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.
  • World NewsMexican woman jailed for killing rapist sparks nationwide protests | Thaiger

    Mexican woman jailed for killing rapist sparks nationwide protests

    Outcry in Mexico as woman jailed for self-defence killing – Protests are erupting across Mexico after 21 year old Roxana Santiago was sentenced to six years and two months in prison for killing a man who had raped her. People are rallying for justice, believing the young woman acted in self-defence during a horrific attack. “Defending my life is not…

  • World NewsTeen fights off crocodile while fishing with siblings in Australia | Thaiger

    Teen fights off crocodile while fishing with siblings in Australia

    A 19 year old teenager in Northern Australia has had a miraculous escape after being dragged underwater by a giant crocodile while out fishing with his relatives on Groote Eylandt. Despite his terrifying experience, Zefha Butcher managed to survive the harrowing encounter with only minor injuries. Zefha had been fishing along with his 10 year old brother and another relative…

  • Thailand NewsThree students flee school, report older pupil abuse, spark local police search | Thaiger

    Three students flee school, report older pupil abuse, spark local police search

    Three primary school students in Udon Thani province fled their school premises after being physically abused by older students. They were found on the outskirts of a nearby village and later returned to the school, accompanied by their guardians and teachers. Yesterday, Veeraphol Raksameuwong, admin of the page “Ban Dung Update,” reported that officers from the Fao Rai Patrol Police…

  • World NewsChina aims for moon landing by 2030, expands space station | Thaiger

    China aims for moon landing by 2030, expands space station

    China announced plans to send astronauts to the moon before 2023 while also expanding its space station. Today, a live broadcast will cover the launch of a spacecraft at 8.31am Thai time, carrying three Chinese astronauts. Tensions between China and the United States have intensified in various spheres, among them the competitive nature of their respective space industries. The US…

  • Thailand Weather UpdatesBangkok deluge: Heavy rain floods city, prepares for monsoon season | Thaiger

    Bangkok deluge: Heavy rain floods city, prepares for monsoon season

    Bangkok yesterday was hit by heavy rainfall, with Bang Khun Thian district receiving the most with 124 millimetres, causing flooding in seven locations. As the rainy season is imminent in Thailand, officials revealed they are prepared to support residents affected by the flooding. In the past 24 hours, several areas in Bangkok experienced moderate to heavy rain, with the Bang…

  • Crime NewsTragic school knife fight claims life and leaves three injured in northeast Thailand | Thaiger

    Tragic school knife fight claims life and leaves three injured in northeast Thailand

    A devastating incident unfolded at a renowned school in Sisaket province, northeast Thailand, as a confrontation between seventh and eighth-grade students escalated into a fatal knife fight, resulting in one fatality and three injuries. The school promptly informed the police, who started an investigation to pursue legal measures. Yesterday, May 29, amidst the sombre atmosphere of grieving teenage students, a…

  • Thailand NewsProminent Chiang Mai abbot’s shocking crash leaves trail of carnage | Thaiger

    Prominent Chiang Mai abbot’s shocking crash leaves trail of carnage

    A revered Chiang Mai temple abbot crashed into eight vehicles, including six cars and two motorcycles, causing carnage and prompting netizens to question why he was wearing shorts. The abbot, known as Kru Ba, was travelling to visit his younger brother but ended up in a multi-vehicle pile-up. A witness at the scene, Sakul, reported that the accident occurred around…

  • World NewsVenice’s Grand Canal turns fluorescent green, sparking health fears and mystery | Thaiger

    Venice’s Grand Canal turns fluorescent green, sparking health fears and mystery

    Venice’s renowned Grand Canal turned bright green recently, generating concerns for residents and tourists alike. Local authorities are investigating the cause, while environmental experts conduct water testing to determine the potential harm to public health. This is not the first time the canal’s waters have changed colour, with similar incidents occurring in the past. A photograph shared by Luca Zaia,…

  • Pattaya NewsPattaya bar owner faces loan shark threats forcing staff to undress for debt money | Thaiger

    Pattaya bar owner faces loan shark threats forcing staff to undress for debt money

    A bar owner in Pattaya reported a violent debt-collecting gang to the local police after facing harassment and threats from 14 different loan providers. The 31 year old woman was forced to borrow money from various lenders for financial troubles, accumulating around 800,000 baht (US$23,100) in debt, with a daily interest payment of 30,000 baht (US$870). The bar owner, Daranee…

  • Thailand NewsChild abuse scandal uncovered at Saraburi welfare facility, police investigate | Thaiger

    Child abuse scandal uncovered at Saraburi welfare facility, police investigate

    Following a shocking Facebook post revealing the abuse of over 280 children at a welfare institution in Saraburi, central Thailand, a multi-disciplinary team, including social development and human security officials, psychologists, and police, swiftly moved to investigate the claims on-site. The horrific mistreatment and physical abuse of more than 280 young lives at a welfare institution in Saraburi province were…

  • Thailand NewsPineapple plant leaves locals pining for lottery jackpot luck | Thaiger

