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 NewsPolice imposters abduct shop owner’s sister, demand ransom

    Police imposters abduct shop owner’s sister, demand ransom

    A group of men allegedly posing as police officers raided a Narathiwat grocery store, drove out customers, and abducted the shop owner’s sister, demanding a 30,000 baht ransom. The incident occurred yesterday, sparking outrage and calls for an investigation. Four to five men claimed to be officers from a special task force, entering the store without a warrant. They intimidated customers…

  • Thailand NewsMan fatally stabs friend to death over 20 baht in Chon Buri

    Man fatally stabs friend to death over 20 baht in Chon Buri

    A Thai man fatally stabbed his friend in Chon Buri after he refused to lend 20 baht. The tragic incident occurred earlier today, with police receiving a report of a stabbing at 12.30am in Mueang District. Upon arrival, officers found 43 year old Nirun critically injured with a stab wound to his left collarbone. Despite immediate CPR efforts, he was…

  • Thailand NewsEngineer gifts bride 120 baht of gold matching her weight

    Engineer gifts bride 120 baht of gold matching her weight

    A young engineer made headlines by presenting 120 baht of gold, equivalent to the bride’s weight, as a dowry. The event, attended by many notable figures, took place yesterday in Pathum Thani. Kriangkrai Kadsa, known as Joe, led a vibrant procession to ask for the hand of Kewalin Kitiwan, also called Annie. The bride’s family, originally from Kamphaeng Phet, had…

  • Thailand NewsGold stealing Taxi driver arrested for 2 million baht haul

    Gold stealing Taxi driver arrested for 2 million baht haul

    In a swift operation, police detained a taxi driver who was reportedly found in possession of gold worth 1.9 million baht. This follows a gold shop employee’s reports of losing over 40 baht of gold while en route to deliver the valuables to her place of employment in Yaowarat. Chaiyaporn, the gold shop owner, initially offered a 100,000 baht reward…

  • Thailand NewsThai man ends life after failing to settle child molestation case

    Thai man ends life after failing to settle child molestation case

    A 66 year old man, distressed over failing to settle a molestation case involving a 10 year old girl, ended his life with a firearm yesterday. The incident occurred at an unnamed rowhouse in Nong Prue, Bang Lamung, Chon Buri, and was reported to the police by 8.10am. Responding to the report, Police Lieutenant Colonel Jirasak and a rescue team…

  • Thailand NewsFire destroys century-old house in Krabi, killing elderly woman

    Fire destroys century-old house in Krabi, killing elderly woman

    A tragic fire engulfed a century-old house, claiming the life of a 70 year old woman while her 85 year old sister narrowly escaped by hiding in the bathroom. Firefighters took five hours to subdue the inferno. At 3am yesterday, Police Captain Kiatichai Yodrak of Klong Thom Police Station in Krabi province received a report of a fire in a…

  • Thailand NewsBuriram village builds shrine for Golden Boy replica

    Buriram village builds shrine for Golden Boy replica

    The local municipality and residents are actively constructing a replica shrine and lifelike statue of the Golden Boy at the excavation site, using funds raised through faith and donations. A grand ceremony is planned for July 18 to honour the artefact. Following the repatriation of the bronze sculptures of Lord Shiva, known as the Golden Boy, and the Kneeling Female…

  • Thailand NewsMother faces 2.6 million baht debt from 10,000 baht loan

    Mother faces 2.6 million baht debt from 10,000 baht loan

    A mother who borrowed 10,000 baht to pay her child’s school fees 12 years ago is now struggling under a crippling debt of 2.6 million baht in interest. The mother, who initially took out the loan when her child was in primary school, is now seeking help from a popular Facebook page, Survive – Sai Mai Must Survive, to resolve…

  • Thailand NewsMonitor lizard sparks electricity office chaos in Thailand

    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 NewsPhuket: Belgian expat’s secret stash of illegal pawn busted

    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 NewsThailand to launch cyber-command unit for digital defence

    Thailand to launch cyber-command unit for digital defence

    Thailand is poised to bolster its cyber warfare capabilities with the establishment of a dedicated cyber-command unit by October. This initiative, revealed by Jirayu Huangsap, spokesman for Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang, aims to strengthen the country’s defence against emerging digital threats. General Songwit Noonphakdi, commander-in-chief of the Royal Thai Armed Forces (RTARF), has been tasked with creating the unit following…

  • Thailand NewsFinance Ministry to discuss new economic stimulus measures

    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 NewsDiesel shock: Fuel Fund revs prices to 32.44 baht per litre

    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 NewsRelease of sensitive CCTV footage of Netiporn delayed

    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 NewsMinistry tightens billboard inspections for public safety

    Ministry tightens billboard inspections for public safety

    The Ministry of Interior intensified the inspection of large billboards over concerns about their structural safety. Damaged billboards must be promptly repaired, and non-compliance will result in immediate removal and legal action. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul emphasised that public safety is the top priority, highlighting the importance of rigorous enforcement to prevent any potential hazards caused…

  • Thailand NewsCentenarian couple in Trang share secrets to longevity

    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 NewsLopburi authorities struggle to capture monkeys amid heavy rain

    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 NewsSurin woman scoops lottery after heeding mysterious whisper

    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…

  • Pattaya NewsMan assaulted with iron rod in Pattaya, suffers severe injuries

    Man assaulted with iron rod in Pattaya, suffers severe injuries

    Security footage revealed a group of men assaulting a victim with an iron rod in Pattaya, leading to severe injuries requiring eight stitches. The victim, who had no prior acquaintance with the assailants, calls for authorities to apprehend the attackers. Today, 25 year old Pattaya native, Thawatchai reported being attacked by a group of unknown men. He suffered a head…

  • Thailand NewsNakhon Ratchasima locals spoon up a ‘fungi’-tastic forest feast

    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 NewsMonk donates 300,000 baht to rebuild fire-damaged residence

    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 NewsHomeless man suffocates under plastic sheet in Nontha Buri rain

    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 NewsPolice officer found dead at beauty salon in Samut Prakan

    Police officer found dead at beauty salon in Samut Prakan

    A police officer was found dead under mysterious circumstances yesterday at a beauty salon in Samut Prakan following concerns from his wife who had been unable to contact him. Police Lieutenant Apisit Tonsalee from Bang Phli Police Station reported receiving a call at 11pm yesterday about a deceased person at a beauty salon located within the police officers’ residential flats…

  • Thailand NewsMan high on marijuana crashes car, cuddles pets & smiles at cops

    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 NewsHeavy rain warning issued for 35 provinces in Thailand

    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 NewsSnakes alive: Python and king cobra showdown stuns locals

    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…

  • Thailand NewsOxygen tank explosion kills worker and damages Bangkok home

    Oxygen tank explosion kills worker and damages Bangkok home

    An explosion from an oxygen tank tragically claimed the life of a young man, causing extensive damage to a two-storey house and instilling fear among residents in the Nong Khang Phlu area of Bangkok. Police were alerted at around noon yesterday, May 22, to an explosion in Soi Phetkasem 77/8, Nong Khang Phlu, Nong Khaem District, Bangkok. Upon reaching the…

  • Thailand NewsPrincipal removed after child trafficking allegations in Khon Kaen

    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 NewsGunman surrenders after shooting municipal worker in Nontha Buri

    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…