut Saphanont and an investigation team, stormed the villa located…

  • Road deathsTourist chaos in Phuket: van theft and crash disrupt traffic

    Tourist chaos in Phuket: van theft and crash disrupt traffic

    A foreign tourist caused a chaotic scene in Phuket by assaulting a Myanmar worker, escaping from the hospital, stealing a van, and crashing it into another van on Patong Hill, leading to severe traffic congestion. Yesterday, law enforcement officers from Patong Police Station responded to an accident involving two vans near the Por Sue Shrine on Phra Barami Road, Patong…

  • Thailand NewsThai man sets fire to irrigation house in Pak Kret, wife hospitalised

    Thai man sets fire to irrigation house in Pak Kret, wife hospitalised

    A man set fire to an irrigation house in Pak Kret, Nonthaburi, leaving his wife hospitalised after an assault. The incident occurred at 5pm yesterday, July 5, prompting immediate intervention by local police and fire services. Police responded to a call from residents reporting a man in a frenzied state setting fire to a government-owned house in Bang Talat, Pak…

  • Thailand NewsThai police arrest man for stealing motorcycles to fund drug use

    Thai police arrest man for stealing motorcycles to fund drug use

    Police officers from Division 5 of the Crime Suppression Division raided a house and arrested a 25 year old Thai man for stealing motorcycles over three consecutive nights. The stolen motorcycles were sold to buy methamphetamine and for leisure activities. On July 5, police officers led by Phattawut Onchuay, Hatthaphon Thongkham, and Kitiphum Sriphaeo executed a warrant issued by the…

  • Thailand NewsMan caught smuggling 100kg of ketamine worth 100 million baht

    Man caught smuggling 100kg of ketamine worth 100 million baht

    Police in Sa Kaeo apprehended a man attempting to smuggle 100 kilogrammes of ketamine worth over 100 million baht from Cambodia into Thailand, claiming he believed he was transporting returned goods. Yesterday, July 4, at 6pm, a significant drug bust occurred at the Nong Ian Customs intersection, a permanent border checkpoint in Aranyaprathet district, Sa Kaeo. Commander of the Burapha…

  • Thailand NewsBYD opens first EV plant in Thailand, producing eight millionth car

    BYD opens first EV plant in Thailand, producing eight millionth car

    BYD inaugurated its first electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing plant outside China in Rayong, Thailand, marking a significant milestone with the production of its eight millionth new energy vehicle. The new facility, located on a 600-rai (approximately 948,000 square metres) plot within the WHA Industrial Estate in Rayong, was officially opened yesterday, July 4. This marks BYD’s expansion into the global…

  • Thailand NewsPolice bust Bangkok karaoke bar for running prostitution ring

    Police bust Bangkok karaoke bar for running prostitution ring

    Police raided a well-known karaoke and traditional massage parlour in Bangkok today, uncovering an illicit prostitution ring involving Thai and Laotian women. The establishment had over ten rooms converted for illegal activities, and the owner confessed to the charges. Officers from the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division (ATPD), today, July 1, led by Saruti Kwangsopa, instructed officers from the Nong Chok…

  • Thailand NewsDrone remote explodes mid-flight, narrowly misses operator’s face

    Drone remote explodes mid-flight, narrowly misses operator’s face

    A TikTok user experienced a terrifying moment when his drone remote short-circuited and exploded in his face. The incident occurred yesterday when the user, a drone operator for agricultural purposes, was spraying pesticide over a rice field. “I haven’t even covered 10 rai yet.” The clip showed the drone in operation, and the remote suddenly emitted smoke. The user quickly…

  • Thailand NewsThai father faces backlash for letting son throw ping pong bombs

    Thai father faces backlash for letting son throw ping pong bombs

    A father has faced online backlash after posting a video of his young son throwing ping pong bombs, which exploded with a loud bang. The video was shared widely before being deleted, sparking widespread criticism. Yesterday, the Facebook page Red Skull XXX posted a video showing a young boy, presumed to be in primary school, wearing a white tank top…

  • Thailand NewsThai man who won the lottery shaves his head as promised

    Thai man who won the lottery shaves his head as promised

    A young man won the lottery, cleared his debts, and promptly visited a temple to shave his head as promised. He vowed to donate half his winnings to the temple if he wins again. Yesterday at Phra Borommathat Worawihan Temple in Chai Nat, 23 year old Aphimuk Pholkhong, a general labourer, brought offerings including red incense sticks, red garlands, red…

