In 1957, the Redemptorists of Thailand formed the idea for a school to meet the educational and catechetical needs of children of expatriate and local Catholic parishioners. A makeshift school officially opened on May 17 of that year—designated RIS Foundation Day—with four wooden classrooms behind Holy Redeemer Church. In 1963, what was then known as Ruam Rudi School (RRS) was officially chartered under the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs and renamed Ruamrudee International School (RIS).

May 17, 1957, is the designated Foundation Day of RIS. This photo, dated November 1965, was when new buildings were completed and blessed in an official school opening ceremony. What was then known as Ruam Rudi School (RRS) was later officially renamed Ruamrudee International School (RIS).

“Ruamrudee,” Thai for “union of hearts,” perfectly encapsulates the RIS philosophy of welcoming all children, emphasizing social responsibility, and ensuring a warm learning environment. RIS became one of the first schools in Asia to be fully accredited by WASC (the Western Association of Schools and Colleges) and the Thai Ministry of Education, and in 1992, moved from its original Soi Ruamrudee campus in downtown Bangkok to its current location in Minburi. An IB World School since 1998, RIS is one of few schools in Thailand to offer both the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program and Advanced Placement tracks.

Ruamrudee International School, founded in 1957, was originally located in Soi Ruamrudee 5 in downtown Bangkok.

RIS students consistently prove their academic excellence by scoring far above world averages and attending the most prestigious colleges and universities around the world. RIS students benefit from small class sizes, relevant and innovative electives, modern languages, and a vibrant performing and visual arts program. The Student Services department, led by a school psychologist, ensures that the English Language Development and Learning Support programs meet the diverse needs of all students.

After 35 years in Soi Ruamrudee, RIS moved to its present-day campus in Minburi in 1992. Pictured here is the official opening ceremony held on August 30, 1993.

RIS nurtures students’ heads, hands, and hearts. At RIS, students excel both in and out of the classroom and are prepared to successfully compete in the global marketplace. A broad range of academic and service-oriented clubs are offered, such as the Model UN, National Honors Society, and Habitat for Humanity. RIS also has one of the largest athletic programs of any international school in Southeast Asia, with more than 60 different sports teams. The extended day program provides even more creative enrichment opportunities in everything from fashion design to gaming to yoga and dance.

Fr. Thomas Griffith, founder of the RIS Minburi campus, surveys the new RIS admin building with Fr. Leo Travis & Fr. Patrick Morrissey in the early 90s.

As an educational institution with over six decades of history and now three campuses across Bangkok, RIS boasts a diverse, multi-generational international family consisting of thousands of students, graduates, faculty, and staff. Today, the RIS alumni network is a vibrant, tight-knit community bonded by affinity and nostalgia for RIS. Alumni excel in their respective industries and include many prominent figures in public and private sectors at both the local and international level, including the government, business, and entertainment industries.

Father Godbout & Sister Elizabeth, the two who had the vision of Ruamrudee over six decades ago