This week’s spotlight shines on our friendly School Secretary, Thitima Allen.
Since joining the Beachborough Prep team in 2022, Thitima has progressed from a part-time Kitchen Assistant to Evening School Secretary, and in 2024, into her current role at the heart of the school. Here, she shares her story and reflects on the experiences that have shaped her journey.
Hi Thitima, can you tell us a little about yourself – what you’re passionate about, your background and what makes you, you.
Although I hold dual citizenship, being Thai by birth and British by marriage, I am very proud to be Thai. I was born in Bangkok and have Chinese heritage. I grew up in a province a three-hour drive north of Bangkok, where my late father owned a large factory producing car and lorry tyres.
After losing him at the age of 13, my mother, my two siblings, and I moved to Bangkok to be closer to our extended family. I completed all my education in Thailand, graduating from the prestigious Chulalongkorn University with a major in English and a minor in French.
My first two roles in Bangkok were as a Management Secretary within an international agricultural group of companies, followed by a position as Public Relations and Marketing Communications Secretary at the world-renowned Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok hotel.
I then went on to become one of three Senior Thai Cabin Crew at the British Airways Bangkok base, where I worked for 10 years. My role involved not only flying to London two to three times a month but also working on the ground in the Bangkok airport office. We coordinated closely with Heathrow Cabin Crew and scheduling teams for nearly 50 Thai cabin crew members, and were responsible for recruitment, sickness monitoring, performance management, product launches, and marketing initiatives.
Unfortunately, following the September 11 attacks, the entire Bangkok-based crew office was made redundant. I subsequently accepted a role with an international HR, training and consultancy company in Bangkok as a Frontline Service Manager.
I moved to the UK nearly 23 years ago and have since lived in a village local to the school. I first came to Beachborough Prep 13 years ago, when my daughter attended Paul Valentine’s Sunday tennis club on a weekly basis.
I have a passion for travelling and exploring different cultures, sights, and, of course, food. Despite having had the opportunity to visit many places, including reaching (with difficulty) the highest point of Mount Kilimanjaro, there are still so many places and activities I wish to cross off my bucket list.
What do you love the most about being part of the Beachborough team?
What I love most about being part of the Beachborough team is that, across all departments, staff members are friendly, kind and supportive.
What inspired you to do what you do and what keeps you passionate about it today?
Returning to the workplace has given me the opportunity to make the most of my skills while enjoying a good work-life balance. My previous career experience, combined with my life experiences and personal qualities, has positively contributed to my current role. I firmly believe that great customer service is absolutely one of the keys to success.
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Thank you for sharing your story, Thitima. We’re delighted to have you as part of the Beachborough Prep team, where your warmth and dedication are truly valued.
