What Expats Need To Know About The Education System in Thailand

2018.05.12 1,701

In the past, schools in Thailand only appealed to expats looking to pursue careers as English teachers. However, as more foreigners with families have relocated to the country, the system of education in Thailand has piqued the interest of a population more concerned with the students' side of things.

Expats moving to Thailand with children won't be overwhelmed by choice; local public schools in Thailand have restrictions with regards to children's nationality and so most parents will only be able to choose a private or international school. HappyMom.Life is sharing something essential about education system in Thailand that expat parents need to know before taking kids to school.

 


Public Schools in Thailand


Education in Thailand is free for Thai nationals up to the age of 13, at which point they need to satisfy academic entrance requirements and begin to prepare for university, which starts for students as young as 16 years old.To be considered a Thai national, the child must have at least one Thai parent and the birth must have been registered in Thailand. 

Schools will ask for proof of this in the form of a birth certificate. Children who don't meet these requirements are not eligible for free public education in Thailand.
 



Private Bilingual Schools in Thailand


Private bilingual schools are a good option for expat parents who can't afford the high prices of international schools. The standard of some of these institutions has greatly improved over the course of the past decade, and Western-style teaching philosophies that focus on student-centered learning have had more influence in recent years.

The comprehensive nature of the English programmed offered does vary between schools, so expat parents should do their research before making a selection. It should also be kept in mind that many of these schools are religious, and the curriculum will likely include a value-based learning system that aligns with the school's designated faith.

For families who plan to live in Thailand long-term, these private bilingual schools may be the best option. They offer an opportunity for children to develop closer links to Thai culture and society while still allowing access to a higher level of education, a wider assortment of extra-curricular activities, and the kinds of facilities that are usually associated with private schools.

 


International Schools in Thailand


Many 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 by providing Western curricula.

All of these institutions are accredited by external bodies, and it follows that both learning standards and the criteria for hiring teachers is high. Many Thais prefer to send their children to these schools, and as a result, it's normal for their student bodies to consist primarily of locals.
These schools are also almost always well-financed, boast modern (even lavish) facilities, small class sizes and an impressive range of extra-curricular activities.

Thailand's international schools
offer a healthy assortment of curricula to cater to many home-country demands. Certain schools prepare students for SAT, A-Level, IGCSE and IB exams.
Although a large variety of international schools exist in commercial centres such as Bangkok and Pattaya, options are limited in rural areas and parents may need to consider boarding options or homeschooling.

Expat parents should note that popular schools have long waiting lists and admission may be based on language proficiency and academic achievement. Requirements vary from school to school, but it's always best to start the admissions and enrollment process as early as possible.

Fees for international schools in Thailand tend to be very high, depending on a student's age and the school. Expats would do well to try and negotiate an education allowance into their contract, otherwise even the most lucrative payout can end up being spent on tuition costs.




Credit image: Pinterest



>>> More Tips About Pregnancy in Thailand

>>> Shop for Your Pregnancy

>>> Discuss About Your Pregnancy

Related Tips

299,050
0
สูตรคำนวนปริมาณนมที่ลูกน้อยต้องการ อายุ 0 -1 ขวบ ให้กินนมวัน...
ทารกแรกเกิด นมแม่ ดูดนม น้ำนม เด็ก
275,022
0
หล่อบาดใจ! 30 ไอเดียทรงผมลูกชายสุดเท่
ทรงผม เด็ก ทรงผมเด็ก แฟชั่น แฟชั่นทรงผมเด็ก
129,346
0
3 ท่า สอนจับทารกวัย 0-3 เดือน “เรอ” หลังกินนมอิ่มแบบเห็นผล
ทารก นมแม่ เด็ก แม่ เรอ

Related Shop

Kinderpuppets Silom - Sathorn
Khet Bang Kho Laem , Bangkok
Message
Products for sensitive skin children import from Korea, gentle with pure natural... Read More
BABY CREAM (180ml) 850 Baht
850 THB
Baby Life Baby Care 0M-3M
BABY SOOTHING GEL (250ml) 690 Baht
690 THB
Baby Life Baby Care 0M-3M
BABY SHAMPOO&BATH (250ml) 790 Baht
790 THB
Baby Life Baby Care 0M-3M
BABY ORGANIC OIL (60ml) 890 Baht
890 THB
Baby Life Baby Care 0M-3M
BABY LOTION (200ml) 690 Baht
690 THB
Kids Life Kids Health
Order by Kerry
690 THB
Baby Life Baby Care 0M-3M
Sriphat Medical Center Mueang Chiang Mai ,
Sripatum Center Faculty of Medicine Chiang Mai University Approved to be establi... Read More
Giving Birth
Ask Price
Giving Birth Natural Birth
Camille Salon Khet Din Daeng ,
07:00 - 20:00 Business infomation Business details Parking Parking: Street Pri... Read More
Hair Salon
Ask Price
Beauty Hair Salon - Product
Thantakit International Dental Center Ratchadapisek - Huaykwang
Khet Huai Khwang , Bangkok
Welcome to Thailand 's longest established dental center Receive professional... Read More
Dental Center
Ask Price
Kids Life Kids Dental

Pick up Reviews

SEE MORE

Pick up reviews

Most Popular Tips