Navigating the education system in Thailand can feel overwhelming for expat families, considering a move to Bangkok. With multiple educational pathways and pedagogies ranging from traditional Thai schools to world-class international institutions, understanding the available options is crucial for making informed decisions about your children’s academic futures. And with different systems and languages at play, it can be a bit challenging to take it all in.
This blog will serve as an overview of the Thai education system as well as some guidance on being an expat parent. So whether you’re planning around a short-term contract or a full relocation, you will find the information you need just below. Remember, having a clear picture of Thailand’s educational system will help ensure your family transition as smoothly as possible, and that’s invaluable.
Thai Public Schools
Thailand’s public education system follows a structured approach divided into two main levels: Prathom (primary) and Mathayom (secondary). Prathom covers grades 1-6, typically for children aged 6-12, while Mathayom is for grades 7-12 with students aged 13-18. The Thai academic year differs significantly from typical Western academic calendars, running from May to March, with breaks in October and April.
Most students who complete their Mathayom education at Thai schools continue to universities within Thailand, with the top students matriculating at Chulalongkorn University, Thammasat University, and Mahidol University. While the Thai system provides a solid foundation in local culture and language, instruction is primarily conducted in Thai, making it challenging for expat children who don’t speak the language fluently.
Private Schools with English Education
For families hoping their kids get both local integration and English-language instruction, private schools offer bilingual or English-focused education for a student body mixed with Thai and Expat kids. These institutions typically follow a hybrid curriculum that combines Thai educational standards with international teaching methods and proper English-language instruction.
Student life at these schools often emphasizes both academic excellence, athletic prowess, and cultural development, with many offering extracurricular activities that blend Western and Thai traditions. However, it’s important to note that while these schools provide English education, they might not be the ideal fit for families planning to relocate again or those seeking schools with internationally recognized qualifications. The curriculum may not align perfectly with educational systems in your home country and/or other countries, potentially creating transferring challenges for students. As parents, these are potential problems to avoid.
International School
International schools remain the premium choice for most expat families, offering globally recognized curricula and truly international environments. Of course, they also come at a premium price. Bangkok’s top international schools include the International School Bangkok (ISB), Bangkok Patana School, NIST International School, and Shrewsbury International School, each bringing unique strengths and education systems to the educational landscape.
These institutions typically follow internationally recognized programs such as the International Baccalaureate (IB), British National Curriculum, or American educational standards. The advantages of attending prestigious schools like these are numerous: world-class facilities, highly qualified international teaching staff, transferability to schools worldwide, and diverse student bodies with some truly exceptional students.
However, international schools come with considerations beyond their obvious benefits. Tuition fees can be substantial, often ranging from 500,000 to over 1 million baht annually per student. Additionally, admission can be competitive, particularly for popular schools, requiring planning ahead and extended waiting lists. Despite these challenges, most expat families find that the investment in international education yields great outcomes for their children.
Being a Parent in the Education System in Thailand
As a parent of school-age children in Thailand, the importance of building a strong community cannot be overstated. That includes both within the school environment and in your residential area. International schools often serve as social hubs for expat families, hosting events and activities that help newcomers integrate into Thailand’s international community. It’s likely that your new circle of friends will stem from school.
Your choice of residence also plays a pivotal role in your family’s overall school experience and quality of life. Bangkok’s heavy traffic means that proximity to school can make the difference between a 20-minute drop-off and a stress-inducing hour-long journey twice daily. Living near your school also facilitates participation in the broader school community. Parents can more easily attend school events, children can participate in extracurricular activities without lengthy commutes, and spontaneous playdates become feasible.
Housing is much easier to secure than enrollment in your desired school is, so don’t worry about finding your next address until you have your kid’s education sorted.
Making the Move to Thailand
Thailand’s education system offers excellent opportunities for expat children, from local schools offering immersion to world-class international education. A successful transition lies in thorough research, early planning, and choosing the right school to support your children’s educational goals. Your child’s input could be surprisingly insightful when involving them in this decision making process.
For families ready to make the move to Thailand, finding the right home base is essential for educational and social success. Consider exploring options for an apartment near an international school so that your family gets the convenience and community connections it needs. And if you happen to be drawn to the prestige of Shrewsbury International School, securing an apartment for rent near Shrewsbury Bangkok or is the only option for maintaining a smooth transition.
Bangkok Garden Apartment is a premier provider of fully furnished luxury serviced apartments in the Sathorn district of Bangkok CBD. Our world-class apartments are set within three acres of lush tropical grounds, offering a safe and relaxing environment for comfortable and convenient living. There are state-of-the-art facilities to suit every lifestyle, with a children’s playground, swimming pools, a jogging track, a basketball court, a football pitch, and a fitness center.