A legacy of learning, a future of possibility

The Canadian International School of Thailand stands on the strong foundations of a remarkable family legacy that began more than 48 years ago. In 1976, visionary educators Mr. Narong and Mrs. Usa Thewphaingarm opened the doors of Thewphaingarm School with a simple yet powerful belief: that every child deserves a nurturing environment where they can learn, grow, and thrive.

What began as a beloved local school guided by compassion, cultural pride, and academic ambition has since expanded into a modern, internationally minded institution, TCBS and the Canadian International School of Thailand (CIST), reflecting the founders’ unwavering dedication to excellence in education.

A new chapter begins

CIST officially opened in September 2017, welcoming our first cohorts of Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten, and Grade 7 students. From the beginning, our mission was clear: to pair the warmth of Thai heritage with the strength, innovation, and student-centered approach of a Canadian education.

Parents were drawn to a school that felt like a family, one where every child was known, supported, and encouraged to reach their full potential. Within just a few years, the school grew rapidly as more families recognised the value of a learning environment built on kindness, inclusivity, and high expectations.

Growing with purpose

Today, CIST proudly has 350 students spanning Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12, representing a vibrant and diverse international community. Our growth has been intentional and mission-driven. As we expanded, we invested in exceptional teachers, enriched programs, and innovative learning spaces that empower students to explore, inquire, and lead with confidence.

Every step of our development has been guided by the same core principles that shaped our founders’ vision nearly five decades ago:

• Love and care for every student
• A commitment to academic excellence
• A belief in the power of community
• A respectful celebration of Thai culture paired with global mindedness

Honouring the past, shaping the future

At CIST, our history is not just a timeline, it is the heartbeat of our school. We continue to build on the legacy of the Thewphaingarm family, striving to create an environment where students develop the skills, character, and compassion needed to shape a better world.

As we look ahead, we remain inspired by our journey and energized by our purpose. CIST is more than a school; it is a community where children discover who they are, what they can achieve, and how they can make a meaningful impact, locally and globally.