Meet Our Passionate Educators
We’re proud to present our amazing team. Their care, enthusiasm and dedication to helping students exceed pushes The International School of Asia, Koh Lanta to the next level. We invite you to take a moment and read some of their amazing stories below.
Nalinthip Trakolpattana
School Director
Hello, I'm Nalinthip Trakolpattana, known as Por Aor Nuch or Teacher Nuch. As the School Director at the International School of Asia, Koh Lanta, I bring a wealth of educational experience to our vibrant community. My academic journey includes a Bachelor's degree in English (International Program), complemented by dual Master's degrees in Business Administration and Educational Administration. With over 15 years dedicated to education, my roles have been diverse—I've served as Head of Academic Affairs for 5 years, held leadership positions as a Thai Director for over 5 years, and taught Math, English, and Thai for more than 15 years. Additionally, I've spent 15 years as an External Quality Assessor for ONESQA, enriching my understanding of educational quality standards. Two years ago, I made the transition from bustling Bangkok to the serene beauty of Koh Lanta. My goal in joining this community was not only to enhance our school's growth and development but also to foster a strong connection between the school and our local community. As School Director, I'm committed to leveraging my expertise to strengthen this bond. Moreover, as an educational consultant specializing in internal quality assurance, I work to guide institutions in optimizing their internal processes. Through this, I aim to create exceptional learning environments that benefit both our students and our wonderful community.
Saengfa Sugaoi
Business and Financial Director
Hi! My name is Saengfa Sugaoi. I am ISA’s business and financial director. I also work as a teacher's assistant for after-school activities. I possess a bachelor’s degree in management from Phitsanulok University. I like working in a school environment. It's fun and exciting every time we have new students from all over the world come to study at our school. I lived in Japan for more than 10 years. I believe that my experience living and working in a different culture is beneficial to our international school. My passion for children has motivated me to take a course to become a teacher. I am committed to improving education at our school. I want to help children find their own identity and excel in what they are good at. I also want to elevate this small international school to a higher standard of quality in education!
Sunee Kaewsriyong
School Licence Holder
Greetings! My name is Suni, but everyone calls me Lexi. I am the License Holder of our school. I have worked in the Thai educational system for more than 30 years. I have taught a wide range of subjects throughout my career and held several management roles. These experiences have allowed me to gain a deep knowledge of many aspects relating to educating children and teenagers. I try to pass my expertise to our teachers and work very closely with them. I love to be involved in our school as much as possible. We are growing and we have plans to keep improving and developing. We are located in one of the most beautiful places in Thailand and that contributes to the great environment we have in our school. Looking forward to keep having an influence in the education of our students.
Rodrigo Julayco Rojo Jr.
Head of Early Years
Greetings! My name is Rodrigo Rojo Jr. I am the Head of Early Years at our wonderful school, leading our dedicated teachers and nurturing the education and well-being of our young learners. I am a licensed professional teacher holding both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Early Years Education, and I graduated with high academic honors (Magna Cum Laude) from Far Eastern University. I am currently completing a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Education, reflecting my ongoing commitment to professional growth and high-quality early years education. Originally from the Philippines, I have been living and working in Thailand for over six years, and with more than 16 years of experience in international education, I bring a deep commitment to cultivating young learners across cultures. As the Head of Early Years, I will strive to promote a safe, joyful, and inspiring learning environment that fosters curiosity, embraces mistakes as learning opportunities, and helps children grow into confident, compassionate, and globally minded individuals. I hold close the proverb, "It takes a village to raise a child," and truly believe that, together with our dedicated team and supportive community, we can provide the strongest foundation for our young learners here at ISA.
