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 NewsWoman seeks lottery win with ancient Thai tree ritual | Thaiger

    Woman seeks lottery win with ancient Thai tree ritual

    A woman is seeking lottery luck at the renowned Mother Ta Kien shrine located near Kong Khanaram temple in Thailand’s Ang Thong province. Today, she performed a ritual and discovered matching numbers, sparking interest among fortune seekers. After performing a ritual, she surprisingly received the number 437. Then, she went on to sprinkle powder at the base of the Mother…

  • Thailand NewsNew kidney disease test kit offers 94% accuracy, eases early diagnosis access | Thaiger

    New kidney disease test kit offers 94% accuracy, eases early diagnosis access

    A new effective and accurate diagnostic kit has been developed to screen for early-stage kidney disease, with a correctness rate of 94%, a sensitivity rate of 96%, and a specificity rate of 97.8%. This screening method has been approved by the Thai Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and has been proposed for inclusion in the gold card scheme to make…

  • Thailand NewsThai police investigate lorry sticker corruption, truck association meets today | Thaiger

    Thai police investigate lorry sticker corruption, truck association meets today

    The Royal Thai Police is working expeditiously to penalise those involved in the nationwide scandal concerning truck registration stickers, following the receipt of information from a Member of Parliament (MP) and the Thai Truck Association president. They are set to meet today to discuss relevant documents and deepen the investigation of the sticker corruption, potentially leading to disciplinary or criminal…

  • Thailand NewsWorld Oceans Day: The fight to save our seas and combat climate change | Thaiger

    World Oceans Day: The fight to save our seas and combat climate change

    On World Oceans Day, today, Warawut Sillapa-archa, Thailand’s Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, encouraged Thais to help conserve the oceans by not littering in water. He also stressed the importance of oceans absorbing 30% of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, acting as a natural carbon sink. However, increased human activities have led to higher levels of carbon dioxide and…

  • Thailand NewsAll children in Thailand should have education, regardless of nationality, says official | Thaiger

    All children in Thailand should have education, regardless of nationality, says official

    Tri-nut Thiengthong, Thailand’s Minister of Education, has emphasised the right of all children living in Thailand to receive an education regardless of their nationality. This was in response to the recent influx of 124 undocumented children at Thai Rat Witthaya 6 (Ratchamongkol) School in Ang Thong province. The Ministry of Education is working closely with local organisations to ensure the necessary…

  • World NewsNorth Korea children’s union donates rockets to army amid rising patriotism efforts | Thaiger

    North Korea children’s union donates rockets to army amid rising patriotism efforts

    North Korea’s political youth group, the Korean Children’s Union (KCU), demonstrated its patriotism by donating rocket launchers to the army during its 77th anniversary celebrations. High-ranking officials from the North Korean Communist Party attended the event, which comes amid increased efforts by the nation to develop nuclear and conventional weapons. North Korea has recently intensified its propaganda and public signalling…

  • Crime NewsFraudulent employment: Fake farm jobs in Australia leave Thai victims scammed | Thaiger

    Fraudulent employment: Fake farm jobs in Australia leave Thai victims scammed

    A fraudulent employment agent lured nearly 30 Thais with enticing job opportunities on Australian cattle farms, duping them out of tens of millions of baht. The victims came forward yesterday, filing a complaint with Thai police against the alleged con artist claiming high social status. The complaint against Watsan (whose last name is withheld) was lodged yesterday by 61 year…

  • Thailand NewsRain reigns: Nakhon Ratchasima’s reservoirs overflow with joy as planting season gets a splashy boost | Thaiger

    Rain reigns: Nakhon Ratchasima’s reservoirs overflow with joy as planting season gets a splashy boost

    Heavy rainfall in Nakhon Ratchasima provided a significant boost to the province’s reservoirs, ensuring sufficient water management during the planting season. The unexpected downpour is due to a high-pressure system affecting Thai provinces and neighbouring countries and is predicted to continue until June 10. In the lower north-eastern region, the heavy monsoon resulted in a 70% chance of thunderstorms and heavy…

  • Road deathsTwo women killed as motorbike swerves to avoid truck and is crushed by trailer | Thaiger

    Two women killed as motorbike swerves to avoid truck and is crushed by trailer

    Two women were tragically killed when their motorcycle collided with a trailer after swerving to avoid a pick-up truck making a U-turn on a road in Sadao district of Thailand’s Songkhla province. The victims, believed to be Myanmar migrant workers who were 25 to 30 years old, were run over by the trailer. Between last night and this morning, officers…

  • Pattaya NewsPattaya Police raid illegal karaoke bar, arrest owner and 5 Myanmar nationals | Thaiger

    Pattaya Police raid illegal karaoke bar, arrest owner and 5 Myanmar nationals

    Pattaya City Police officers last night raided an unlicensed karaoke bar, catching five Myanmar nationals working there without the proper permits. The police have charged the bar’s caretaker and the five employees with various legal violations, including operating without official permission and selling alcohol unauthorised. During the operation, led by Surachet Eneksri, the deputy chief of Pattaya City Police Station,…

  • Thailand NewsKazakhstani gunman caught after shooting Russian in broad daylight in Phuket | Thaiger

