Colleagues in the media industry mourned as they joined the funeral water pouring and the first night of chanting ceremony for Natthawut Ponglanka, a well-known journalist and news anchor, at Wat Kluai in Nonthaburi Province.
Following the sudden passing of Natthawut Ponglanka, a journalist and news anchor from a major channel, many fellow media professionals posted messages expressing their condolences after he died unexpectedly at his home in Bang Kruai, Nonthaburi, on 30 November.
On 1 December 2025, our news team visited Wat Kluai in Wat Chalo Subdistrict, Bang Kruai District, Nonthaburi, where the funeral chanting ceremony for Natthawut Ponglanka was held. Family members, colleagues including News Director Phut Apiwan, news anchor Jib Jitdee, and fellow reporters attended. The atmosphere was somber as the first night of chanting took place.
News anchor Jib Jitdee shared that she had known and worked with Natthawut, known as Nat, for over ten years. She described him as a kind and respectful young man and praised his professional skills in investigative and various news topics, earning the trust of sources. She noted that Nat was dedicated in all his work and expressed regret over losing his talent.
She recounted learning of Natthawut's passing on Sunday morning after Phut called her three times urgently, asking, “Jib, do you know the news?” When she said no, Phut told her, “Nat has passed away.” She was shocked and surprised, especially since Nat had done a live broadcast the night before. She composed herself quickly, went to the home where he died, and spoke with Nat’s friends who said that after returning home, Nat had gone to sleep and never woke up.
Jib believes everyone was equally shocked because they had all encountered Nat in the field. Regarding health concerns often mentioned about field journalists being overworked, she said that some work driven by passion push themselves to achieve their news goals without counting hours. Nat worked with dedication and often exceeded his targets without worrying about working hours.
The funeral chanting schedule for Natthawut Ponglanka is two nights at Wat Kluai in Nonthaburi Province, followed by three nights at Wat Rim Kok in Mae Yao Subdistrict, Mueang District, Chiang Rai Province, his birthplace. The cremation ceremony will be held on Saturday, 6 December 2025.
