27 June 2021 · Packing Up and Landing Smooth · Thailand
Choosing an International School in Bangkok
Your relocation-coach-approved, zero-panic roadmap
Moving the family to Thailand’s buzzing capital can feel like juggling mangoes on a speeding tuk-tuk—especially when school enrolment deadlines, visa paperwork and jet-lagged kids all collide. I’ve walked dozens of parents through this exact scenario, and the good news is: Bangkok’s international-school scene is incredibly diverse, professional and (largely) English-speaking.
Below is the same framework I share with my private coaching clients, expanded into a public checklist for BorderPilot readers. Treat it like your GPS through the frenzy—tick the tasks, follow the budget tips, and you’ll touch down confident that your children’s education is sorted.
Why Bangkok Has Become an Education Hub
Before we map out tasks, let’s zoom out for context:
- 70+ accredited international schools cover every major curriculum—British, American, IB, Singaporean, French, even Finnish.
- English is the lingua franca on all campuses, with mother-tongue support in Mandarin, Japanese, German and Korean.
- Fees, while not exactly “budget,” are still 20–40 % lower than similar-ranked schools in Hong Kong or Singapore.
- Campus facilities range from Olympic pools to STEAM labs; Bangkok schools are in an arms race to impress.
In short, choice is both the gift and the headache. Which brings us to…
Pre-Move Preparation Checklist
Print this, stick it to the fridge, and mark it up with neon highlighters.
1. Map Your Family’s Priorities (6–12 months out)
- Curriculum continuity
• Will your child eventually re-enter the UK’s GCSE track? Dream of an Ivy-League application? Curriculum determines transferability. - Class size & pedagogical style
• Inquiry-based IB vs. traditional teacher-led British system—ask your kid, “Which style lets you thrive?” - Commute time
• Bangkok traffic makes Los Angeles look like a rural bike path. Limit the door-to-door trip to 30 min if possible. - Special support needs
• Bangkok schools generally offer EAL and mild SEN support, but capacity is capped. Flag this in advance.
Pull-quote: “Picking a school first, then housing nearby, is Bangkok relocation wisdom passed down like Thai grandmothers’ green-curry secrets.”
2. Short-List 4–6 Schools (5–10 months out)
• Start with the International Schools Association of Thailand directory.
• Check each school’s accreditation (CIS, WASC, or national bodies).
• Note application windows—some fill a year ahead, others operate rolling admissions.
3. Virtual Tours & Q&A Calls
Since COVID, almost all Bangkok schools offer VR campus walkthroughs and Zoom coffee chats with the admissions team. Prepare these questions:
- “What percentage of graduates get their first-choice university program?”
- “How do you handle EAL students in Year 8 transferring mid-term?”
- “What’s included in the capital levy, and how often does it increase?”
4. Document Vault (3–6 months out)
Create a cloud folder titled TH_School_Docs:
☑ Transcripts (last 3 years, in English)
☑ Immunisation records
☑ Passport photos (digital + printed)
☑ Birth certificates (translated)
☑ Any ed-psych evaluation reports
Pro tip: While you’re at it, prune your entire household inventory. My 30-day decluttering plan frees up mental and container space before Thai customs officers even glimpse your shipment.
5. Book Assessment Tests (2–4 months out)
Many schools require MAP, CAT4 or internally designed English/Math tests. Slots fill quickly during peak relocation seasons (March–June and Oct–Dec). Budget around 2,500–4,000 THB per assessment.
6. Visa & Work-Permit Alignment
Child-dependent visas (Non-immigrant “ED” for students or “O” for dependents) must list the actual school address. Coordinate with HR or your BorderPilot advisor so the paperwork matches the chosen campus.
Arrival Week Must-Dos
Congratulations, you survived the 11-hour flight, four in-flight cartoons and a dramatic spillage of guava juice. Now, focus on these in the first seven days:
Day 1–2: Beat Jet Lag, Visit Campus
Nothing reassures a kid like seeing their future playground in person. Schedule a low-stakes walkabout—feel the classroom vibe, locate the canteen (the pad kra-pao is spicier than it looks), and test the commute at real-world traffic o’clock (7 a.m.).
Day 3: Uniform & PE Kit Hunt
Bangkok uniform shops sit in dusty side streets and only accept cash. Avoid last-minute scrambles by collecting:
- Two full uniforms
- One PE set
- Formal attire if the school requires assemblies (think house ties or blazers)
- Black leather shoes (import them if your kid has wide feet; Thai sizing runs narrow)
Day 4–5: Banking & Fee Payments
School invoices arrive fast. Open a Thai bank account or set up Wise/Borderless and test a small transfer. Remember: local transfers (PromptPay) are instant; SWIFT can take five days.
Day 6: Immigration Check-In
Head to Chaengwattana Immigration Centre or use the new One-Stop Service if your employer qualifies. Bring:
- Letter from school confirming enrolment
- Copy of the education visa application
- Two passport photos (again!)
Day 7: Social Integration for Kids
Enroll them in a weekend football club, dance studio or coding camp. Many classes are hosted on school campuses themselves, easing social acclimation.
Budgeting Tips for the First Month
Let’s talk baht and sense. Bangkok can be as affordable or jaw-dropping as you make it. Below is an “average expat family” snapshot.
