ABOUT US
Panyaprateep School was founded through the shared vision and collaboration of individuals from the Thawsi School community, led by Khun Yai Thawsi Sawat-Xuto. The school was established with the aim of continuing Buddhist-based education from kindergarten and primary levels to secondary education in the form of a boarding school that fosters a holistic approach to learning.
The school is dedicated to the comprehensive development of individuals, ensuring not only academic and vocational skills necessary for making a living but also emphasizing the cultivation of life itself. This holistic development is guided by the Buddhist principle of Threefold Training (Tri-Sikkhā), which includes:
- Moral Conduct (Sīla) – Ethical behavior and discipline
- Mental Development (Samādhi) – Mindfulness and concentration
- Wisdom (Paññā) – Insight and understanding
In today’s world, education often focuses primarily on academic and vocational aspects, while holistic life development remains overlooked. This imbalance has contributed to social, economic, and environmental issues that have intensified over time and will continue to impact future generations.
Under the Panyaprateep Foundation, Panyaprateep School is honored to have Venerable Ajahn Jayasaro as the honorary chief advisor. Ajahn Jayasaro is deeply committed to Buddhist education and the study, practice, and dissemination of the Buddha’s teachings, following the path of Luang Por Chah Subhaddo, a revered Buddhist teacher known among Thai and international Buddhists alike.
Ajahn Jayasaro is a strong advocate of Buddhist education and has written extensively on the subject. His works are known for their depth of wisdom while being presented in a clear and engaging manner, making them accessible and applicable to daily life and personal development.
The school administrators, teachers, parents, and the extended network of supporters from Thawsi School firmly believe that the long-term solution to Thailand’s societal issues lies in developing today’s children into responsible, ethical, and capable adults. Education should not focus solely on academic excellence but should nurture students to be both competent and morally upright. They are confident that Buddhist-based education can address this challenge.
With this vision, Khun Yai Thawsi Sawat-Chuto was determined to establish a small but high-quality Buddhist-oriented secondary school in Pak Chong, Thailand, as a concrete example of "nurturing life"—developing individuals who will be valuable members of society. To support this initiative, she donated 82 rai (approximately 32 acres) of land in Ban Nong Noi, Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, just 2 kilometers from Ban Rai Thawsi, for the establishment of a coeducational boarding secondary school. She also provided financial support for the construction of essential facilities and infrastructure.
Venerable Ajahn Jayasaro, acting as a spiritual advisor, suggested that the first structure to be built should be a stupa, to serve as a symbol of auspiciousness. The Thawsi community and its network of benefactors came together to fund and construct it in May 2005. This was followed by the construction of the Panyaprateep Pavilion the following year.
In its early stages, the construction of Panyaprateep School required significant financial resources to ensure that the school would meet high standards. The goal was to provide adequate facilities for academic education, vocational training, life skills, sports, music, arts, student accommodations, and various recreational activities. This was essential in gaining the trust of both students and parents in the school’s readiness to operate as a full-fledged Buddhist-based boarding school.
From the very beginning, the founding team never intended for this project to be a for-profit business. All stakeholders agreed that the school should be managed as a non-profit organization. Consequently, the Panyaprateep Foundation was officially established and registered with the Ministry of Interior under registration number Kor Tor 1405 on April 1, 2008. The foundation serves as the official governing body, responsible for mobilizing cooperation and resources, acting as the founder and owner of Panyaprateep School.
The foundation has been honored to have Associate Professor Dr. Preeda Tatsanapradit serve as its chairman since its inception. Under his leadership, the foundation has provided continuous support to both the school and its operations. The foundation also receives strong backing from a network of benefactors, including non-profit organizations, private companies, and students of Venerable Ajahn Jayasaro, ensuring its steady growth and long-term stability.
The Panyaprateep Foundation was established by the administrators of Thawsi School, in collaboration with teachers, parents, and lay supporters who are disciples of Venerable Ajahn Jayasaro. The Ministry of Interior officially registered it as a legal entity under registration number K.T. 1405 on April 1, 2008.
The foundation’s Board of Directors is led by Associate Professor Dr. Preeda Thasanpradit, who serves as the Chairman, with Mrs. Bupphasawat Ratchatatatanan, Director of Thawsi School, as the Secretary-General.
| 1. Mr. Prida Tasanapradit | Chairman |
| 2. Mr. Witit Rachatatanun | Vice Chairman |
| 3. Mrs. Sriwara Issara | Director |
| 4. Mrs. Busarin Ransaewa | Director |
| 5. Ms. Patchana Mahaphan | Director |
| 6. Mrs. Aphapat Chaiprasit | Director |
| 7. Mr. Chumphichai Svasti-Xuto | Director |
| 8. Mrs. Chularat Intharamaha | Director |
| 9. Mrs. Lertluck Thammawut | Director |
| 10. Ms. Siriporn Leabchan | Director |
| 11. Mr. Wichet Phowisutwatee | Director |
| 12. Mrs. Bupaswat Rachatatanun | Director and Secretary |
| 13. Mrs. Phakhawadee Svasti-Xuto | Director and Treasurer |
The foundation is honored to have Venerable Phra Thepphacharayanamuni (Ajahn Jayasaro) as its honorary advisor.
