An Early Chapter of Patana

A Childhood in the 70s

Bangkok Patana School is Thailand’s first British international school in Thailand. As they prepare to celebrate their 70^th anniversary, one of its early alums recounts his experiences. 

Tim Blackburn attended the school from 1974 – 1980. Bangkok Patana School was not just a place of learning but the beginning of a lifelong connection to community, culture and the wider world. Having joined the school in 1974 at just four years old, Tim was part of a generation that helped shape the identity of Bangkok Patana school in its earliest years.

A School Above the Klong

Tim’s earliest memories are deeply rooted in the physical and emotional landscape of the school. The school by this time, had moved from its original location on Ploenchit Road, then to soi Ngam Du Phli and was on Soi Navin., just off Rama 4 Road. “The wooden classrooms above the klong,” he says are really memorable, “and the excitement of walking across to the opening of the new Stuetzel Building.”

Bangkok in the early 1970s was a unique place for a non-Thai child to grow up. Weekends were spent exploring Hua Hin, Pattaya or travelling “up country,” while the backdrop of global events quietly shaped daily life. “As a child, you’re largely oblivious,” Tim reflects, “but I do remember the military coups, occasional curfews and the presence of US military during the Vietnam conflict.”

Despite this, he said his school experience was rich, joyful and full of discovery.

Milk Cartons, Sports Days and Spartans

Many of the experiences Tim had, are still enjoyed by students today. His typical school day was simple yet full. Early mornings gave way to busy lessons, creative projects and lively break times. “Break time was all about trays of flavoured milk cartons, chocolate or strawberry, “ he recalled.

Art stood out as a favourite, with students creating crafts tied to cultural celebrations, from Christmas decorations to loy kratongs. There was also a strong sense of friendly competition. “Inter class sports rivalry was keen,” he says. “And sports day was always a highlight.”Perhaps most memorable to Tim were the swimming galas at the British Club, where students were divided into teams with classical names. “I remember the pride of being a Spartan,” he shares. Today Bangkok Patana students can remain on campus to improve their swimming technique in one of the school’s three pools, but they still compete in intra-school swimming galas. 

People Who Shaped the Journey

Behind these memories were influential figures who helped define Tim’s experience. Headmaster Duncan Lawson stood out to Tim as a charismatic and ambitious leader. “He was a huge character, mischievous and really set the tone for the school,” said Tim.

Equally memorable was Claire Gibson, the school librarian. “She presided over this cool, quiet treasure trove of books,” Tim says.“Our families have remained lifelong friends.”

These relationships, along with the school’s diverse community, played a key role in shaping Tim’s worldview. “Patana was incredibly international,” he explains. “It taught tolerance, curiosity and a genuine appreciation for different cultures.” Throughout its 70-year history, this diversity and cultural appreciation remained a defining characteristic of the school. 

A Foundation for a Global Life

At the age of 10, Tim left for the UK, later attending Sherborne Boys and then CambridgeUniversity, where he studied Modern Languages. His career has since taken him across the world, from Sydney and Singapore to Rio de Janeiro and Hong Kong, where he is now Chief Executive of Swire Properties.

Looking back, he sees a clear thread connecting his early years at Patana to his global journey. “A global outlook, openness and curiosity were all forged at Patana,” he reflects.

Though the campus today is vastly different from the one he remembers, Tim believes the essence of the school remains unchanged. “The facilities are unrecognisable,” he says, “but the values and the school’s role in the community have remained constant.”

A Pioneering Spirit

How would he describe the spirit of Patana in those early days?

“Pioneering, ambitious, international.”

It is a spirit that continues to resonate, even as the school celebrates its 70th anniversary. For Tim, being part of that early chapter is a source of pride. “Patana opened my eyes to the wider world,” he says. “It gave me an appreciation of people and cultures that has stayed with me throughout my life.”

A Message for the Next Generation

His advice to current Patana students reflects his own time at the school: 

“Embrace every moment of the Bangkok Patana experience, academic, extracurricular and social. It is a unique environment that prepares you not just for exams but for life as a global citizen.”