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 NewsFireworks factory explosion victims wait compensation a year on | Thaiger

    Fireworks factory explosion victims wait compensation a year on

    A devastating fireworks factory explosion in San Thung Mai village of Chiang Mai, left residents grappling with extensive damage and financial burdens nearly one year later. Compensation from the factory has yet to be received, forcing many to bear repair costs themselves, with some incurring expenses close to 200,000 baht. The explosion occurred around noon on July 24 last year,…

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

    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 | Thaiger

    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…

  • Thailand NewsShocking house fire in Pathum Thani claims life of a bedridden man | Thaiger

    Shocking house fire in Pathum Thani claims life of a bedridden man

    A fire broke out in a single-storey house in Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani, resulting in the tragic death of the bedridden homeowner. The incident left his wife in shock after being informed by a neighbour’s call. An investigator from Khlong Luang Police Station, Teerasak Saento received the report about the fire in Moo 9, Khlong Sam Subdistrict, around 6am yesterday,…

  • Thailand NewsImmigration’s fruitful swoop on illegal vendors selling durians | Thaiger

    Immigration’s fruitful swoop on illegal vendors selling durians

    Immigration Division 1 officers swooped on illegal seasonal fruit vendors, arresting several foreign nationals attempting to sell durians and other fruits on Nawamin Road in Bangkok. They were promptly apprehended despite efforts to flee on motorised tricycles. Commander of Immigration Division 1, Police Major General Prasart Khemaprasit, along with Deputy Commander, Police Colonel Keeratisak Kongkiatsiri, and Investigation Superintendent, Police Colonel Kachapon…

  • Thailand NewsFisherman swept away in Chiang Mai, search efforts intensify | Thaiger

    Fisherman swept away in Chiang Mai, search efforts intensify

    Search efforts continue for a missing fisherman swept away by heavy waves while fishing in Chiang Mai. Relatives conducted a ceremony to appease local spirits as authorities were using heavy machinery to excavate potential burial sites, and divers searched the river. The 35 year old fisherman had gone fishing with 46 year old Piboon Sujai, and other friends at a weir…

  • Thailand NewsShocking find: Police zap unsafe electronics sold at bargain prices | Thaiger

    Shocking find: Police zap unsafe electronics sold at bargain prices

    The Thai authorities successfully seized a large number of unsafe electronics, including substandard power banks and adapters, which were being sold at suspiciously low prices both in physical stores and online. This crackdown took place yesterday, with authorities aiming to prevent potential explosions and fires often associated with these unsafe products. Head of the Consumer Protection Police Division (CPPD), Police…

  • Thailand NewsFungi folly: Couple arrested for selling hallucinogenic mushrooms | Thaiger

    Fungi folly: Couple arrested for selling hallucinogenic mushrooms

    Police apprehended a couple involved in the illegal cultivation and sale of hallucinogenic mushrooms, claiming spiritual enlightenment and healing powers. Despite openly defying law enforcement to intervene, their bravado was shattered when they were ensnared by an undercover agent. The Metropolitan Police Bureau Chief, Thiti Saengsawang, yesterday, May 27, directed a team led by Napasin Poolsawat, along with Thiradet Thammasuteer and…

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

    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 | Thaiger

    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 | Thaiger

    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 NewsPython stuck in ceiling rescued in Ang Thong home | Thaiger

    Python stuck in ceiling rescued in Ang Thong home

    A large python was discovered stuck in a concrete crevice under the ceiling, with its head hanging down, in a house in Ang Thong. The homeowner quickly contacted rescue services, who used tools to safely extract the snake. The incident is believed to be a sign of good luck, prompting the homeowner to consider using the house number for a…

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

    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 | Thaiger

    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 | Thaiger

    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 NewsFuneral held for student killed in Sa Kaeo bus crash | Thaiger

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

    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 | Thaiger

    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 NewsChinese fugitive running luxury scams in Thailand arrested | Thaiger

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

    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 | Thaiger

    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 | Thaiger

    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 NewsNeighbour strikes boy over ‘drunkard’ name-calling | Thaiger

    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 NewsLopburi authorities struggle to capture monkeys amid heavy rain | Thaiger

    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 | Thaiger

    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 | Thaiger

    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 farmers wade through ‘rice-crisis’ as floods surge | Thaiger

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

    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 | Thaiger

    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…