Team
Spiritual Advisor
Venerable Ajahn Jayasaro
Ajahn Jayasaro became a monk more than 30 years ago in Thailand. He studied under the Venerable Ajahn Cha until his master passed away and than presided over his master’s temple as abbot for 5 years. Thereafter he retreated to a hermitage at the foot of the Kao Yai mountains.
Ajahn Jayasaro has great interest in children’s education and has developed a system of how to incorporate Buddhist teachings into the academic curriculum.
He is the spiritual advisor to Thailand’s foremost Buddhist schools, such as Thawsi School, Roongaroon as well as our school, Panyaden.
Venerable Ajahn Jayasaro – Buddhist Education
Founders
Yodphet Sudsawad
“To see soul development in the people around me is overwhelming for me, especially if I can play my little part to spur that personal growth. This is when I can answer to myself whether I fulfill the purpose of my life.
And this is also why building the school has become such an important goal in my present life. I have the dream and desire to see the children in my school grow not only physically but mentally and spiritually, to become leaders and innovators who are able to help our society and to be an inspiration for the world they live in.
And if I have success in creating this school of my dream, my life is not all wasted.”
Dr. Markus Roselieb
“Education is about the mind, how it works and how it should be used, rather than with what it should be filled.
That is what Buddha is teaching: observe and understand your mind. Otherwise the restless mind will control our life instead of us using it to fulfil our destiny.”
School Director
Neil Amas
Neil Amas is an experienced senior manager and executive director who has been involved in education, research, international development and humanitarian aid in Thailand and the UK for 20 years.
His work experience includes running an English literacy and language programme and serving as a School Governor for a London primary school. He brings to Panyaden a long history of developing people’s capacity to improve themselves, of leading and developing organisations and of cross-cultural management.
“What continues to motivate me most in life is observing in both myself and others the realization of potential. I have been fortunate on many occasions to have been able to contribute to removing barriers and identifying opportunities towards that realisation.
I have seen that a child is naturally curious, eager for the playground of knowledge and experiences that life provides. As parents, as teachers, as adults, the very best we can do for the next generation is to enable and encourage this natural desire to learn. Panyaden School is the perfect environment for this process of development and learning. I am very excited to be part of a project which, by putting adventure at the heart of education, promises to nurture the creativity, initiative and, most importantly, the happiness of our children.”
Bio…
Head Teacher – Thai
Jiranat Sriphet
“Children will learn with all their capabilities when they learn happily. When they do this, and when they know how to share their happiness to others, we create the foundations for a happy society. I strongly believe that the approach and methods of teaching at Panyaden School will bring this precious gift to our students”.
Kru Dokmai has a Bachelor degree in Education (Early childhood Education with honors) and a Masters degree in Education (Development Psychology), both from Chulalongkorn University. She joined Panyaden School after 10 years working as a primary level Thai teacher and coordinator at an international school in Bangkok.
Kru Dokmai combines teaching Prathom 1-2 with her role as Head Teacher for our Thai teachers.
Head Teacher – Foreign
Michel Thibeault
Michel Thibeault has more than 22 years of experience as an educator and human resource manager. He is well-versed in various languages and has worked with youths in different capacities as a school teacher and principal. He is also a keen sportsman who enjoys sharing his passion for life, learning, teamwork and for the outdoors.
Michel believes strongly in empowering youths to believe in themselves in order to discover their full potential and to become lifelong learners, dynamic world citizens and responsible caretakers of the environment.
“Panyaden School’s focus on strong personal values, environmental awareness, hands-on learning and the inquiry approach, makes a sound educational foundation. School should be about developing your talent by finding out who you really are, pushing your personal limits and inspiring you to work to the best of your abilities to become a proactive citizen.
I have seen too many schools where we seem to be happy to ‘teach the whole curriculum’ instead of striving to make sure students actually learn what they need to and, most importantly, that students learn how to learn! Education has to be child-centred to be effective.
At Panyaden, we focus on individual needs and make sure we create contexts that will engage students and lead them to take full responsibility for their learning. I am very excited to be part of school that will truly put children first. “
Bio …
Director of Administration
Pran Indhapan
“My motivation to become part of Panyaden School has its roots in my previous rather unsatisfactory experience with Thai education.
I believe that the most valuable contribution to today’s world is an education that is not only based on lectures but one that teaches the children how to live their lives according to principles of wisdom and that encourages them to have social responsibility.
Thus I am proud to be part of cultivating the growth of new seeds for our society.”
Operations & Liaison Manager
Jettana Sangchote
“I became interested in Panyaden School once I heard of its unique approach to education. I am most intrigued by the fact that our School puts great importance on Life Studies, which help our children to lead their lives with wisdom and mindfulness, something not seen in the traditional education system here.
Being able to play my part in teaching children to live and learn happily, to co-exist in harmony with nature and in a friendly environment gives me great pleasure.”
Academic Consultant
Bupaswat Rachatatanun (Kru Onn)
Founder and director of Thawsi School, Secretary General of Panyaprateep Foundation and Consultant of Panyaprateep School.
www.thawsischool.com