    Pineapple plant leaves locals pining for lottery jackpot luck

    Residents marvelled at an unusual pineapple plant, featuring more than 10 two-tiered pineapple shoots, leading them to make offerings and seek lucky numbers ahead of the lottery draw on Thursday, June 1. The unusual pineapple, found in Ban Tam, Phayao province, Thailand, has drawn many residents to witness the phenomenon and seek good fortune. This unusual pineapple plant stands out…

  • Thailand NewsThai couple credits 24m baht lottery win to mythical figure and daily prayers | Thaiger

    Thai couple credits 24m baht lottery win to mythical figure and daily prayers

    Udom Kanmuang, a restaurant owner, and his wife Noi celebrated their recent lottery win of 24 million baht with a grand ceremony honouring ‘Por Pu Sian Anan Nakarat’, a respected figure in Thai folklore. The couple believes their good fortune resulted from their daily prayers to this mythical figure before the lottery draw on May 29, 2023. Following their successful…

  • World NewsElderly Malaysian couple robbed thrice in 20 days, live in fear | Thaiger

    Elderly Malaysian couple robbed thrice in 20 days, live in fear

    An elderly Malaysian couple was burgled three times in the span of nearly three weeks, with perpetrators getting away with valuables worth around 26,000 Malaysian ringgit (£4,800). The retired pair, 71 year old Chan Liew Chan and her 80 year old husband, Thow Kum Hin, are pleading for police intervention to prevent repeat incidents. Chan Liew Chan spoke about the…

  • Thailand NewsMysterious creature kills chickens, supernatural incidents in Suphan Buri village | Thaiger

    Mysterious creature kills chickens, supernatural incidents in Suphan Buri village

    Supernatural incidents occurred in Suphanburi province, where villagers discovered several chickens with broken necks and disembowelled carcasses. Locals fear supernatural interference, as they also witnessed mysterious floating lights in the area. Boonlai Phetkul, 56 years old, disclosed that the supernatural incidents took place in a neighbour’s chicken coop. Ten chickens were found dead in total since May 23, with five…

  • Thailand NewsRaw meat review trend raises risk of Streptococcus suis infection in Thailand | Thaiger

    Raw meat review trend raises risk of Streptococcus suis infection in Thailand

    A recent online trend involving the consumption of raw meat dishes, combined with cultural practices, has increased the risk of Streptococcus suis infections in Thailand. Health officials have expressed concern, as eight fatalities and a total of 163 cases of meningitis have been reported since January 1. The popularity of raw food and alcohol consumption has spiked due to social…

  • Thailand Weather UpdatesHeavy rain benefits Thai farmers, boosts rice planting in Nakhon Ratchasima area | Thaiger

    Heavy rain benefits Thai farmers, boosts rice planting in Nakhon Ratchasima area

    Heavy rains in Nakhon Ratchasima province have resulted in flooded fields, signalling good news for farmers who are now preparing the land for rice cultivation in the Phimai district. A forecast from the Lower Northeastern Meteorology Centre predicts continued downpours and strong gusts of wind in the region. Alongside this weather forecast, a low-pressure area spanning across Cambodia and the…

  • Crime NewsCouple arrested as major drug agents in Bangkok, dealer’s house reveals party drugs | Thaiger

    Couple arrested as major drug agents in Bangkok, dealer’s house reveals party drugs

    Police in Thailand arrested a major drug trafficking agent and two of his subordinates, seizing 708 grams of crystal methamphetamine, 940 grams of ketamine, 285 ecstasy pills, and several bags of the party drug, Happy Water. The suspects, part of a larger drug network, targeted party-goers in Bangkok, Nonthaburi, and Chon Buri provinces. The operation was led by Pol.Maj.Gen. Nawin Sinthurat,…

  • Thailand NewsThai residents use ancient ceremony for lottery prediction | Thaiger

    Thai residents use ancient ceremony for lottery prediction

    Residents in Prachin Buri, Thailand, took part in a two-day ceremony involving a legendary giant spider to predict lottery numbers. They hope to win in Thursday’s June 1 draw, as the ritual has proven successful, reportedly bringing good fortune in lottery prediction. On May 28, villagers performed the lottery prediction ritual using a legendary spider at the Non Somboon house in…

  • Crime NewsThai cyanide serial killer case to close case tomorrow | Thaiger

    Thai cyanide serial killer case to close case tomorrow

    Police are preparing to close the case of Thailand’s notorious cyanide serial killer by tomorrow. A senior officer is set to personally review the case file before submitting it to the attorney general, KhaoSod reported. Deputy National Police Chief Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn revealed that progress in the case involving Sararat Rangsiwuthaporn, also known as Am, is moving forward. The…

  • Road deathsBangkok couple on motorcycle fall into canal and die, leaving 10-month-old orphaned | Thaiger

    Bangkok couple on motorcycle fall into canal and die, leaving 10-month-old orphaned

    A tragic accident claimed the lives of a young married couple who fell into a canal while riding their motorcycle in Bangkok, leaving their 10-month old baby orphaned. Police are investigating the incident, checking CCTV footage to determine the cause of the accident. The incident occurred near Vibhavadi Rangsit Road in the Ratchada area of Din Daeng district. A grey…

