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 King bestows new monastic title on esteemed monk

    Thai King bestows new monastic title on esteemed monk

    The King of Thailand has bestowed a new monastic title on a respected monk. The Royal Gazette announced on Saturday that the King granted the title to the monk last Friday, May 31. The Royal Gazette reported that King Maha Vajiralongkorn has issued a royal command appointing Phrakhru Palad Samphiphatthanatheerachan Kittichet, also known as Phra Achan Kittichet Wat Phuttha Metta…

  • Thailand NewsGrieving mother pleads for justice after son shot dead by gang

    Grieving mother pleads for justice after son shot dead by gang

    A bed-ridden mother mourns her son, a Grade 8 student, who was shot dead by a gang. She pleads for the police to swiftly apprehend the perpetrators, asserting her son had no conflicts with anyone. Yesterday, a tragic incident occurred in Nakhon Phanom where three individuals on a motorcycle shot 14 year old Oak in the back of the head,…

  • Thailand NewsHot water spring found under statue at Wat Suan Kaew Uthayan

    Hot water spring found under statue at Wat Suan Kaew Uthayan

    Hot water has been discovered bubbling up from beneath the base of a statue at Wat Suan Kaew Uthayan in Samut Songkhram. The statue, Tao Wessuwan, a deity figure standing 2.5 metres tall, is situated next to the temple’s main hall. Concerns initially arose that the heat might be due to an electrical short circuit. However, after digging approximately 50…

  • Thailand NewsNervous thief’s gold heist foiled at Ratchaburi department store

    Nervous thief’s gold heist foiled at Ratchaburi department store

    A young man attempted a solo gold heist at a prominent department store in Ratchaburi, but his nerves got the better of him. He escaped with a single gold necklace, only to be caught later. Police Lieutenant Pramarn Plathong, an investigator at Mueang Ratchaburi Police Station, received a report at 6pm yesterday about a robbery at a gold shop in…

  • Thailand NewsLottery fever: Chai Nat buzzes with potential winning numbers

    Lottery fever: Chai Nat buzzes with potential winning numbers

    Today’s lottery draw is generating significant buzz in Chai Nat Province, with enthusiasts eagerly awaiting the next round of potential winning numbers. The Government Lottery Office (GLO) will conduct the draw at the Learning and Tourism Development Centre at Chao Phraya Dam in Sapphaya District, heightening the anticipation among lottery hopefuls. The excitement surrounding the lottery is palpable, with various…

  • Thailand NewsPride Month kicks off with Rainbow Runway in Bangkok (video)

    Pride Month kicks off with Rainbow Runway in Bangkok (video)

    Pride Month celebrations kicked off with grandeur on the 80-metre Rainbow Runway at the centralwOrld Rhythm of Pride 2024 event held at CentralWorld in Bangkok. The event underscored diversity and equality for the LGBTQ+ community, marking a significant celebration in the heart of Bangkok. The highlight of the event was Metinee Kingpayome, a prominent figure in the LGBTQIAN+ community, who…

  • Thailand NewsTwo shot dead while gathering intelligence in Songkhla

    Two shot dead while gathering intelligence in Songkhla

    Two people were shot dead while gathering information in Thepa, Songkhla yesterday. Ponnchai Kwanpanya, the head of Huai Pling Police Station in Songkhla, received a report of a shooting incident yesterday at 5.30pm. The attack occurred on a road in Ban Huai Pling, Moo 2, Tham Wang Subdistrict, Thepa District, Songkhla Province. Authorities, including military forces from Songkhla Special Task…

  • Thailand NewsHeavy rainfall warning issued for 46 provinces including Bangkok

    Heavy rainfall warning issued for 46 provinces including Bangkok

    The Meteorological Department has issued a severe weather warning, forecasting heavy rainfall in 46 provinces, including Bangkok, with 70% of the area expected to be affected. Residents are advised to take precautions against potential flash floods and forest runoff. Moderate southwesterly monsoon winds are covering the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand, coupled with a low-pressure area over…

  • Thailand NewsUdder chaos: Frenzied cow injures man in Chon Buri

    Udder chaos: Frenzied cow injures man in Chon Buri

    A frenzied cow in Sattahip, Chon Buri province, injured its caretaker by ramming him against a wall, causing severe injuries and triggering a chaotic rescue attempt. Locals and rescue workers struggled to retrieve the injured man as the agitated cow continued to charge at them, forcing them to flee. The Sattahip Sawang Rojanathammasathan Rescue Foundation’s radio centre received a report…

  • NewsAncient treasure chest unearthed in Laos along Mekong River

    Ancient treasure chest unearthed in Laos along Mekong River

    A treasure chest was unearthed along the banks of the Mekong River in Bokeo Province, Laos, revealing a trove of Buddha statues, gemstones, coloured stones, metal artefacts, and other valuable items. The discovery follows earlier findings of Buddha statues and ancient artefacts in the same area, believed to be the site of an old temple and city from the fabled…

