The Neurologist Who Connects Through History and Humanity
– Dr. Nuttavut Kettong –
At BNH Hospital, Dr. Nuttavut Kettong, consultant neurologist, combines science with empathy. His deep interest in history and personal experience as a father shape the way he cares for his patients with insight, understanding, and heart.
Diagnosing mental health conditions is far more complex than addressing physical illnesses. Neurological disorders often blur the line between body and mind, requiring a delicate balance of tangible evidence and nuanced interpretation. It is this unique interplay of science and sensitivity that defines Dr. Nuttavut Kettong, who serves at the Brain and Nerve Centre of BNH Hospital.
A Son of Chiang Mai
“I was born and raised in Chiang Mai. People from northern Thailand call themselves khon muang. My grandparents were true locals. I may be the last generation to still call them ‘Ooy’, a traditional northern term for grandparents.”
Dr. Nuttavut, the youngest in his family, grew up with much older cousins, which shaped his naturally affectionate, occasionally sensitive personality. Being surrounded by older relatives also meant he was exposed to music and culture from a previous era
“Technically, I’m a ’90s kid, but I grew up listening to ’80s Thai music – Danupol Kaewkarn, Raweewan Bhuddhinan, Nok Lae, and Bird Thongchai. I absorbed what was around me, and it helped me connect with people of all ages.”
Raised in a traditional Chiang Mai household, he spoke the northern dialect and learned to play the sueng, a local string instrument. His upbringing instilled in him values of humility and frugality. Though he initially wanted to study in Bangkok, his family’s concern kept him close to home.
“My grandparents were so worried. They’d feign illness to convince me not to move away. Since Chiang Mai had a medical school and I passed the regional quota exam, I decided to stay.”
After medical school, however, he was assigned to complete his rural service in Mae Hong Son province, starting with one year in the city and then three years in the remote Sob Moei district.
“It was the most impoverished district in the province, but I loved it. Most residents were from ethnic minority groups. They were kind and hardworking, collecting forest goods every morning. They were incredibly patient, especially with pain. I once treated a patient with an abscess the size of a hand who had delayed seeking help for weeks.”
His time in Sob Moei, where there were only three doctors and limited resources, left a lasting impression.
“There were no specialists, minimal equipment – yet we made it work. I delivered babies, treated emergencies, and watched children grow up. I’m proud of what we accomplished there.”
Finding His Path in Neurology
Four years in the highlands taught him resilience and clarity. He realised his calling was in neurology and moved to Bangkok to specialise at Rajavithi Hospital, adjusting to the city’s pace and climate.
“Bangkok was hot and humid, very different from the mountains. I had to learn to move faster too. In the North, we say ta-ton-yon, meaning easy-going. I had to adapt quickly.”
Upon completing his training, his mentor suggested BNH Hospital would be a good fit for his interest in English and working in an international environment.
“It’s like a second home. Everyone supports one another, not just professionally, but personally. When my daughter was unwell, my colleagues were there for me.”
When a Doctor Becomes a Father
“My daughter was diagnosed with liver cancer. Initially, I treated it like any medical case following the treatment plan. But after her first round of chemotherapy, I stroked her head and her hair came off in my hand. I broke down completely.”
Even with his medical background, nothing could prepare him emotionally. “I sobbed. I questioned why this had to happen to us. But then I reminded myself: you must have mindfulness, that’s the principle I live by.”
With support from his BNH team and a skilled paediatric surgical team, his daughter underwent successful surgery. She was young enough that her liver regenerated naturally. Today, six years later, she is healthy, bearing only a scar as a reminder.
In that same year, his father suffered a life-threatening brain haemorrhage just four months before his daughter’s diagnosis.
“It was the most difficult year of my life. I call it my karmic year. But thanks to my teachers and colleagues, I got through it. I’ve now been with BNH for ten years, and I have no intention of leaving. This place means a great deal to me.”
Bridging the Physical and the Psychological
Neurology encompasses disorders of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves, and often involves mental health symptoms.
“One patient seemed to be experiencing purely psychological symptoms. But after careful investigation, I diagnosed autoimmune encephalitis related to cancer. No one suspected it; the family thought nothing was wrong. That’s the challenge of neurology: turning abstract symptoms into concrete diagnoses.”
Dr. Nuttavut acknowledges that many neurological patients do not fully recover, and that his role extends beyond cure; it is about helping patients live meaningfully.
“If a patient suffers from chronic headaches, for example, it’s about understanding triggers – certain smells, bright lights, stress – and helping them manage those. With the right medication and self-care, they can still enjoy a good quality of life.”
He follows a complete care model, looking at upstream factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and work environment before illness develops, as well as downstream care for chronic conditions like dementia.
“I work closely with both patients and families to ensure they can navigate the illness together and maintain dignity and wellbeing.”
Healing Through Human Connection
What truly sets Dr. Nuttavut apart is his ability to connect with patients through conversation. He doesn’t rush into clinical questions; he listens.
“In neurology, helping a patient relax is part of the treatment. Once they’re calm, they share more. Some just come to talk, and that’s enough to ease their minds and help them sleep. I’m proud to be a trusted listener.”
Older patients, in particular, feel at ease with him thanks to his love of Thai history and culture. He often adjusts his language to match their era and reminisces with them about past decades.
“If someone’s over 90, I imagine the world they grew up in: the Field Marshal Plaek era, post-war Thailand. I bring up popular trends or old-fashioned phrases. It’s a way to honour their memories and earn their trust.”
A Father’s Values
Growing up, Dr. Nuttavut was a sensitive child. But his parents, both teachers, raised him with discipline.
“When I threw tantrums, they ignored me until I calmed down. That taught me resilience.”
Now a father himself, he emphasises manners and patience.
“I’m quite a strict parent, not rigid, but I value respect. I teach my child to greet adults properly, to be courteous and humble. Confidence is good, but it mustn’t come across as arrogance. Courtesy is a kind of social armour in Thai culture that invites kindness in return.”
That same humility is evident in his patient care. “When people are worried about their health or their loved ones, a gentle approach can put them at ease.”
A Neurologist Who Builds Trust
“To be someone patients trust, it’s a great honour. Neurology is both science and adaptation. If I can help someone live more comfortably, I’ve done something meaningful.”
Dr. Nuttavut Kettong’s journey from the hills of Chiang Mai to his vital role at BNH Hospital is a story of compassion, cultural understanding, and quiet resilience. In a field where healing begins with trust, he continues to make a difference one patient, one life at a time.
ทำนัดหมายแพทย์ออนไลน์ | Appointment
NUTTAVUT KETTONG, M.D.
นพ. ณัฐวุฒิ เกษทอง
Speciality
Neurology
Clinical Interest
Headache
Parkinsonism and Movement Disorders
Education
Medical Degree, Doctor of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Thailand
Board and Sub board Certification
Thai Medical Council, Neurology, Rajavithi Hospital
Language
English
Thai
Gender
Male
Schedule
Neuro Centre
| Day | Time |
|---|---|
| Monday | - |
| Tuesday | 10:00 - 17:00 |
| Wednesday | 10:00 - 16:00 |
| Thursday | 10:00 - 20:00 |
| Friday | 10:00 - 20:00 |
| Saturday | 08:00 - 19:00 |
| Sunday | - |
This is the doctor's regular weekly schedule. Actual availability may vary — please confirm the available date and time when you make an appointment.