Scholarship programme opens doors – bangkokpost.com
Scheme to help poor kids excel in studies
PUBLISHED : 20 Oct 2025 at 03:22
NEWSPAPER SECTION: News
WRITER: Jutamas Tadthiemrom
The International Schools Association of Thailand (ISAT) says it hopes to enhance Thailand’s academic landscape in line with the national education policy, with a strong focus on improving opportunities for disadvantaged children and youth.
In partnership with state agencies, including the Equitable Education Fund (EEF), ISAT launched a scholarship programme last year to support top-performing students from low-income families.
The initiative helps students develop academic and social skills in an international learning environment by enrolling them in leading international schools across Thailand. The programme was inspired by earlier scholarship efforts that sent Thai students abroad but often saw them struggle due to language and cultural barriers. By preparing students locally first, ISAT aims to ensure that future scholars can succeed globally.
The 2022 Pisa report says more than 26,000 Thai students from the poorest 15% of households ranked among the nation’s top 20% academically. Yet despite their potential, many have lacked access to quality education and international exposure. ISAT calls this the “lost ice-time phenomenon” — a loss of opportunity, not talent.
ISAT’s initiative complements the government’s Outstanding Development Opportunity Scholarship (ODOS) programme, which supports high-achieving high school students from disadvantaged backgrounds. This year, 2,400 Grade 12 students have been awarded full scholarships for further education. Of these, 168 will study abroad in the UK, US, and Australia, while the rest will attend universities in Thailand, in the upcoming academic year. These 168 students will also join ISAT’s pilot programme, developed in collaboration with its member schools.
The initiative provides a two-way learning experience where scholarship recipients join classes with ISAT students, encouraging cultural exchange and confidence-building before they continue their studies overseas.
Set to begin in March next year, the pilot phase will run across 10 ISAT schools, including International School Bangkok, Bangkok Patana, New International School, Rugby International School, Bangkok Prep, Ramkhamhaeng Advent International School, St Andrew’s, and Ruamrudee International School.
The programme features a “shadow bootcamp,” where scholarship students attend regular ISAT classes, as well as English and STEM-focused training to boost academic readiness and adaptability. “Thai children are exceptionally capable, particularly in STEM fields, but many lack opportunities,” said ISAT president Usa Somboon. “More than 180 ISAT member schools have already joined this effort, and we’re also providing counselling to help students reach their full potential.”
Looking ahead, ISAT will partner with the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security on the “Child Safeguarding in Thailand” initiative to strengthen student welfare systems.
Thianthong Prasanpanich, director of the ministry’s Children and Youth Protection Division, noted: “International schools have strong child protection systems, including counselling and training for students and guardians.” Through these partnerships, ISAT aims to expand reporting mechanisms, and ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive.
By subscribing, you accept the terms and conditions in our privacy policy.
To enjoy the full Bangkok Post experience,
please disable your ad blocker.
