Relocating to Bangkok: How to Choose an International School in Thailand’s Capital
By
Ellie Dickinson
·
2 minute read
Relocating to Bangkok offers a mix of tropical city living, international culture, and excellent education choices. The city has one of Southeast Asia’s most established international school networks, from British and IB schools to American programs.
The challenge isn’t finding a school; it’s narrowing down the options that best fit your child’s learning needs, commute, and your family’s lifestyle.
👉 Explore all international schools in Thailand
Step 1: Understand the Curricula
Bangkok is home to more than 91 international schools representing multiple academic systems.
| Curriculum | Common in Bangkok? | Typical Next Step |
|---|---|---|
| British (IGCSE + A Levels) | Very common | UK, Australia, global universities |
| IB (PYP, MYP, Diploma) | Widely available | Global university applications |
| American (with AP) | Common | U.S. universities |
| Bilingual (Thai + English) | Available | Local + international pathways |
💡 Tip: Unsure which curriculum fits? Use doris’ free AI school search to get personalised school suggestions based on your child’s learning style and goals.
Step 2: Choose the Right Neighbourhood
Bangkok’s traffic is famously unpredictable, so location matters. Many expat families choose to live near their chosen school.
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Sukhumvit: Popular with families for access to Bangkok Patana School and NIST International School.
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Ekkamai: Close to newer campuses like St Andrews International School Bangkok.
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Nonthaburi & Ratchapreuk: Quieter suburban areas with options like ISB (International School Bangkok).
👉 View all Thailand international schools
Step 3: Compare School Examples
| School | Curriculum | Fee Range (THB/year) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| NIST International School | IB | 700,000 – 900,000 | Central location, large expat community |
| British | 650,000 – 950,000 | Oldest and most established | |
| ISB | American + IB | 600,000 – 1,000,000 | Expansive campus in Nonthaburi |
| St. Andrews International School Bangkok | British | 400,000 – 700,000 | Strong reputation among younger learners |
💬 Looking for specific curricula or budgets? Try doris’ Thailand school listings to filter by curriculum, city, or fees.
Step 4: Practical Tips for Parents
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Plan housing and school together: Commute time can make or break your daily routine.
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Apply early: Popular Bangkok schools fill up quickly.
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Ask about EAL support: Especially important for children new to English-medium education.
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Budget realistically: Include uniforms, activities, and transportation.
👉 Compare Thailand international schools with doris – always free and unbiased.
FAQs
Is Bangkok affordable for international schooling?
Yes. Fees are generally lower than in Singapore or Hong Kong for similar quality.
Where do most expats live in Bangkok?
Sukhumvit, Bang Na, and Nonthaburi are top picks for families.
Which curriculum is most common?
British and IB programmes dominate Bangkok’s school scene.
doris is a free, independent platform that helps families explore and compare international schools across Asia. Powered by AI, it provides impartial, data-driven recommendations based on each child’s needs, offering transparency and clarity in a process that’s often overwhelming. Unlike agents or sponsored listings, doris is completely unbiased — helping parents find the right school with confidence and peace of mind.


