International Schools in Bangkok: The Complete 2025 Guide

Bangkok offers one of Asia's most diverse and accessible international school markets. With over 150 international schools ranging from premium to affordable, the Thai capital provides excellent options for expat families at various budget levels—often at significantly lower costs than Singapore or Hong Kong.

This guide covers everything you need to know about international schools in Bangkok, from curriculum options and fee structures to neighborhood considerations and practical admission tips.

Why Bangkok for International Education?

Bangkok has become a preferred destination for families seeking quality international education:

• Affordability: 30-60% lower fees than Singapore for comparable quality
• Diversity: Wide range of curricula and price points
• Quality of life: Excellent for families; affordable housing and help
• Cultural experience: Rich Thai culture with international accessibility
• Growth hub: Increasing business importance in ASEAN
• Lifestyle: Great food, weather, and travel opportunities

Curriculum Options in Bangkok

Bangkok offers comprehensive curriculum choices:

International Baccalaureate (IB)

• Schools: NIST, Bangkok Patana, ISB, KIS International
• Fee range: THB 600,000 - 1,000,000 per year
• Best for: Globally mobile families, inquiry-based learners

British Curriculum

• Schools: Harrow, Shrewsbury, Bangkok Patana, Regents
• Fee range: THB 450,000 - 950,000 per year
• Best for: UK university pathway, structured academics

American Curriculum

• Schools: International School Bangkok (ISB), American School of Bangkok
• Fee range: THB 600,000 - 1,000,000 per year
• Best for: US university pathway, holistic development

Other Curricula

• French: Lycée Français International de Bangkok
• German: RIS Swiss Section
• Japanese: Several Japanese schools
• Singaporean: Singapore International School Bangkok
• Australian: Australian International School Bangkok

Fee Overview

Bangkok offers excellent value across all tiers:

Tier	Primary (THB)	Secondary (THB)	High School (THB)
Premium	600,000 - 800,000	750,000 - 950,000	850,000 - 1,000,000
Upper-Mid	400,000 - 600,000	500,000 - 700,000	600,000 - 800,000
Mid-Range	250,000 - 400,000	300,000 - 500,000	400,000 - 600,000
Value	100,000 - 250,000	150,000 - 300,000	200,000 - 400,000

Additional costs:

• Registration/Application: THB 5,000 - 150,000
• Development fees: THB 100,000 - 500,000 (one-time)
• School bus: THB 60,000 - 150,000 per year
• Uniforms: THB 10,000 - 30,000
• Lunch: THB 30,000 - 60,000 per year
• After-school activities: THB 20,000 - 100,000 per year

Note: Exchange rate fluctuations affect USD-equivalent costs significantly.

Top International Schools

Premium Tier (THB 800,000+)

International School Bangkok (ISB)

• American curriculum with IB Diploma
• Stunning Nichada campus (75 acres)
• Known for: Facilities, athletics, community
• Fees: ~THB 850,000 - 1,050,000
• Location: Nonthaburi (north Bangkok)

NIST International School

• Full IB curriculum (PYP, MYP, DP)
• Central Sukhumvit location
• Known for: Academic excellence, diversity
• Fees: ~THB 750,000 - 950,000
• Location: Sukhumvit Soi 15

Harrow International School Bangkok

• British curriculum (IGCSE, A-Levels)
• 35-hectare campus
• Known for: British tradition, boarding option
• Fees: ~THB 700,000 - 950,000
• Location: Don Muang area

Shrewsbury International School

• British curriculum
• Beautiful riverside campus
• Known for: Facilities, performing arts
• Fees: ~THB 700,000 - 900,000
• Location: Riverside (Charoenkrung)

Upper-Mid Tier (THB 500,000 - 800,000)

Bangkok Patana School

• British/IB curriculum
• