Our History

Thirty years ago, only a small handful of international schools existed in Thailand, each connected to a single national curriculum. NIST emerged as an option for parents wanting their children to experience and enjoy learning in a diverse, multicultural and inclusive international school. NIST was—and still is—unique.

Working hand-in-hand with members of the United Nations, the first parents, students and teachers envisioned a school free from any one national curriculum programme. They imagined a learning community dedicated to an international education to develop global citizens. When NIST opened its gates on the morning of 13 August 1992, the first 502 students made that dream a reality. 

In 1992 NIST became the first full International Baccalaureate (IB) World School in Thailand, and by 1999 was offering all three IB programmes. Focused on inquiry, exploration, reflection and—most significantly—the belief that learning is at the core of the human experience, the IB philosophy aligned with the shared vision of our growing community.

Today, our internationalism is not only expressed in our curriculum but also through our diverse community. Students from more than 75 different nationalities learn about themselves, their cultures and the cultures of others while always honouring the traditions of our host country, Thailand. Our teachers are as diverse as our students, with most having experienced teaching in an average of three other countries before joining NIST. 

Over the past three decades, the school has matured and developed a reputation for excellence, clearly demonstrated in our professionalism and expressed through our curriculum: The NIST Learning Programme. We recognise the critical role that our teachers and support staff play in the school’s ongoing success, and we are constantly seeking ways to improve everything we do. NIST aims to be a preeminent school that develops global citizens who flourish and make a positive difference in the world.