  • Thailand NewsSRT demolishes buildings in Nakhon Ratchasima for high-speed rail

    SRT demolishes buildings in Nakhon Ratchasima for high-speed rail

    The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has begun demolishing buildings in a disputed area in Nakhon Ratchasima to expedite the construction of a high-speed rail project. Only one commercial unit awaits demolition due to a pending compensation claim. Demolition work started today, with machinery moving in to clear the area in the Mueang district. The SRT aims to clear this…

  • Thailand NewsToll fees waived on three expressways to honour Queen’s birthday

    Toll fees waived on three expressways to honour Queen’s birthday

    Toll fees will be waived on three expressways to commemorate the Queen’s birthday. The Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT), along with Bangkok Expressway and Metro Public Company Limited (BEM) and Northern Bangkok Expressway Company Limited (NECL), have announced this special exemption. The announcement, made yesterday, specifies that the toll-free access is in honour of the Queen’s birthday on June 3.…

  • Thailand NewsTragedy in Mekong River as older brother drowns saving sibling

    Tragedy in Mekong River as older brother drowns saving sibling

    Two siblings had a tragic encounter while playing in the Mekong River, leading to a heartbreaking outcome as the older brother tragically lost his life while trying to save his drowning younger brother. His body was later discovered floating on Thailand’s Nong Khai side of the river, prompting authorities to coordinate with family in Laos to identify the victim. At…

  • Thailand NewsBangkok residents seek help for man disrupting nights with rituals

    Bangkok residents seek help for man disrupting nights with rituals

    A Bangkok community raised concerns about a man performing nightly rituals involving chanting and lighting 99 candles to worship a mystical substance, due to fears of fire hazards and safety risks, residents have sought intervention from the authorities and media to address the issue. Locals are alarmed by the actions of a 41 year old man who claims to be a…

  • Thailand NewsMunicipal official caught with methamphetamine in Samut Prakan

    Municipal official caught with methamphetamine in Samut Prakan

    Police apprehended a municipal official after discovering methamphetamine in his vehicle in Samut Prakan, the official admitted ownership of the drugs following a police search. This incident occurred yesterday around 12.30am in Khlong Dan following a public disturbance complaint of street racers in the area. Officers patrolled the area and encountered a traffic accident. The motorcycle in the accident, driven…

  • Thailand NewsMinor earthquake hits Koh Samui amid severe weather warnings

    Minor earthquake hits Koh Samui amid severe weather warnings

    A 2.4 magnitude earthquake struck near Koh Samui in Surat Thani, with a depth of 4 kilometres, according to the Earthquake Surveillance Division of the Meteorological Department of Thailand. The event occurred at 8.24am, today, May 30, causing noticeable tremors in the area. The earthquake’s epicentre was located in Ang Thong subdistrict, Koh Samui district. Although the quake was relatively…

  • Thailand NewsDrunk driver crashes into streetlight and overturns in Pattaya

    Drunk driver crashes into streetlight and overturns in Pattaya

    A drunk driver lost control of his pickup truck, causing it to veer off the road and crash into a streetlight before overturning into a median ditch. Emergency responders swiftly arrived at the scene to assist. At approximately 2.20am today, the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Rescue Radio Centre in Pattaya received a report of an overturned pickup truck near a wood…

  • Thailand Weather UpdatesWeather alert: 44 Thai provinces warned of heavy rain and storms

    Weather alert: 44 Thai provinces warned of heavy rain and storms

    The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a weather warning for today, alerting 44 provinces to expect heavy rainfall. Bangkok is advised to brace for storms from afternoon to evening, with rain expected to cover 40% of the area. The southern region’s seas are also predicted to experience high waves. The TMD’s 24-hour weather forecast indicates that the southwest monsoon is…

  • Thailand NewsThai authorities seize one million meth pills near Chiang Rai Airport

    Thai authorities seize one million meth pills near Chiang Rai Airport

    Authorities intercepted a major drug bust involving one million methamphetamine pills in the parking lot of a well-known shopping mall near Chiang Rai Airport. The suspects, a man and a woman, were caught preparing to transport the drugs into the interior of the country. Colonel Kidakorn Chantra, Deputy Commander of the Pha Muang Task Force, examined the seized drugs and…

  • Thailand NewsOnline durian purchase sparks consumer outrage over quality

    Online durian purchase sparks consumer outrage over quality

    A customer raised concerns over the quality of durian purchased online, claiming the fruit was mushy and bitter despite being advertised as ready to eat. The total cost, including delivery, was 720 baht. The incident, which occurred yesterday, sparked heated discussions on social media. The customer shared their experience in an online consumer group, explaining they ordered durian from a…

