Meet Kru Earl Sumattaya Chaikwang, PhD: Head of Thai Studies
Our Spotlight SHC Article SHC Story SHC TeacherFrom classrooms to doctoral research, Kru Earl Sumattaya Chaikwang, PhD, has dedicated her career to helping students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. As Head of Thai Studies at Shrewsbury International School Bangkok City Campus, she brings together expertise, empathy, and a love of culture to create learning experiences that are both meaningful and inspiring.
A Lifelong Scholar’s Journey
Kru Earl’s academic path reflects her deep passion for education and human development. She began with a Bachelor of Education in Thai Language and Literature, which provided her with a strong foundation in linguistic structure and cultural richness. She later earned a Master’s in Educational Administration, broadening her perspective on leadership and school management.
Driven by her interest in human potential, she went on to complete a PhD in Psychology for Developing Human Potentials, researching how students grow socially, emotionally, and cognitively. She also holds a Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), underscoring her commitment to supporting students and colleagues with empathy and care.
“Each stage of my education has shaped the way I think, teach, and lead — enabling me to design Thai learning experiences that are meaningful, empowering, and emotionally engaging for all learners.”
Doctoral Research Rooted in Real Classrooms
“Adaptive Psychological Strategies for Enhancing Social Immunity of Upper Primary Students in International School” was Kru Earl’s doctoral research inspired by her observations in multicultural classrooms. She noticed that some students, despite their academic potential, struggled to navigate complex social dynamics — sparking her interest in finding evidence-based strategies to support their emotional resilience.
“This research was not only academically enriching, but also deeply personal. It reflects my belief that learning must be holistic. Emotional resilience, in my view, is just as important as intellectual achievement. When students feel happy, safe, and supported, they are far more likely to engage deeply and learn meaningfully.”
Laying the Thai Foundation
As part of the pioneering Thai studies team at Shrewsbury International School Bangkok City Campus, Kru Earl helped shape the culture, curriculum, and learning environment from the ground up.
“What attracted me most was the school’s clear focus: a dedicated Early Years and Primary school, with a scale that allows us to foster close, meaningful relationships between teachers, students, and families. Looking back, I feel truly privileged to have been part of this journey since day one.”
Seven years later, her vision has flourished. Today, the Thai Studies programme under her leadership blends cultural depth, academic rigour, and emotional support — giving every child the tools to thrive both in learning and in life.
Head of Thai Studies
With over 20 years of experience teaching Thai across international schools and curricula — including British, American, Singaporean, and IB — Kru Earl has worked with learners of all ages, from Early Years to Secondary, and guided students through examinations such as IGCSE Thai and IBDP Thai. Prior to joining Shrewsbury International School Bangkok City Campus, she also led Thai departments in other international schools, deepening her expertise in curriculum development and leadership.
“Thai Studies is more than just a subject; it is a meaningful bridge that connects students to the cultural context in which they live and learn. At Shrewsbury Bangkok City Campus, I’ve worked to integrate traditional content with modern perspectives, ensuring that Thai learning is engaging, inclusive, and deeply human.”
Thai Studies in an International Context
At Shrewsbury International School Bangkok City Campus, Thai Studies is designed to reflect both the richness of Thai culture and the diversity of the student body.
- Early Years: Lessons follow a Reggio Emilia-inspired approach, where learning is playful, integrated, and rooted in children’s natural curiosity.
- Primary: The curriculum aligns with the British framework while referencing Thai Ministry of Education standards, ensuring students develop strong language skills and cultural awareness within a global context.
“Thai culture is taught not just as content, but as lived experience. From Loy Krathong and Songkran to traditional storytelling and Khon dance, students connect with Thai traditions in meaningful, memorable ways. Our students genuinely enjoy learning Thai. They feel happy, confident, and engaged — discovering that language is not just about reading and writing, but about values, traditions, and respectful Thai manners that shape who we are.”
Under Kru Earl’s leadership, Thai Studies goes beyond language learning. Students engage with Thai language and culture as a living, meaningful part of their education. By blending tradition with modern learning, she and her team ensure that every child not only develops language skills, but also gains a deep appreciation for Thai heritage, values, and ways of life.
Shrewsbury International School Bangkok City Campus