1. One-Off School Enrolment Costs
| Fee Type | Typical Range (THB) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | 3,000–5,000 | Usually non-refundable |
| Assessment/Testing | 2,500–4,000 | Per child |
| Enrolment/Registration | 70,000–120,000 | Payable upon acceptance |
| Capital levy/building fee | 100,000–250,000 | Some schools amortise across 2–3 years |
| Uniform & textbooks | 10,000–20,000 | Depends on curriculum |
Multiply by number of children—my clients with twins often negotiate sibling discounts, so don’t be shy.
2. Recurring Tuition
Annual tuition ranges widely (350,000–900,000 THB). Most schools offer:
- Term payments (three per year)
- Early-bird discount (2–3 % for paying annual fee upfront)
- Corporate rates—handy if your employer partners with a particular school
3. Transportation
Option A: School bus (30,000–60,000 THB per term).
Option B: Private driver (25,000 THB / month + petrol).
Option C: Condo shuttle + BTS Skytrain (swipe card: 1,200 THB / month per child).
4. The “Hidden” Extras
- PTA fundraisers & compulsory trips – 8,000–15,000 THB a year.
- Canteen – 70–100 THB per lunch if not included.
- Instrument rentals – 1,500 THB per term; a cello won’t fit in a tuk-tuk, trust me.
5. Monthly Cost-of-Living Snapshot (Family of 4)
- Rent (3-bed near Sukhumvit): 75,000–95,000 THB
- Utilities: 6,000 THB
- Groceries: 20,000 THB
- Health insurance top-up: 8,000 THB
- Leisure/weekend trips: 10,000 THB
Grand total: roughly 120,000–140,000 THB before school fees.
Call-out: BorderPilot Tip
Plug these numbers into your personalised relocation plan and test different scenarios—downtown condo vs. suburban house, BTS commute vs. school bus. Data beats guesswork every time.
Tools and Local Resources (Your Bangkok Ed-Kit)
Online Platforms
- Thailand International Schools Forum & News (Facebook) – over 30k parents exchanging unfiltered reviews.
- Montri Transport – real-time bus-tracking app linked to several major schools.
- SchoolReport Thailand – subscription database with exam score analytics and parent satisfaction ratings.
Government & NGOs
- Office of the Private Education Commission (OPEC) – verifies a school’s licence status.
- Bangkok Mothers & Babies International (BAMBI) – support meet-ups for parents with toddlers.
Community Support for Diverse Families
If your family identifies as LGBTQ+, rest assured that Bangkok is one of Asia’s more inclusive metropolitan areas. For a broader picture on choosing safe, welcoming destinations, our LGBTQ+ expat guide distils the key indicators to look for—many apply just as well in Thailand.
Language & Tutoring Services
- KidAble Thailand – after-school French, Mandarin, Thai tutoring.
- Ajarn.com – freelance tutors; vet qualifications carefully.
- EdTech apps – VIPKid, Khan Academy, Duolingo keep academic skills sharp during transitions.
Health & Safety
- Bumrungrad International Hospital – trusted for school medical forms. Book online GP checkups within 24 hrs.
- Samitivej Children’s Hospital – immunisation records digitised in English.
- LINE OpenChat – join “Expat Family Walk-In Clinic” channel for peer advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can we switch schools mid-year if our child isn’t happy?
A: Yes, most schools allow rolling admissions, but you’ll likely forfeit the non-refundable fees. Align notice periods (often one full term) before signing.
Q: Are Thai language classes compulsory?
A: For international schools, Thai culture and basic language are required by law up to Grade 9—but the workload is modest: usually two periods per week.
Q: How strict are uniform rules about hairstyles and jewelry?
A: Stricter than many Western systems. Expect hair-length checks and restrictions on visible piercings, yet colourful sports shoes are increasingly tolerated.
Q: IB vs. A-Level—which is better recognised in Thai universities?
A: Both are accepted, but Thai universities convert IB scores on a 45-point scale. Old-school faculty still “get” A-Levels instantly—something to note if your teen might apply locally.
My Personal Anecdote: The 27-Minute Commute Miracle
One client, Clara, was adamant her son would attend an IB school on Bangkok’s eastern fringe. Google Maps promised a 25-minute drive; real life at 6 a.m. on a Monday said 55. We used BorderPilot’s live traffic heatmap to rerun the scenario, swapped her housing search to Bang Na, and shaved the commute to 27 minutes door-to-door. Result? More sleep, no car fights, one grateful teenager.
Step-By-Step Recap
- Identify family and academic priorities 6–12 months out.
- Short-list 4–6 schools; book virtual tours.
- Assemble your document vault and schedule assessments.
- Time visa paperwork to the chosen school’s address.
- On arrival: campus visit, uniform shopping, bank transfers, immigration formalities, social integration.
- Track both one-off and recurring costs; negotiate where possible.
- Leverage local tools, parent groups and BorderPilot’s data dashboards.
Ready to Make It Happen?
Every successful relocation starts with a clear, customised plan. Generate yours for free in minutes and see precisely how different Bangkok schooling options affect your timeline and budget. When you’re ready, I’ll be on the other side of the dashboard to guide you the rest of the way.
Smooth landings, shorter commutes and happy kids await—see you inside BorderPilot.