  • Thailand NewsMen over 50 urged to be probed for prostate cancer

    Men over 50 urged to be probed for prostate cancer

    Health experts urge men over 50 to take precautions against prostate cancer, emphasising that untreated conditions can be fatal. The Thailand Healthcare 2024 event, held in Samyan Mitrtown Hall, highlighted free health screenings and expert talks on prostate health. The annual fair, celebrating its 16th year, kicked off yesterday, featuring free health check-ups from 30 leading hospitals through tomorrow. The…

  • Thailand NewsPhatthalung police officer suspended for 30,000 baht extortion

    Phatthalung police officer suspended for 30,000 baht extortion

    A senior police officer in Phatthalung has been suspended following allegations of extorting money from a 38 year old mother, whose 16 year old son was charged with attempted murder. The officer has been ordered to take leave until the investigation is complete. The incident began when the mother filed a complaint after her son, along with others, was arrested…

  • Thailand NewsPolice seize 15 illegal motorcycles, detain armed teen in Bangkok

    Police seize 15 illegal motorcycles, detain armed teen in Bangkok

    Following numerous noise complaints by locals in Khan Na Yao district, police seized 15 illegally modified motorcycles and detained a teenager for carrying a homemade firearm. The ensuing police crackdown reflects a broader initiative to curb illegal street racing. Around 7pm yesterday, the commander of the 2nd Division Metropolitan Police Bureau, Athapol Anusit, directed officers to conduct a patrol in…

  • Thailand NewsHeavy rainfall warning issued across 56 Thai provinces

    Heavy rainfall warning issued across 56 Thai provinces

    The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issued a warning for heavy rainfall across 56 provinces in Thailand today, affecting 70% of the area, including Bangkok. The public is advised to be cautious of potential flash floods and sudden water surges. The TMD forecasts 24 hours of intense weather conditions due to a strong southwest monsoon covering the Andaman Sea, Thailand,…

  • Thailand Weather UpdatesThailand warns 43 provinces of flash floods and strong winds

    Thailand warns 43 provinces of flash floods and strong winds

    Thailand’s Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department (DPMD) issued an urgent alert for 43 provinces to brace for potential flash floods, forest runoff, stagnant flooding, and strong winds. The warning covers the period from today through three days from now. Chaiwat Junthirapong, Director-General of DPMD, revealed that the Central Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Division has been closely monitoring weather conditions and…

  • Thailand NewsCobra in new motorcycle sparks three-hour rescue in Ayutthaya

    Cobra in new motorcycle sparks three-hour rescue in Ayutthaya

    A spitting cobra slithered into a new motorcycle, prompting a three-hour rescue mission by local authorities. The 46 year old owner, who recently acquired the vehicle, believes the snake might bring good luck, as she just received the new license plate. Emergency services in Ayutthaya were alerted by a resident needing assistance to capture a cobra inside a motorcycle parked…

  • Crime NewsPolice arrest two in Chiang Rai over meth smuggling in avocados

    Police arrest two in Chiang Rai over meth smuggling in avocados

    Police captured two agents linked to smuggling 1.5 million methamphetamine tablets disguised in avocado boxes, connected to a previous seizure involving pineapples. The operation, led by Chiang Rai police, resulted in the arrests of 28 year old Sunittra and 29 year old Watthana. Police received information on a significant drug trafficking operation from the Mae Chan district, with drugs being…

  • Crime NewsNeighbourly dispute in Nakhon Si Thammarat leads to fatality

    Neighbourly dispute in Nakhon Si Thammarat leads to fatality

    A neighbourly dispute in Nakhon Si Thammarat resulted in a fatality yesterday when a man allegedly under the influence of drugs was killed. The incident, which occurred in a rubber plantation, saw one neighbour fatally attack another before surrendering to the police. Police and emergency responders arrived at a rubber plantation in Ban Tha Kham, Village No. 6, Khuan Nong…

  • Thailand NewsThailand aims to become regional aviation hub by 2030

    Thailand aims to become regional aviation hub by 2030

    Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin unveiled a vision to transform the country into a regional aviation hub as part of the Ignite Thailand, Aviation Hub initiative, aiming to enhance Thailand’s capacity and attractiveness in the aviation sector. The Bangkok-born prime minister stressed the need to address existing problems before upgrading the aviation hub. Suvarnabhumi International Airport, once ranked 13th globally, has fallen…

