Bangkok has more than 100 international schools across a wide range of fees. The most expensive charge roughly THB 700,000 to 1,200,000 a year depending on the year group, mid-range schools around THB 300,000 to 400,000, and there are well-run schools below THB 250,000.
Who the schools serve
Bangkok's foreign community includes corporate employees, diplomats, business owners, teachers and NGO staff, and the schools are just as varied. You will find British, American and IB schools, bilingual Thai-English schools, Montessori schools and others.
Fees and budget
Budget is usually the biggest single factor. As a rough guide, a family earning THB 200,000 a month can manage fees of around THB 300,000 a year, and a family on THB 100,000 a month would look at schools in the THB 150,000 to 200,000 range.
Schools charging THB 300,000 to 500,000 usually have experienced management, adequate facilities and reasonable teacher turnover, and many expat families are happy at this level. The most expensive schools charge roughly THB 700,000 to 1,200,000, highest in the senior years, and have larger campuses and established reputations. A school where your child is settled and doing well can be a better choice than the most expensive one.
Where the schools are
The Sukhumvit corridor has the most schools, including NIST International School and St. Andrews International School. Bang Na and the eastern suburbs (Prawet, Minburi) have several large schools, including Bangkok Patana School. Just north of the city, Nichada Thani in Pak Kret, Nonthaburi, is home to International School Bangkok.
Traffic is heavy, and a 10-minute drive can take 45 minutes at rush hour. Check whether a school runs buses from your area, as not all do, and some areas have little public transport.
Curricula
The British curriculum is the most common, and many schools teach IGCSEs and A-levels at a range of prices. American schools are less common; a few offer AP. The IB is offered at a growing number of schools.
Bilingual Thai-English schools mainly serve Thai families who want strong English alongside the Thai curriculum. Most expat families do not use them. Montessori, Waldorf-inspired and project-based schools are also available.
Practical checks
- Air quality: Bangkok's air is sometimes poor. Ask whether classrooms have air filtration and what the school does on high-pollution days.
- Flooding: some areas flood in the rainy season, and schools there occasionally close or have restricted access. Ask about the school's flood history.
- Campus: some schools have large purpose-built campuses, while others use several smaller buildings, which limits sport and activities.
How to narrow the list
Start with location and budget, which will cut 100+ schools down to perhaps 10 to 15. Then decide on a curriculum. After that, ask current parents: Bangkok has active Facebook groups for school questions.
International Schools in Bangkok
American School of Bangkok, Green Valley Campus
American international day and boarding school near Bangkok offering AP and IB Diploma programs.
Brighton College Bangkok
An outstanding British school focused on kindness, confidence, and curiosity for pupils aged 2 to 18.
British international school offering IGCSE, A-Levels, and IB Diploma, part of Cognita global schools.
An IB World School offering a community-focused, international education in Saphan Sung.
A diverse American-curriculum school providing an affordable, high-quality international education.
A premier British curriculum school offering a world-class boarding and day education in North Bangkok.