HEI Schools is proud to announce the upcoming opening of LILLIPODS® St. Catherine in Pathum Thani, marking the first operational LILLIPODS® preschool in Thailand. The campus is set to welcome its first students in May 2026.
This milestone builds on HEI Schools’ growing presence in Thailand, following the earlier announcement of a LILLIPODS® project in Mae Sot. With St. Catherine progressing rapidly toward completion, it will become the first LILLIPODS® preschool in the country to open its doors and begin delivering Finnish-inspired early childhood education to local families.
The project is led by Panasorn Namtien, owner of St. Catherine Kindergarten. With a family legacy spanning three generations in education, the partnership reflects a deep-rooted commitment to quality education and continuous development.
The collaboration was formally marked by a signing ceremony held on 26 February 2026, attended by HEI Schools Global representative Sami Mäkinen, Director of Global Partnerships at the Finnish Embassy in Thailand—highlighting the strong international cooperation behind the project.
A Legacy of Education, Reimagined for the Future
For the St. Catherine team, this milestone represents more than a new school concept—it is the continuation of a family legacy in early childhood education.
“Our journey began with my grandmother, who first planted the seeds of our family’s passion for nurturing young minds,” says Ms. Panasorn Namtien, Director of St. Catherine Kindergarten and Founder of LILLIPODS® St. Catherine. “This vision was continued by my mother, who expanded her preschool into several locations. I later joined her, and together we have continued this journey—growing not just schools, but a shared belief in meaningful, child-centered education.”
“Today, our focus is to create a space where children learn with joy, curiosity, and confidence through hands-on, play-based experiences. We truly believe that children learn best when they are actively engaged, exploring the world around them in a natural and meaningful way.”
This philosophy led the team to adopt the LILLIPODS® concept.
“The Finnish approach, with its trust in the child, balance, and holistic development, resonates deeply with our values. It allows us to thoughtfully enhance our existing curriculum and bring even more value to the children and families we serve. We are proud to continue our family’s legacy while evolving with a global perspective—always keeping the child at the heart of everything we do.”
Setting a New Benchmark in Early Education
As the first LILLIPODS® preschool to become operational in Thailand, LILLIPODS® St. Catherine represents a significant step in expanding access to high-quality early childhood education in the country. The preschool will serve up to 150 children aged 2 to 6 years, offering a holistic, play-based learning experience that supports children’s well-being, creativity, and lifelong learning skills.
The project is expected to have a meaningful impact not only for enrolled families, but also for the broader local education landscape by introducing globally recognized best practices in early years education.
Looking Ahead
This partnership marks the beginning of a long-term collaboration. Plans are already in place to expand the LILLIPODS® concept within the partner’s education portfolio, with a second preschool—LILLIPODS® Fasirin—scheduled to open in May 2027.
To learn more about LILLIPODS® approach and subjects, please visit: https://www.lillipodseducation.com/
More information
About LILLIPODS® concept for school owners
LILLIPODS® is an innovative preschool concept developed by HEI Schools, a global leader in Finnish early education. The curriculum is designed to be adaptable and scalable, providing teacher training and operational support to ensure seamless integration into local communities. LILLIPODS® centers are built on the foundation of Finnish educational excellence and local expertise, focusing on holistic development and academic learning with playful, balanced teaching.