    Kazakhstani gunman caught after shooting Russian in broad daylight in Phuket

    Phuket International Airport authorities arrested the Kazakhstani gunman who shot a 44 year old Russian national in broad daylight. Artur Legey, the 49 year old suspect, was apprehended at the Phuket International Airport while preparing to flee. The victim was left critically injured in the incident that occurred outside a cafe in Thalang district, Phuket, yesterday. The Russian man, Dmitri Aleynikov,…

  • World NewsWorld’s largest crocodile celebrates 120th birthday in Australia | Thaiger

    World’s largest crocodile celebrates 120th birthday in Australia

    Australia‘s Marineland Crocodile Park celebrated the presumed 120th birthday of Cassius, the world’s largest captive crocodile. Cassius, measuring 5.48 meters in length, has been a resident of the park on Green Island in Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef since 1984, after being captured in the Northern Territory’s Finniss River for allegedly causing numerous cattle deaths. Cassius, who holds the Guinness World…

  • Road deathsThai man dozes off using GPS, crashes car into barrier, and dies | Thaiger

    Thai man dozes off using GPS, crashes car into barrier, and dies

    A 31 year old Thai man tragically lost his life after his car veered off course and collided with a barrier on a U-turn near Ban Mueang Luang in Chachoengsao province. The incident occurred at 3am this morning, and witnesses say the driver seemed to be dozing at the wheel prior to the crash. Police officer Dechrit Srikacha and a…

  • Thailand NewsDouble vision: Young Thai-British girl fights diabetes and blindness to chase teaching dreams | Thaiger

    Double vision: Young Thai-British girl fights diabetes and blindness to chase teaching dreams

    A nine year old Thai-British girl battling diabetes and blindness is preparing to undergo eye surgery so she can fulfil her dreams of becoming a teacher in Ban Dung, Udon Thani, Thailand. The girl, Angel, admired for her cheerful nature, is loved by everyone in her village who wishes for a speedy recovery from her debilitating vision-threatening condition called diabetic…

  • Thailand NewsChinese employee sacked for excessive loo breaks causes online debate | Thaiger

    Chinese employee sacked for excessive loo breaks causes online debate

    A Chinese employee was dismissed from his job due to spending up to six hours a day in the restroom, leading to a widely discussed court case. Despite citing chronic health issues as the reason for his frequent bathroom visits, a Chinese court ruled the dismissal as valid and the employee was not reinstated. The case dates back to 2015…

  • Thailand NewsFrustrated man welds car park entrance after dispute with stubborn driver | Thaiger

    Frustrated man welds car park entrance after dispute with stubborn driver

    A Chinese man, frustrated by a stranger repeatedly parking in his rented parking space, resorted to welding an iron barrier around the vehicle, demanding an apology before allowing it to be moved. The incident took place in Chaosheng in China’s Chaozhou province when the man, known as “Zasu”, found his space obstructed. Despite numerous requests to relocate the car, the…

  • Central Thailand NewsDrought hits Singburi: Turbo-charged pump aids fish, supports local agriculture | Thaiger

    Drought hits Singburi: Turbo-charged pump aids fish, supports local agriculture

    As drought continues in Thailand’s central Singburi province the a temple’s fish pond is experiencing a severe reduction in water levels, causing a shortage of oxygen for the fish. Consequently, the Pak Than Sub-district Administration Organisation (SAO) has urgently installed a turbo-charged pump to transfer water from a nearby canal into the pond, simultaneously supporting the aquatic life and allowing locals…

  • Thailand NewsPolice Division 8 enhances gun training amid growing criminal confrontations | Thaiger

    Police Division 8 enhances gun training amid growing criminal confrontations

    Thailand’s Police Division 8 enforces gun practice training for officers to effectively control situations involving criminals, as confrontations between police and criminals have seen a spike. The goal is to improve officers’ competence in handling weapons and their preparedness to face real-life scenarios. In recent times, conflicts between investigators and criminals have seen a sharp increase, which has caused concern…

  • Thailand NewsSuperheroes gather at homemade pizza-burger joint for vibrant grand opening | Thaiger

    Superheroes gather at homemade pizza-burger joint for vibrant grand opening

    Worldwide superheroes gathered to launch a pizza and burger restaurant offering homemade delicacies and colourful entertainment at The Box Homemade Pizza & Burger today, located in front of CJ Supermarket near the Sam Liam community market in Khon Kaen City Municipality. With a special buy one, get one free promotion on small-sized pizzas, the grand opening attracted a large crowd,…

  • Thailand NewsSchool addresses behavioural improvement camp after viral social media post | Thaiger

    School addresses behavioural improvement camp after viral social media post

    A reputable school in Thailand’s Chanthaburi province has clarified its position after being accused on the ‘Bad Student’ Facebook page of sending students with low behavioural scores to a military camp for training. The school insisted that close supervision during the program ensured no violence occurred, and the activity aimed to improve students’ discipline. According to the director of Benchamarachuthit…

  • Thailand NewsThailand among 13 countries eligible for Canada eTA, bypassing visa requirements | Thaiger

