Education and Schools in Thailand
In the past, schools in Thailand were of interest only to those expats looking to pursue careers as English teachers. However, 
as more and more foreigners with families relocate to this emerging economy, education in Thailand is piqueing the interest of a population more concerned with the student side of things.
That said, expats moving to this Southeast Asian nation with children need not worry too much about choosing a school for their little ones; local public and private schools in Thailand are generally not regarded as options due to the language barrier, thus, families must merely select from a few reputable international schools.
Education in Thailand is free for kids up until the age of 13, at which point students need to satisfy academic entrance requirements and begin to prepare for university, which starts for those as young as 16 years old.
Despite such an attractive price tag; however, few expats choose to send their children to local public institutions. The national curriculum is distinctly Thai, the primary teaching language is Thai and high standards are hampered by limited funding and frequent teacher turnover.
Private bilingual schools, on the other hand, are becoming more viable options for expats who can't afford the VERY pricey international schools. The standard of some of these institutions has greatly improved over the course of the last decade, and a few are even adopting western-style teaching philosophies that focus on student-centred learning.
The comprehensive nature of the English program offered does vary between schools, so expat parents should be sure to do some research before making a selection. Furthermore, many of these schools are religious, and parents will need to be aware that the curriculum will likely include a value-based learning system that aligns with the designated faith.
For those families who have Thai children or who plan to live in Thailand long-term, these private bilingual schools are by and far the best option. They offer an opportunity for children to develop a closer link with Thai culture and society while still allowing access to a higher level of education, a wider assortment of extra-curricular activities, and the better quality facilities that are usually associated with private schools.
Annual tuition costs generally range from 80,000 THB to 200,000 THB.
The majority of expats choose to send their children to international schools in Thailand. These bodies teach in a language and style familiar to children, and allow for continuity in education.
All of these institutions are accredited by external bodies (CIS or CfBT), and it follows that both learning standards and the criteria for hiring teachers is high. Even many Thais prefer to send their children to these houses of learning, and as a result, it's normal for an international school's student body to consist primarily of locals.
Furthermore, these schools are almost always well-financed, and boast modern (even lavish) facilities, small class sizes and an impressive range of extra-curricular activities.
The international schools in Thailand offer a healthy assortment of curricula that caters to many home-country demands. Certain schools prepare students for SAT, A'Level, IGCSE and IB exams.
Though a large variety of international schools exist in the commercial centres, like Bangkok and Pattaya, options will be limited in the rural regions, and parents may need to either send their children to a boarding school or homeschool them.
Expat parents should note that waiting lists may exist for the more popular schools, and admission may be based on language proficiency and academic achievement. That said, requirements vary from school to school. It is always best to begin making plans for enrolment as early as possible.
Fees for international schools in Thailand tend to be astronomical, usually ranging from 300,000 THB to 600,000 THB per annum, depending on student age and institution. Expats should attempt to incorporate education allowances into their contract, otherwise even the most lucrative payout can end up being eaten up in tuition costs.
as more and more foreigners with families relocate to this emerging economy, education in Thailand is piqueing the interest of a population more concerned with the student side of things.That said, expats moving to this Southeast Asian nation with children need not worry too much about choosing a school for their little ones; local public and private schools in Thailand are generally not regarded as options due to the language barrier, thus, families must merely select from a few reputable international schools.
Public and private schools in Thailand
Education in Thailand is free for kids up until the age of 13, at which point students need to satisfy academic entrance requirements and begin to prepare for university, which starts for those as young as 16 years old.
Despite such an attractive price tag; however, few expats choose to send their children to local public institutions. The national curriculum is distinctly Thai, the primary teaching language is Thai and high standards are hampered by limited funding and frequent teacher turnover. Private bilingual schools in Thailand
Private bilingual schools, on the other hand, are becoming more viable options for expats who can't afford the VERY pricey international schools. The standard of some of these institutions has greatly improved over the course of the last decade, and a few are even adopting western-style teaching philosophies that focus on student-centred learning.
The comprehensive nature of the English program offered does vary between schools, so expat parents should be sure to do some research before making a selection. Furthermore, many of these schools are religious, and parents will need to be aware that the curriculum will likely include a value-based learning system that aligns with the designated faith.
For those families who have Thai children or who plan to live in Thailand long-term, these private bilingual schools are by and far the best option. They offer an opportunity for children to develop a closer link with Thai culture and society while still allowing access to a higher level of education, a wider assortment of extra-curricular activities, and the better quality facilities that are usually associated with private schools.
Annual tuition costs generally range from 80,000 THB to 200,000 THB.
International schools in Thailand
The majority of expats choose to send their children to international schools in Thailand. These bodies teach in a language and style familiar to children, and allow for continuity in education.
All of these institutions are accredited by external bodies (CIS or CfBT), and it follows that both learning standards and the criteria for hiring teachers is high. Even many Thais prefer to send their children to these houses of learning, and as a result, it's normal for an international school's student body to consist primarily of locals.Furthermore, these schools are almost always well-financed, and boast modern (even lavish) facilities, small class sizes and an impressive range of extra-curricular activities.
The international schools in Thailand offer a healthy assortment of curricula that caters to many home-country demands. Certain schools prepare students for SAT, A'Level, IGCSE and IB exams.
Though a large variety of international schools exist in the commercial centres, like Bangkok and Pattaya, options will be limited in the rural regions, and parents may need to either send their children to a boarding school or homeschool them.
Expat parents should note that waiting lists may exist for the more popular schools, and admission may be based on language proficiency and academic achievement. That said, requirements vary from school to school. It is always best to begin making plans for enrolment as early as possible.
Fees for international schools in Thailand tend to be astronomical, usually ranging from 300,000 THB to 600,000 THB per annum, depending on student age and institution. Expats should attempt to incorporate education allowances into their contract, otherwise even the most lucrative payout can end up being eaten up in tuition costs.
