Dr. Willem Hendrik van der Sluis
Head of School
Executive Leadership Team
Dr. Willem Hendrik van der Sluis, known as Dr. W, is our Head of School. Dr. W is a global citizen with a background in education, leadership, and student counseling. He received his Doctorate in Education from the University of Glasgow, Scotland (UK), a Master’s degree in Inclusive Education from Middlesex University, London (UK), and a Bachelor’s degree in Pedagogics in The Netherlands.
Dr. W. has held several positions professionally throughout his career, including positions in The Netherlands, UK, Bangladesh, UAE, Kazakhstan, Thailand, and China, with an all-around PreK to Grade 12 set of experiences. He also taught for five years at Imperial College London (UK), a Top 10 World University.
Dr. W believes that our school community is dynamic, with brilliantly motivated children, enthusiastic parents, and a talented team committed to doing what is in the best interests of our students.
We will continue to put students first at BASIS and look forward to celebrating their collective success with Dr. W. in the years to come. Dr. W is excited to join our growing BASIS International School Bangkok community and looks forward to building upon our successes over the past several years.
Mrs. Wilairat Chalermsrisiri
Head of Operations
With over 20 years of extensive experience in operations management, Mrs. Wilairat Chalermsirisiri brings a wealth of expertise in leading teams, driving efficiency, and implementing high-level operational strategies across diverse industries. She holds a Master’s Degree in Chemical Engineering from Chulalongkorn University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering from King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, along with further studies in Beverage Technology and Management from Kasetsart University—showcasing her commitment to continuous learning and professional growth.
Mrs. Wilairat’s proven track record of streamlining processes, optimizing resources, and fostering a collaborative work environment has consistently earned her respect and trust in every organization she has led. At BASIS International School Bangkok, she is dedicated to creating a seamless operational structure that supports the school’s mission of providing exceptional educational experiences.
Her leadership is rooted in her deep understanding of operational systems, coupled with a hands-on approach that focuses on achieving the best possible outcomes for BASIS International School Bangkok. With her passion for operational excellence and her academic background, Mrs. Wilairat is well-positioned to contribute to the school’s long-term success and foster an environment of trust and professionalism within the school community.
Dr. SomnukTongiam
Thai Director
Dr.SomnukTongiam graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education (B.Ed.) majoring in Science from Sri Na-kharinwirot University. Thence obtained a Master Degree of Education (M.Ed.), majoring in Educational Psychology and Guidance, from Chulalongkorn University and thence a Doctoral Degree of Philosophy (Ph.D.), majoring in Educational Administration from Chulalongkorn University.
He has over 40 years of experience in education, 18 years of teaching and 22 years as a school director. This is his 3rd year at BASIS International School Bangkok as the School Director. He enjoys working within such an internationally focussed environment where he brings his own sage experience to bear.
Ms. Annie Fletcher
Director of Early Years
Born in Belgium and raised in the active Pacific Northwest of the United States, Annie Fletcher’s lifelong commitment to education began as a child sitting at the kitchen counter enchanted by the possibilities of learning. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies from Mills College in Oakland, California followed by a teaching credential from San Francisco State University and later pursued a Master’s in Educational Leadership and a two-year program in school administration. Annie began as an innovative teacher in Poulsbo, Washington, where her engaging methods and empathetic connection with students and families earned her promotions to leadership roles. Annie continued to teach in her assignment in the Solomon Islands and then back to Washington state where she became a National Board Certified Teacher and shifted into school administration.
Now at the helm of Early Years at BASIS International School Bangkok, Ms. Fletcher brings her experiences and vision to fruition. Her leadership is characterized by student-centered learning approaches that prioritize holistic development and critical thinking. By fostering partnerships with families and teamwork amongst school teachers and employees, Annie plans to elevate both academic and social emotional growth of students. Beyond her professional life, Annie enjoys hiking, yoga, art and taking time to explore her new community and make new friends in Bangkok and Thailand. She embodies a balanced and compassionate approach to life. Director Fletcher is looking forward to getting to know all of her new students and families.