Wesley’s Economic Pathway Begins at Patana
Supply, Demand and Determination
It’s a warm, reflective moment as Wesley leans back and grins, trying to piece together memories that stretch back to 2010. “I joined in Foundation Stage,” he says, “It wasn’t really learning back then, more like getting to know people — playing, laughing. But it felt right. I felt at ease from the start.” Since that October day in 2010, Wesley’s life has been inseparable from Bangkok Patana School. From the scribbles of early writing exercises in Year 3 to the analytical rigour of his IB Economics classes, his journey has been one of growth — academically, personally and globally.
“I think growing up at Patana has really shaped who I am today,” he reflects. “The environment, the people, the support — it’s all been so nurturing.” He recalls Ms Lorraine from Primary, and Mr Fieldhouse, his IB Economics teacher, with warmth and admiration. “Mr Fieldhouse really inspired me. We used to have long chats outside of class. He even recommended books like Nudge and Predictably Irrational. I quoted both in my personal statement.”
Wesley’s love for Economics didn’t start with ambition — it started with curiosity. “At first, I thought it was just about stocks and trading,” he laughs, “But then we got into macroeconomics, and it opened my eyes. It was fresh, unexpected. Then in IB, it all came together. That’s when I knew I wanted to pursue it further.”
His path forward is now firmly in place. Wesley has accepted an offer from Tilburg University in the Netherlands, where he will study for a bachelor’s degree in Economics. “It’s my top choice,” he says with quiet confidence, “Their academic scores are strong, and I have family there. I’ve never lived in the Netherlands before, but I think it’s time to explore.”
Wesley’s time at Bangkok Patana has been filled with more than academics. From the football pitch to the golf greens, he’s been a fixture of school sports since Year 6. “I’ve always played both football and golf,” he says. “I kept going with them through Secondary. Golf’s probably my favourite — it’s challenging in a very different way.”
He was also part of the Ror Dor programme, Thailand’s Reserve Officer Training Corps, a three-year leadership programme rarely discussed in depth. “It was unique,” he shares, “You meet people outside your usual school circle. It gave me a new perspective on Thailand — and on myself. You have to be disciplined, learn formations, address officers correctly. It wasn’t easy.”
His contributions extended beyond sports and service. As part of the EDULINK club, Wesley worked with NGOs to promote equitable education in Thailand. He even dabbled in coding during Primary and early Secondary, once competing as part of a FOBISIA Coding team in a challenge designed for older students. “We did really well,” he says, a note of pride in his voice.
When asked what he’ll miss most about Patana, Wesley doesn’t hesitate. “The food,” he says, laughing. “International Day food, the noodle bar — all of it. But more than that, the teachers. People like Mr Fieldhouse, Mr Brown and Mr Bryson — they’ve made a real impact.”
Wesley also looks up to Patana alumni like Vasa Panawasa, who’s now working in a top-tier firm after studying in the Netherlands. “He’s been a mentor for me,” Wesley shares. “He showed me it’s possible to go out there and make something big happen.”
As he prepares for the next chapter of his life, Wesley carries with him the memories of Foundation Stage playgrounds, international food days, and economics debates that sparked a future. Patana was never just a school — it was a home, a launchpad, and a place where ideas and identities were shaped.