    Thailand among 13 countries eligible for Canada eTA, bypassing visa requirements

    Canada now allows Thai tourists to enter without a visa, provided they have previously had a Canadian visa or hold a valid US visa. The Canadian government announced this change yesterday, extending its Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) programme to 13 countries, including Thailand. The Canadian government has revised its relocation and services programme to ensure greater efficiency and equality for…

  • Thailand NewsCustoms Chief orders probe into high-ranking official clearing illegal fuel truck | Thaiger

    Customs Chief orders probe into high-ranking official clearing illegal fuel truck

    The Director of Thailand’s Excise Department ordered an urgent investigation into allegations of a high-ranking official calling to clear an illegal fuel transport operation. If found guilty, the official will be suspended or dismissed from service immediately. The operation led by a provincial excise officer resulted in the arrest of a 47 year old man accused of illegally possessing untaxed…

  • Thailand NewsSoldier death sparks rumours: Mother refutes claims of hazing over e-cigarette incident | Thaiger

    Soldier death sparks rumours: Mother refutes claims of hazing over e-cigarette incident

    A 21 year old Thai soldier was found dead in the barracks of an army camp in Saraburi Province, sparking rumours that he was punished for bringing an electronic cigarette into the camp. However, the deceased soldier’s mother has refuted these claims, stating his cause of death was unrelated to any physical abuse or a ruptured spleen, and the truth…

  • Thailand NewsLorry driver survives crash while transporting corn, credits protective spirit | Thaiger

    Lorry driver survives crash while transporting corn, credits protective spirit

    A lorry driver miraculously survived after losing control and crashing his pickup truck, loaded with corn, into a tree in Thailand‘s Prachuap Khiri Khan province. The driver, 27 year old Patinya Muangsri, was unharmed during the incident, while his girlfriend sustained a minor injury. The accident occurred along Phet Kasem Road, near kilometre 314 in Nong Bua Village, Kho Lak,…

  • Crime NewsDepressed woman kills partner with hammer, hangs herself in tragic double death | Thaiger

    Depressed woman kills partner with hammer, hangs herself in tragic double death

    A shocking tragedy unfolded as a Thai woman discovered her sister’s lifeless body hanging under the stairs at their home in Nakhon Nayok province. The search for her sister’s partner led her to find a second body, brutally beaten in the bathroom. Yesterday, authorities were called to a gruesome scene in a house near Mongkol Tham Park, in the Phrommani…

  • Thailand NewsTrang warns of severe dengue fever outbreak, 2 deaths and 164 cases reported | Thaiger

    Trang warns of severe dengue fever outbreak, 2 deaths and 164 cases reported

    Trang province‘s public health department urges citizens to be vigilant against dengue fever as outbreaks become more severe, with two deaths and 164 infections reported, mostly among children. Authorities are expediting efforts to eliminate mosquito larvae. The province’s deputy public health director, Wacharananon Tin-naiaython, revealed that dengue fever cases have increased significantly in the past two weeks, with 164 infections…

  • Thailand NewsThai family plagued by swarms of beetles struggles to eat and sleep | Thaiger

    Thai family plagued by swarms of beetles struggles to eat and sleep

    A family in Thailand‘s western Ratchaburi province faces a severe infestation of beetles, making their daily lives difficult as they struggle to eat, sleep, and conduct their regular routines. The 70 year old wooden house is the only one in the area affected by the insects, which have invaded various parts of the home, resulting in a desperate cry for…

  • Thailand NewsOlder Thai woman’s abandoned bike found on bridge, personal belongings left behind | Thaiger

    Older Thai woman’s abandoned bike found on bridge, personal belongings left behind

    A 61 year old Thai woman suspiciously abandoned her vehicle on the Bang Pakong River Bridge, leaving shoes and personal belongings behind. Her 49 year old niece is uncertain of any problems she might have faced, which caused her to disappear in Thailand’s central Chachoengsao province. Officials from the Chachoengsao Police Station and Chachoengsao Rescue Unit examined an abandoned Honda…

  • Chiang Mai NewsThief smashes donation box at Chiang Mai temple, gets caught and confesses | Thaiger

    Thief smashes donation box at Chiang Mai temple, gets caught and confesses

    Chiang Mai police have arrested a 24 year old Myanmar national, accused of stealing a donation box from Chedi Luang Worawihan temple and other thefts in the area. The suspect confessed to the crimes after being detained for a separate incident involving stolen motorcycles. Investigating the case, Police Lieutenant Colonel Phuwanat Duangdi, the superintendent for Chiang Mai’s local police, reported…

  • Thailand Weather UpdatesHeavy rainfall to hit 54 provinces, Bangkok at risk of flash floods | Thaiger

    Heavy rainfall to hit 54 provinces, Bangkok at risk of flash floods

    Heavy rainfall and floods are expected to hit 54 provinces in Thailand, with a 70% chance of precipitation across the country, according to the Meteorological Department. Bangkok could face flash floods, while increased wave heights are predicted for the Andaman Sea today. The Meteorological Department’s 24-hour forecast predicts heavy rainfall and thunderstorms due to a trough of a low-pressure area…