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International School FAQs: What Parents Ask When Moving to Thailand

Picture of Madeleine Lee By  Madeleine Lee  ·  2 minute read

Thailand has become one of the most popular relocation destinations for families in Southeast Asia. If you're moving to Bangkok, Chiang Mai, or Phuket and need to choose an international school, this guide is for you.

Below, we’ve answered the most common questions parents ask when searching for international schools in Thailand — from curricula to fees to admissions timelines. doris helps you compare schools clearly, based on your family’s needs — not paid rankings or promoted listings.

Explore international schools in Thailand with doris

1. What international curricula are offered in Thailand?

Thailand offers a wide mix of curricula — some global, some bilingual, some national stream:

Curriculum Where You’ll Find It Notes
IB (PYP, MYP, DP) Bangkok, Phuket Widely accepted globally, inquiry-based
British (IGCSE, A-Level) Bangkok, Chiang Mai Subject-focused, structured, exam-based
American (High School Diploma, AP) Bangkok GPA-based with flexibility in subject selection
Bilingual or Trilingual Chiang Mai, Phuket Often includes Thai, Mandarin, or French
Other national systems Bangkok German, Japanese, Chinese, French curricula available

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2. How much do international schools cost in Thailand?

Tuition fees vary widely depending on school type and location.

Annual Fees (THB) School Type
Under 300,000 Community-focused, smaller, bilingual schools
300,000–600,000 Most British, American, and IB schools
600,000+ Premium international schools with large campuses or boarding options

Application fees, registration charges, and extra costs (uniforms, transport, meals) are often additional.

3. When should I apply?

Thailand offers a mix of academic calendar systems. Most international schools start in August or September, though some have January or rolling intake.

Planning Timeline Ideal Action
9–12 months ahead Begin shortlisting and enquiring
6–9 months ahead Submit applications and prepare assessments
< 3 months ahead Focus on schools with rolling or flexible intake

doris shows admissions timing and availability where provided.

4. What cities have international schools?

City What to Know
Bangkok Most diverse options: IB, British, American, bilingual, and boarding
Chiang Mai Smaller schools with nature-based or holistic approaches
Phuket Popular with lifestyle-focused families; a mix of British and IB schools
Pattaya / Hua Hin Fewer options, but growing with expat demand

You can filter schools by location when using doris.

5. What kind of support is available?

International schools in Thailand often offer:

  • EAL (English as an Additional Language) for non-native speakers

  • Language immersion programmes in Thai, Mandarin, or French

  • SEN services such as learning support coordinators or individualised instruction

Use doris filters to compare schools that offer these support systems.

6. Do I need to live near the school?

Bangkok’s traffic is a major factor in daily life. Many parents prioritise school location first, then choose housing nearby.

  • Some schools offer door-to-door transport or shuttle buses

  • Traffic patterns vary drastically by time of day and neighbourhood

  • Families in Nichada Thani, Bangna, or Sukhumvit often choose schools nearby

Chiang Mai and Phuket have less traffic but fewer school options, so proximity is still worth considering.

7. Are rankings important?

Many school directories and listing sites rank schools — often based on paid placements or visibility rather than outcomes or fit.

doris does not rank schools. Instead, you receive a personalised shortlist based on your child’s age, curriculum preference, support needs, and family values.

8. How do I compare and choose?

doris allows you to:

  • Filter by curriculum, location, class size, fees, and more

  • Compare schools side by side

  • Save your shortlist

  • Message admissions teams directly from your dashboard

Start your Thailand school comparison now

Final Thoughts

Thailand offers a wide variety of international school experiences — but comparing them shouldn’t require hours of spreadsheet-building or ad-heavy research.

doris is:

  • Free for families

  • Fully impartial (no schools can pay to appear higher)

  • Built specifically for Southeast Asia

  • Designed to make choosing a school faster, simpler, and more confident

Explore schools in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket with doris