Susan Smith
Elementary Teacher
Hello, my name is Susan Smith. I currently work as a teacher in the middle elementary class in ISA. I originally come from the UK and I qualified as a teacher at Reading University, graduating with a Bachelor of Education (Honours), specialising in science and the environment. I have now been a fully qualified primary school teacher for thirty four years. I have worked in several different schools in the UK, teaching across the full range of primary school year groups. In addition to carrying out my class teaching responsibilities, I have also held management and leadership positions within these schools. I have been responsible for the management of various curriculum areas, which involved monitoring teaching, learning and assessment standards in those subjects across the school, as well as resourcing them to enable effective teaching and learning. In several of the schools I spent many years as leader with responsibility for children with special educational needs. My role involved liaising with class teachers, senior leadership of the school, parents of the children concerned and outside government agencies. I was also responsible for implementing and maintaining individual education plans for children who required additional support. The experience I gained in this field has enabled me to develop my awareness of the academic, emotional and pastoral care needs of children and how to support them in the most effective manner. I have amassed a wealth of teaching techniques over the years. As a result, I am able to adapt my lessons in order to cater for the individual needs of the children in my care. My overriding teaching philosophy is learning through investigation, discovery and peer interaction. My husband and I both love Lanta and we are very content here. I am a lover of animals and have owned several cats and dogs on the island. I have taught in this school for seven years across the whole of the primary age range as well as some high school classes. I am a dedicated and passionate teacher, who firmly believes that every child matters and that my job is to provide for every child to the best of my ability and experience.
Jean Manzanares Umbao
Elementary Teacher
Hello! My name is Jean Umbao, and I am a licensed Upper Elementary teacher. I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Education and a Master of Education degree in Management. I have been teaching students of all ages for almost 20 years, and it's a passion that brings me true satisfaction. I have taught Science and Social Studies in private and government schools in the Philippines. I have trained students for science experiment competitions in private and government schools. I also worked as an ESL teacher at the International Language Center in the Philippines. After that, I worked as an English teacher in Bangkok, Thailand for almost four years before moving to Ayutthaya to teach Math and Science in a private school. Apart from academic excellence, I have always pursued various hobbies and activities. I have volunteered with non-governmental and private sectors to aid in the education of less fortunate youngsters in the Philippines. I have been contributing and volunteering as a teacher in the “compassion program” and helping those less fortunate kids with their reading, writing, and speaking skills. My years of experience as a teacher have shaped a teaching philosophy that guides how I help my students succeed in the classroom and beyond. I believe in creating a space for students to explore their learning styles, and then I'm here to help develop their interests and guide their absorption of the lesson. I truly believe that their success begins with making them comfortable in the classroom, so I started teaching with plenty of activities so everyone can get to know one another. Sharing my enthusiasm for learning and showing creativity and fun are parts of learning. I also love nature, and I'm excited to explore and accept new challenges in life. Thailand is one of the safest countries in the world, and I love it here. This will be my first time living and working in Koh Lanta, Krabi, and I'm excited to start my journey and meet everyone here at the International School of Asia. I feel grateful to be part of this team.
Johanien Botha
High School Teacher
Hello, my name is Johanien Botha. I am a mathematics and science teacher from South Africa. I completed my BSc degree in Biodiversity and Ecology and continued with my Postgraduate certificate in education at Stellenbosch University in South Africa. I started teaching high school just over 10 years ago and since then have never wanted to do anything else. Science education is definitely my passion as it is all about motivating students to be more inquisitive about the world around them and their interaction with it. I enjoy using creative methods to engage, challenge, and inspire growth in my students and to assist them in becoming critical thinkers. This is my first time living and working outside of my own country, and I’m excited to start my journey here in Koh Lanta. The beauty of the beaches, and the greenery of the island amazes and inspires me. In my free time I enjoy hiking, nature photography and learning new skills. I think it is important for all of us to be life long learners. I am enjoying getting to know more about Thai culture and language and I am looking forward to get to know ISA and Koh Lanta better.
