Thailand (TH)

Thailand is one of the world’s largest expat hubs, combining Bangkok’s regional business ecosystem, Chiang Mai’s remote-worker scene, Phuket and Pattaya’s retirement and tourism communities, and strong international schools and hospitals.

Capital: Bangkok

Region: Asia

Language: Thai

Currency: THB (฿)

Cost of living: Very affordable (index 35)

Emergency: 191

Education & Schools

Schools, universities, and language courses in Thailand.

👶 Childcare & Kindergarten

Nursery / daycare THB 8,000-35,000 in major cities; premium international nurseries higher

Age: 3 months-3 years

Tour facilities, check licence, staff ratios, English support, sick policy, meals, nap arrangements, and emergency hospital.

⏱️ Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai international nurseries can fill quickly near school-year start.

Kindergarten / international preschool THB 20,000-80,000+ depending curriculum and location

Age: 2-6 years

Apply with passport, birth certificate, vaccination records, assessment, application fee, and deposit.

Nanny / maid / caregiver THB 15,000-35,000+ depending live-in, language, experience, and city

Age: All ages

Use referrals or agencies, verify work eligibility, references, duties, days off, and accommodation if live-in.

🏫 Schools

Government / bilingual / international primary Paid

Prathom

Ages: 6-12 · Language: Thai in public schools; English, bilingual, IB, British, American, Australian, French, German, Japanese, and other curricula in private/international schools.

International schools require passport, visa/residence evidence, school reports, assessments, health/vaccination forms, application fees, and deposits.

Most expat families use international or bilingual schools because Thai public schools are Thai-language and administratively difficult for short-term foreign families.

Government / private / international secondary Paid

Matthayom

Ages: 12-18 · Language: Thai, bilingual, or international curriculum depending school.

Apply 6-12 months ahead for popular Bangkok and Phuket schools; older students need transcripts, recommendations, interviews, and subject placement.

Check accreditation, university counselling, exam pathways, transport, EAL support, special needs capacity, and whether visas for student/guardian routes are supported.

International Schools

Thailand has a large international-school market, especially Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, and Hua Hin. Annual fees (2025/26): premium IB/British schools in Bangkok (NIST: THB 585,000–1,184,000/year; ISB: up to THB 1,100,000+; Harrow Bangkok in the same tier). Mid-range international schools: THB 350,000–700,000/year. Entry-level private schools: THB 150,000–350,000/year. Budget separately for application fees, capital levies, meals, bus, uniforms, devices, exams, and EAL support.

University

Tuition fee

Thai public universities can be affordable, but English/international programmes often cost THB 100,000-600,000+ per year; private international programmes can be higher.

Semester fee

Varies widely by institution and programme.

Student visa

Non-Immigrant ED visa and extensions require school documentation, attendance, passport validity, TM30, and immigration reporting.

Health insurance

Universities may require local or international health insurance; private cover is strongly recommended.

Application process

Apply directly to universities with passport, transcripts, degree certificates, English test where required, photos, and visa documents.

🗣️ Language Courses

Thai language school

Provider: Private language schools · Duration: Weeks to months · Levels: Beginner to advanced

THB 5,000-25,000 per course block

Useful for daily life; ED visa schools require real attendance and immigration compliance.

University Thai courses

Provider: Chulalongkorn, Chiang Mai University, and others · Duration: Term or intensive programme · Levels: Beginner to academic Thai

THB 20,000-60,000+ per term

Better for serious learners and some student visa routes.

Corporate Thai lessons

Provider: Employer or private tutor · Duration: Custom · Levels: Survival to workplace Thai

Often employer-paid or THB 500-1,500/hour private

Ask for landlord, hospital, taxi, immigration, and office vocabulary.

Premium Section

Education & Schools

Unlock the complete Education & Schools guide for Thailand — including every detail, document, tip and link you need.

Become a Supporter

Support the guide on Ko-fi · Unlocks every premium section, everywhere