North Star Park launches BISA to pioneer a new international school model combining academics with advanced sports training, aiming to develop Thai and Asian youth into world-class professional golfers and tennis players.
Dr. Akniti Nitithanprapas, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, together with Chadchart Sittipunt, Governor of Bangkok, unveiled the "North Star Park" project and the Bangkok International School for Athletes (BISA), a new international school model designed specifically for high-performance athletes, particularly in tennis and golf. They also brought in world-class partners, including former Andy Murray coach Emilio Sanchez and former world No. 1 golfer "Gino" Atthaya Thitikul, to support the vision of creating a comprehensive learning and training ecosystem that nurtures Asian youth toward professional athletic careers.
Dr. Akniti Nitithanprapas, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, along with Chadchart Sittipunt, Governor of Bangkok, Philippe Suwanhuan, Founder & CEO of North Star Park and founder of BISA, jointly held a press conference to launch the North Star Park project and Bangkok International School for Athletes (BISA) at the Royal Pavilion Room, Royal Bangkok Sports Club, on 24 July 2026.
The event also featured sports partners joining forces, including Emilio Sanchez, tennis visionary and founder of the Emilio Sanchez Academy, a world-renowned tennis development institute that has trained top players like Andy Murray, Grigor Dimitrov, Svetlana Kuznetsova, Daniela Hantuchova, and Janko Tipsarevic. Also present were 'Gino' Atthaya Thitikul, former world No. 1 golfer and currently ranked No. 2 globally, and Kris Aswapimolporn, BISA's Golf Director and expert in elite golfer development. Four scholarships valued at 109,000 baht each were awarded to selected youth to attend an 11-day camp at Alpine Tennis Club, an international tennis institute, offering firsthand experience of professional and world-class athletes.
North Star Park is a new sports-oriented real estate mega-project near Suvarnabhumi Airport, developed to house the Bangkok International School for Athletes (BISA). It is an international educational institution promoting academic study alongside world-class elite sports training. Its goal is to create a 360-degree learning and training ecosystem for driven students to become professional athletes without sacrificing education. Initiated by Philippe, who envisions leveraging his experience in business strategy, technology, and organizational management to develop North Star Park as a new model for youth development by integrating education, sports, and wellness into a unified ecosystem.
Philippe revealed, “North Star Park is not just a place for study or training; it is designed for youth aged 12-18 to discover their life goals, shape character, and build confidence to reach their full potential, especially in academic and athletic excellence. These two paths can support each other. North Star Park will include an international school, advanced tennis and golf training centers, a physical fitness and sports development center, wellness areas, hospitality services and accommodation, community sports spaces, and event venues. The primary curricula will focus on tennis and golf, featuring modern courses teaching essential skills applicable to work and personal passions in today’s and tomorrow’s world. We also plan to add other sports curricula in the future.”
Chadchart Sittipunt, Governor of Bangkok, stated that he believes this project will create a complete learning and sports ecosystem for youth. He said sports build discipline, which helps children succeed in many areas. He is confident the project will drive Bangkok to become a regional center for education and sports, breaking down barriers between academics and athletics, enabling Thai youth to reach the global sports stage.
‘Gino’ Atthaya Thitikul, former world No. 1 golfer and currently ranked No. 2 globally, said the Bangkok International School for Athletes is truly built for athletes and is unlike typical schools. Reflecting on her own childhood, she said attending a regular school meant starting at 7 a.m. and finishing at 3 p.m., leaving little time to practice golf except in the evenings. BISA’s system balances academics and sports equally, which suits children passionate about and dreaming of professional sports careers. She believes such a supportive system will be a key factor in producing many more world-class Thai athletes.
Bangkok International School for Athletes (BISA) is scheduled to open in August 2027, subject to approval from relevant regulatory authorities. Interested parties can follow updates and find more information through North Star Park and BISA’s official channels: website www.bisa.school, Line: @bisa.school, and email contact@bisa.school.