co-founder
Araya Thongbai
Co-Founder & Executive Director
Studying for her master's degree in the UK, Araya's mind was opened to the differences between Western and Thai student mindsets — the ability to analyse, think critically and make decisions being foremost. Coupled with the freedom to question, the way of life of students there encouraged self-reliance and self-confidence.
Through her work back in Thailand in education, Araya has seen first-hand how critical the early learning years are something that she feels is overlooked in the Thai education system. Her belief in the merits of EYFS, as well as the desire to produce confident, open-minded global citizens of the future, led her to co-found Hummingbird.
Kesinee Wattanaveerachai
Co-Founder
From her education and work experience in Australia, Kesinee has come to value the aspects of an international education that the Thai curriculum lacks, producing graduates that can critically analyse, have confidence to question, and brainstorm creatively.
An architect by training, Kesinee spent many years in Melbourne designing early learning centres. She has applied her extensive experience to the design of our new campus — where versatile spaces have been designed to foster creativity, and sustainable green design encourages a love for our planet in the next generation.
Tosapol Chaichanavichakit
Co-Founder
As a parent of a kindergartener, Tosapol found the choice of international school in the west of Bangkok limiting. And he found the idea of a young child travelling far everyday for school daunting. He also wanted his child to be free to play, exercising body and mind while learning.
After delving into the philosophies of the different education systems, Tosapol became convinced of the superiority of EYFS learning. And so, in searching for a local community with a global mindset, he and his partners got together to found Hummingbird.
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