“Knowledge is the superb asset.” This motto echoes through the halls of Wat Suthiwararam School. Known also as Watsamrong school or ST, this all-boys school has a rich history. It is a place of learning in the Sathon district of Bangkok.
Wat Suthiwararam School was established in 1911. King Vajiravudh named the school. It was the first school founded by a commoner and dedicated to public service during his reign. Initially it was called Wat Suthiwararam especial high school.
In 1917, Wat Suthiwararam School changed its system. It moved from the old school system to the Western system. This school became Satri Si Suriyothai School and was for girls. In 1989, the school created a Buddha statue. It was named Luang Por Suthi Mongkolchai.
Today, Wat Suthiwararam School is exclusively for boys. It provides secondary education for students in Mattayom 1 through 6. The school occupies approximately 3 acres. It includes 6 buildings and 72 rooms.
The school colors are pink, white, and green. A lotus and a diamond serve as the school’s symbols. These symbols represent purity and strength.
In 1964, King Bhumibol Adulyadej praised the Watsamrong school marching band. He said it was very good. The school’s marching band won the 1999 World Championship for Marching Show Bands. The competition was held in Sydney, Australia. They received the Champion highest score in the Drum corps band category. This was in the Open, First division.
Wat Suthiwararam School students have excelled in international competitions. Ohmmarin Sathusen and Theerachai Chaitassanee participated in the 30th International Physics Olympiad. It was held in Padova, Italy in 1999. Wittaya Kanchanapoosakit received honorable mentions in the 31st International Physics Olympiad. This took place in Leicester, United Kingdom in 2000.
Prasert Sinsermsuksakul won a gold medal. He won it in the 33rd International Chemistry Olympiad in Mumbai, India in 2001. This was Thailand’s first gold medal in this Olympiad. Thiti Taychatanapat earned honorable mentions. He earned them in the 32nd International Physics Olympiad in Antalya, Turkey in 2001. He also won a Bronze Medal and Honorable mentions in the 2nd Asian Physics Olympiad in Taipei, Taiwan in 2001.
Monsit Tanasittikosol participated in the 33rd International Physics Olympiad in Bali, Indonesia in 2002. He received Honorable mentions in the 3rd Asian Physics Olympiad in Singapore in 2002. Neti Sunsandee was awarded a bronze medal in the 36th International Chemistry Olympiad. It took place in Kiel, Germany in 2004.
Ake Lerttriluck participated in the 6th Asian Physics Olympiad in Pekanbaru, Indonesia in 2005. Supamongkol Matchamee received a silver medal in the 37th International Chemistry Olympiad. It was held in Taipei, Taiwan in 2005. He achieved the highest score of grade 11 in the Australian National Chemistry Quiz.
Thanakorn Iamsasri participated in the 7th Asian Physics Olympiad. It took place in Almaty, Kazakhstan in 2006. Pisit Nitiyanant was awarded III Diploma. He achieved the best result among participants of new participating countries in the 2nd Asian-Pacific Astronomy Olympiad. It was held in Vladivostok, Russia in 2006. Sermsuk Thanabanjerdsin also participated in this Olympiad.
Several notable figures have graduated from Watsamrong school. Don Pramudwinai is the Minister of Foreign Affairs. He has served as Thai ambassador to Switzerland, China, North Korea and Mongolia, Belgium, Luxembourg, the European Union, the United Nations, and the United States. Several national football team players are alumni. These include Suttinan Phuk-hom, Patiparn Phetphun, Choketawee Promrut, Hatthaporn Suwan and Bordin Phala. Kiattisak Udomnak a Thai actor and comedian is also an alumnus.
Nearby schools include Satri Si Suriyothai School, Shrewsbury International School, Assumption College, Assumption Convent, Assumption Suksa School and Bangkok Christian College. Wat Suthiwararam School continues to uphold its motto. It provides knowledge and opportunities for its students.