Rebecka Rubensson
High School Teacher
My name is Rebecka, and I work as a teacher at ISA. I am originally from Sweden and have been in the teaching profession for 33 years. I got my teacher´s degree from Gavle University, specializing in grades 4-9 in English and Swedish. Later, I pursued further studies and became qualified to teach these subjects at the high school level as well. Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to teach at various levels, from middle school to high school. This broad experience has given me a unique understanding of the entire educational journey students go through, which I consider invaluable. As a teacher I have significant experience working with students who face learning difficulties and social challenges. I almost always adapt my teaching to meet each student's needs and level to help them grow at their own pace. I combine theoretical and practical approaches to accommodate different learning styles. Before joining ISA, I spent over four years teaching at one of the Swedish schools here on Lanta. There I often taught multiple subjects to students aged 14-18, which was a great experience and gave me more knowledge about all the other subjects. I am deeply committed to my students' development, and I find it a true privilege to be a part of their journey, helping them prepare for the future. I also have a lot of experience in leading, helping and developing individuals through many years of playing and coaching football at a high level. Leadership, team building and everything around a team has given me a lot that I have used and benefited from as a teacher. I really like to live on Koh Lanta, everything from the people, the culture to the food and climate. It is a place that feels like home. On my spare time, I play padel, travel and see new places and meet my friends. I am incredibly happy to have the opportunity to work with the team at ISA and all the students who will be joining during the year.
Chutikan Namnak
Administrative Coordinator / Teacher
Hello, my name is Chutikan Namnak, but students at the school call me "Khru Meen" I have been teaching Thai language at The International school of Asia, Koh Lanta for four years. Additionally, I serve as the administrative coordinator. I graduated from Mae Fah Luang University. My passion for teaching Thai language has motivated me to focus on educating both Thai and international students, emphasizing a blend of knowledge and enjoyment in the learning process. I employ innovative and adaptable learning methodologies in line with language and Thai cultural curricula and standards. I am dedicated to infusing Thai elements into the student's learning experiences, ensuring their understanding of the beautiful culture, traditions, and customs of Thailand. Having grown up in the central, northern, and southern regions of Thailand, I deeply comprehend the linguistic and cultural differences, which I incorporate into my Thai language teachings. I am delighted to be part of reshaping perspectives on learning the Thai language and culture. Thank you!
Wanita Sunahu
Office Administrator / Teacher
Hello everyone! My name is Wanita Sunahu, and I am an Office Administrator and Teacher. My hometown is the famous island ‘Koh Lanta’ in Krabi. I’m 26 years old. I graduated with a bachelor's degree from Prince of Songkla University Pattani Campus. I majored in Islamic Studies (International Program) and minored in Korean. More recently, I taught English for over 2 years at a Primary school near my residence. When I was studying at Prince of Songkla University, I worked as an assistant lecturer in the general education course for international students for about a year. I had the opportunity to be an exchange student at a university in Malaysia during my second year of college. I love meeting people from different regions and I also love working and sharing new experiences with each other. With all my experience, I hope I can contribute to the growth and development of our school.
Husna Kaengraeng
School Kitchen Chef
Hello, my name is Khun Na, and I’m the School Kitchen Chef here at ISA. I take great pride in preparing nutritious, balanced, and child-friendly meals that support our students’ health, energy, and learning throughout the day. With years of experience in school kitchens, I understand how important it is to provide food that not only fuels young bodies but also brings comfort and joy. I carefully plan and prepare each meal with attention to cleanliness, taste, and nutrition, always keeping our students in mind. My goal is to make the kitchen a welcoming space where care, cleanliness, and creativity come together. Every dish is made with love because I believe that happy, well-fed children are better prepared to learn, play, and thrive. I’m truly honored to be part of the ISA community, working alongside dedicated educators and staff to help children grow strong, healthy, and happy, one bite at a time.
Kanokkan Thonglong
Caterer / Helper
Hello everyone, I am Tuk and welcome to our beautiful school. I have several roles here at ISA that I truly enjoy. I run the cafeteria, where you can find a variety of delicious drinks, yummy snacks, and healthy meals made with care to keep everyone energized and happy throughout the day. Besides that, I take great pride in making sure the school facilities are always clean, tidy, and welcoming because a neat environment helps everyone learn and play better. I also spend time caring for the students during their break time, and there’s nothing quite like seeing the bright smiles and joyful faces of the little ones as they relax and have fun. It’s truly rewarding to be part of their day in this way, and I’m always here to lend a helping hand. If you ever need a friendly face or a snack suggestion, just swing by. I’m here to make sure your time at ISA is as wonderful as can be!