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, and I also work as a teacher’s assistant for after-school activities. I hold a bachelor’s degree in management from Phitsanulok University. I enjoy working in a school environment, and it is always fun and exciting when we welcome new students from all over the world to our school. I lived in Japan for more than ten years, and 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, helping children discover their own identity, and encouraging them to excel in what they do best. I also aim to elevate this small international school to a higher standard of quality in education!

Sunee Kaewsriyong
School Licence Holder
Greetings! My name is Sunee, 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 related to educating children and teenagers. I strive to pass my expertise on 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, which contributes to the great environment we have in our school. I look forward to continuing to have an influence on the education of our students.

Rodrigo Julayco Rojo Jr.
Head of Early Years
Hello! My name is Rod, and I am the Head of Early Years at our wonderful school, leading a team of dedicated teachers and nurturing the education and well-being of our young students. I am a licensed professional teacher holding a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Early Years Education from Far Eastern University, with a Doctorate degree in Curriculum and Teaching underway from Miriam College, a reflection of my ongoing commitment to professional growth in the field of education. My journey as an educator is marked by unwavering dedication and academic excellence, having graduated with high honors (Magna Cum Laude) and ranked among the top of my class. With more than 15 years of experience in international education, I have served as Head Teacher, Lead Teacher, and Homeroom Teacher, working with young students from diverse cultural backgrounds. Originally from the Philippines, I have made Thailand my home for over six years. 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 students here at ISA.

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.

Marline Abellar
High School Teacher
Hello! My name is Marline, and I’m excited to be joining the team at ISA as the Junior High School Teacher. I am originally from the United States but have spent the past eight years living and teaching abroad. After completing a BA in English, my teaching journey began in South Korea, where I specialised in English language, grammar, and academic writing. I taught all levels, from elementary to high school, though I mainly worked with young adults preparing writing portfolios for college admissions and life abroad in the U.S. I’ve always loved reading and writing, but that experience sparked a new passion for teaching. I enjoyed building connections with students, helping them reach their goals, and seeing their writing grow over time. After Korea, I pursued a Master’s in English Literature and Publishing in Ireland. I then returned briefly to teaching, this time working with adult learners from around the world who had come to Ireland to study English. I taught all levels, from beginners to advanced, supporting their language development and communication skills. Later, I took on an administrative role at a private college in Dublin as a Student Experience Coordinator. There, I planned social events, organised activities, and provided pastoral care for students. Now, I’ve landed on the beautiful island of Koh Lanta, and I couldn’t be more excited to return to the classroom! Having worked in both teaching and administrative roles, I bring a well-rounded perspective and a deep love of education to everything I do. I look forward to learning more about Thai culture, exploring more of Thailand, and, of course, being part of the ISA community and supporting the students as they learn and grow!

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.

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.

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.

Rycka Gabucan
Elementary Teacher
Greetings! My name is Rycka, and I am truly honored to be joining the vibrant community at ISA as the Early Elementary Teacher. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Education with a specialization in English, and I possess professional teaching licenses from both the Philippines and Thailand. For over eight wonderful years, I have had the joy and privilege of teaching children of various ages in international school settings here in Thailand. My heart has always been drawn to teaching young learners, where curiosity blooms, laughter fills the classroom, and every milestone feels like magic. I am deeply passionate about creating a warm, engaging, and nurturing learning environment where children feel seen, supported, and inspired to grow. Over the years, I’ve developed a deep passion for creating fun, engaging, and meaningful lessons that spark curiosity and inspire young minds. I was honored to receive a teaching award recognizing my dedication to helping students grow in a nurturing and supportive environment. Working with young children has taught me the importance of building their confidence, encouraging self-expression, and making real-life connections in the classroom. I believe that learning should be a joyful experience, and I strive to create an environment where students feel safe, valued, and excited to explore. Outside the classroom, I’m a nature lover at heart. Having lived in both Hua Hin and Phuket, I’ve always felt happiest near the sea. I also enjoy traveling, baking, and crafting handmade soap. I’m always eager to learn new things and bring that same energy and curiosity into my teaching. I’m thrilled to begin this new chapter at ISA, and I can’t wait to meet and grow with my students and the school community!

William Ginestet
Physical Education Teacher
Hi there, I’m Will. I’m passionate about sports, and I love sharing that passion with the people around me. Over the years, I’ve lived and worked in Florida, Thailand, and France, which has exposed me to diverse cultures and ways of life. I’ve worn many hats—from being a Divemaster and organizing sports events to teaching PE and coaching kids. For me, sport isn’t just about competition—it’s a powerful way to learn discipline, build confidence, and bring people together. I genuinely enjoy mentoring children and watching them grow, become more comfortable in their own skin, and discover their potential. My certifications and education reflect my dedication to this field, and I’m always eager to keep learning. As a certified Divemaster and youth coach, I love combining my experience with my passion for sport. Outside of work, sport and travel remain a big part of my life—I currently enjoy diving, triathlon, and playing football. I’m still excited about trying new things and challenging myself. I look forward to sharing all of this with your children, supporting their growth, and helping them enjoy their sporting journey. I’m thrilled to be part of that experience and to ensure it’s a positive and memorable one!

Suraiya Khaengraeng
Early Years Teacher
Hello, I'm Suraiya Khaengraeng, but you can call me Khru Ya. I work with early years, teaching Thai language and culture, as well as arts and crafts. Originally from Koh Lanta Island, I pursued a bachelor's degree in early childhood education at Phuket Rajabhat University. Throughout my studies, I gained valuable teaching experience in government schools in Phuket. I began my role at The International School of Asia, Koh Lanta, on September 1, 2022. I apply various methods such as singing, rhymes, and body language to engage children in the classroom, which they thoroughly enjoy. My ultimate aim is to provide children with the finest learning experiences.

Sahkeenah Lueadaeng
Early Years Support Teacher
Hello, my name is Sahkeenah Lueadaeng, but everyone calls me Khru Nah. I work with early years, teaching mathematics. I graduated from Phang Nga Community College with a major in early childhood education. I have five years of experience as a teacher assistant in early years, and I also worked as a Thai and English tutor for a year. Drawing on these experiences, I apply my knowledge to help students develop their own learning processes and cultivate positive behavior. In my free time, I enjoy reading books on child development and various research related to children's behavior. I firmly believe that educational principles not only facilitate teaching but also serve as a source of inspiration for students.

Thanrada Wichakham
Early Years Support Teacher
Hello, I'm Thanrada Wichakham but you can call me Khru Am. I work with early years and elementary, teaching Thai language and Chinese language. Originally from Koh Lanta island, I pursued a Bachelor's degree from Honghe University, China. During my undergraduate studies in China, I gained a broader perspective and acquired a wealth of experiences and knowledge. I believe that I can share these experiences and insights with students, providing them with valuable knowledge and guidance that can greatly benefit their learning and development I am very proud to be working at ISA. Koh Lanta is an amazing and beautiful place with a sense of community. I would like everyone to come and experience the beautiful atmosphere and nature of Koh Lanta. Welcome to our school.

Husna Kaengraeng
Kitchen Staff
Hello, my name is Khun Na, and I work in the school kitchen 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
Cafeteria Staff
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!