  • Road deathsNakhon Ratchasima woman survives car crash with minor injuries

    Nakhon Ratchasima woman survives car crash with minor injuries

    A remarkable incident in Nakhon Ratchasima left many in awe when 38 year old woman survived a severe car accident with minimal injuries. The accident occurred yesterday around 5.30pm on Road 224 near Ban Nong Pruek in Chok Chai district. Tachinee Namkasem was driving her black Honda City with the registration number กย 8379 Nakhon Ratchasima when the vehicle lost…

  • Thailand NewsKidnapper and child rapist arrested after 13 years on the run

    Kidnapper and child rapist arrested after 13 years on the run

    The Thai authorities apprehended a member of a 7-man rapist gang who abducted and sexually assaulted a 16 year old girl in 2011. The arrest took place yesterday following a prolonged manhunt. Today, the Head of the Anti-Human Trafficking Division (AHTD), Sarut Kwangsopa, orchestrated the arrest of 40 year old Uthai. The arrest was based on an arrest warrant issued…

  • Thailand NewsThai authorities arrest three for forging visa documents

    Thai authorities arrest three for forging visa documents

    The Thai authorities arrested three agency operators for forging documents to submit visa applications to various embassies, seizing numerous counterfeit items. The suspects confessed to their crimes and are now facing legal proceedings. At 11am yesterday, at the Immigration Office in Mueang Thong Thani, Deputy Commander-in-Chief Panthana Nuchnarot, along with Deputy Commander-in-Chief Ratchachot Chotikoon and other relevant officers, announced the…

  • Crime NewsGambler’s feud ends in deadly shooting in Nakhon Si Thammarat

    Gambler’s feud ends in deadly shooting in Nakhon Si Thammarat

    A gambler’s bitter feud ended in murder yesterday when a 44 year old man was shot dead by his wife’s estranged husband in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand. The police quickly apprehended the suspect, who confessed to the crime. The tragic incident occurred at a residence in Moo 16, Bang Khan Subdistrict, Bang Khan District. The local police, led by Police…

  • Thailand NewsBuriram contractor gives away 7 buffaloes to prevent slaughter

    Buriram contractor gives away 7 buffaloes to prevent slaughter

    A contractor announced the giveaway of seven buffaloes, including breeding pairs and their offspring, to animal lovers for free, with the stipulation that they not be sold to slaughterhouses. The decision stems from a lack of time and space to care for the animals. A 48 year old resident of Yai Yaem Watthana in Chalermprakiat, Buriram, made the heartfelt decision…

  • Crime NewsGhostly sale tale: Mall workers stunned as murder victim’s phone is sold

    Ghostly sale tale: Mall workers stunned as murder victim’s phone is sold

    A chilling incident at a well-known shopping mall left many stunned after a hooded man sold a murdered victim’s mobile phone. The mysterious hooded man was allegedly the dead man’s ghost. Shop employees were shocked to see a man in a blue shirt, later identified as the deceased, following the suspect the entire time. The gruesome murder case took place…

  • Thailand NewsFatal turn: Head-on collision claims life of wrong-way rider

    Fatal turn: Head-on collision claims life of wrong-way rider

    A collision between a pickup truck and a motorcycle in Chanthaburi Province resulted in a tragic death last night, where the motorcycle driver, going against traffic, was hit head-on. The incident occurred at the old checkpoint intersection on Thetsaban Road in Khlung District. Police from Khlung Police Station and rescue volunteers arrived at the scene to find a severely damaged…

  • Thailand Weather UpdatesThailand braces for heavy rain in 49 provinces today

    Thailand braces for heavy rain in 49 provinces today

    The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) warned that 49 provinces in Thailand should brace for rain, with heavy downpours expected in the northern and eastern regions. Meanwhile, Bangkok and its vicinity will experience rain from afternoon to evening. The TMD’s 24-hour weather forecast indicates that a southwesterly monsoon is covering the Andaman Sea and Thailand, while a low-pressure area is present…

  • Thailand NewsInterest-ing development: Ministry slashes housing loan rates

    Interest-ing development: Ministry slashes housing loan rates

    The Ministry of Social Development and Human Security announced a significant reduction in housing loan interest rates by 0.5% for one year, aiming to support citizens during challenging economic times. Minister of Social Development and Human Security, Varawut Silpa-archa revealed this decision at a press conference at Government House at 10am today, May 28. The Community Organisations Development Institute (CODI)…

  • Thailand NewsTourism boom: Thailand clocks in 14.3 million visitors

    Tourism boom: Thailand clocks in 14.3 million visitors

    Thailand welcomed 14.3 million international tourists in the first five months of this year, generating close to 683 billion baht (US$18.7 billion) in revenue. The Tourism and Sports Minister, Sermsak Pongpanich, shared these figures, highlighting the significant contribution of foreign visitors to the country’s economy from January 1 to May 26. The top five countries with the highest number of…