  • Northern Thailand NewsLarge cobra invades Thai home, residents rush to buy lottery tickets | Thaiger

    Large cobra invades Thai home, residents rush to buy lottery tickets

    A large cobra was found in a house in Thailand‘s northern Phayao province, resulting in local disaster prevention officers quickly arriving to capture and release it. Meanwhile, residents rushed to buy lottery tickets featuring the house number, hoping for good fortune in the upcoming draw today. Officers from the Phayao Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department were alerted by Thanita Chaisukkoson,…

  • Thailand NewsThai student tests positive for meth, believes it’s from skin whitening supplement | Thaiger

    Thai student tests positive for meth, believes it’s from skin whitening supplement

    A 19 year old Thai student‘s admission to a pharmacy faculty at a university is jeopardised after she tested positive for methamphetamine, which she believes was in a skin whitening supplement she ordered from TikTok. The girl’s mother, a 45 year old woman from the northeast Buriram province, is distraught over the situation. The girl, who is preparing to begin…

  • Crime NewsCoworker fatally shoots truck driver in dispute at housing block in Thailand | Thaiger

    Coworker fatally shoots truck driver in dispute at housing block in Thailand

    A Thai truck driver challenged his coworker to a confrontation, only to face a real 9-millimetre gun in return. The driver fled the scene but later died from gunshot wounds at a five-storey building in the central Saraburi province last night, local police reported. A 31 year-old truck driver named Suwit was fatally shot in his stomach and left arm…

  • Crime NewsBody found with chest and back wounds near Thai fishing port | Thaiger

    Body found with chest and back wounds near Thai fishing port

    A man’s body has been discovered with chest and back wounds floating near a fishing port in Thailand‘s central Samut Sakhon province. Police are yet to determine the man’s identity or cause of death and are currently investigating the incident. At 6.45pm yesterday, Chonathip Ongklueb, the Deputy Investigation Inspector of the Samut Sakhon District Police, received a report of a…

  • Crime NewsAuthorities visit Pattaya Beach to clamp down on sex workers, trans women, and homeless | Thaiger

    Authorities visit Pattaya Beach to clamp down on sex workers, trans women, and homeless

    Tourist Police in Chon Buri teamed up with Pattaya authorities in a visit to Pattaya Beach last night. The authorities aimed to clamp down on troublesome activities on the beach posed by sex workers, transgender women, homeless people and beggars. This was to ensure the safety of tourists. The initiative was in line with the policies of the Deputy National…

  • Crime NewsFugitive swindles millions from Thai lottery buyers, eludes arrest for 6 years | Thaiger

    Fugitive swindles millions from Thai lottery buyers, eludes arrest for 6 years

    Police from the PCT5 division arrested a Thai fugitive in connection with a fraudulent investment scheme involving government lottery quotas. The fugitive allegedly swindled victims out of over 50 million baht before evading capture for six years, Khaosod reported. Today, Pol. Lt. Col. Theeradech Thamsuthee, head of the Special Operations Unit 5, led the team of PCT5 officers in arresting…

  • Central Thailand NewsFrustrated Thai delivery rider sets fire to motorbike due to tyre problems | Thaiger

    Frustrated Thai delivery rider sets fire to motorbike due to tyre problems

    A frustrated Thai delivery rider set fire to his motorbike after it frequently malfunctioned and had numerous flat tyres. The incident took place at 10am today in the Sampran district of the central Nakhon Pathom province, where local police discovered the burnt remains of the motorbike. The scene occurred on a newly filled dirt area, where the motorbike was found…

  • Northern Thailand NewsDeadly intersection sparks ghostly fears, Thai villagers hold exorcism ceremony | Thaiger

    Deadly intersection sparks ghostly fears, Thai villagers hold exorcism ceremony

    The deadly intersection known as the ‘100-corpse intersection’ in Thailand‘s northern Phayao province has locals on edge, with frequent accidents and fatalities causing ongoing fear. Residents in the Wat Pa Lan Kam community have sought the help of monks to perform an exorcism ceremony in an attempt to ward off evil spirits associated with the so-called ‘spirit of the deceased.’…

  • Road deathsTruck flips in Chon Buri, crushes car and kills young woman | Thaiger

    Truck flips in Chon Buri, crushes car and kills young woman

    A young woman was tragically killed in a Chon Buri motorway accident involving an 18-wheeler truck carrying a container and multiple cars. Police are investigating the causes of the accident and will examine CCTV footage for further information. The 18-wheeler Isuzu truck carrying a container reportedly flipped over and crushed a Honda Civic. The driver of the Civic, a 34…

  • Thailand NewsSmuggling crackdown thwarts illegal cow import from Myanmar to Thailand | Thaiger

    Smuggling crackdown thwarts illegal cow import from Myanmar to Thailand

    A recent crackdown on illegal livestock smuggling led Thai authorities to intercept a convoy of five trucks, arresting five individuals and seizing 30 cattle. The incident occurred at the Thai-Myanmar border in Tak province, highlighting ongoing efforts to curb the spread of foot-and-mouth disease. The Director-General of the Department of Livestock Development, Dr Somchuan Ratanamankalanon, stated that on May 25th,…