  • Thailand NewsSlippery roads send bus sliding into median in Ayutthaya

    Slippery roads send bus sliding into median in Ayutthaya

    Heavy rainfall and slippery roads have led to a series of accidents, including a bus carrying over 30 passengers that veered off into a median strip. The incident occurred at 4am today in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province. The night-long downpour in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya resulted in extremely slippery road conditions. A white six-wheel truck with Yasothon registration lost…

  • Thailand NewsComedian Ball Chernyim’s visit to singer’s memorial brings luck

    Comedian Ball Chernyim’s visit to singer’s memorial brings luck

    Renowned comedian Ball Chernyim’s recent visit to the memorial of Thailand’s beloved luk thung (folk music) queen, Phumpuang Duangchan, brought unexpected good fortune. Attending the 32nd anniversary of her passing, Ball joined others in paying tribute and seeking luck, and it appears the late singer’s spirit delivered. During the memorial service, Ball joined Phumpuang’s son, Phet, and other attendees in…

  • Thailand NewsTwo dead and many injured in Chumphon tour bus crash

    Two dead and many injured in Chumphon tour bus crash

    A tour bus and a truck carrying rubber wood logs collided yesterday, resulting in two fatalities and multiple injuries. The collision took place in Chumphon province, causing significant disruption and distress. Police Lieutenant Colonel Somboon Phumkajorn of Tha Sae Police Station reported the incident happened at 10.30pm. The tour bus, operated by Sombat Tour travelling from Bangkok to Ranong, collided…

  • Thailand NewsMysterious chicken deaths in Prachinburi spark concern

    Mysterious chicken deaths in Prachinburi spark concern

    Residents of Prachinburi Province are alarmed after a series of chickens were found mysteriously dead with their entrails removed but their meat untouched. This occurrence has sparked rumours and left many puzzled. A Facebook user posted, “Please help diagnose this. I don’t know what ate my chickens. It only ate the entrails and left the meat. The footprints, as shown…

  • Thailand NewsSting op: Police seize 12 million meth pills in beekeeping crates

    Sting op: Police seize 12 million meth pills in beekeeping crates

    Officers from Li Police Station intercepted a major drug smuggling operation, seizing 12 million methamphetamine pills, the largest drug bust in a decade. The drugs were hidden in beekeeping crates in an attempt to deceive the police. Officers yesterday, June 13, led by Vicha Kanthasuk and Piya Angkul Kattanyu, with Songwun Saengkham and anti-narcotics police, set up a checkpoint at…

  • Thailand NewsFruitful apology: Durian shop to sue after false TikTok fraud claim apology

    Fruitful apology: Durian shop to sue after false TikTok fraud claim apology

    A customer issued an apology after accusing a durian shop of fraud in a viral TikTok post, which later turned out to be a misunderstanding. The shop owner accepted the apology but insisted on pursuing legal action due to the damage caused to the shop’s reputation. A TikTok user posted a video clip with a damaging message. “As consumers, we…

  • Thailand NewsKrungsri First Choice launches new campaign for young people

    Krungsri First Choice launches new campaign for young people

    Krungsri First Choice has launched a brand campaign targeting young consumers and is aiming for a 10% growth in new customer accounts and spending through credit cards. The campaign, Take Time to Try, Take Time to Fail, features PP Krit Amnuaydechkorn as the brand presenter for the second consecutive year, aiming to communicate with young people. Athip Silpagijkarn, Managing Director…

  • Road deathsCar crash in Chon Buri leaves driver critically injured

    Car crash in Chon Buri leaves driver critically injured

    A car veered off the road, crashed into a tree, and flipped over, landing upside down with its wheels in the air in Chon Buri, in the early hours of this morning. The engine was ejected from the vehicle, and a fire ensued. The driver was severely injured and thrown from the car. At 4.30am today, June 13, rescue officials…

  • Thailand NewsOn track: SRT proposes dual-track railway to Nakhon Ratchasima

    On track: SRT proposes dual-track railway to Nakhon Ratchasima

    The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) proposed two options for the construction of a dual-track railway between Bangkok and Nakhon Ratchasima, assuring locals that the Simathani Bridge will not be demolished. The meeting, held at the Ministry of Transport, aimed to finalise plans and address concerns. The meeting was attended by Deputy Minister of Transport Surapong Piyachote along with numerous…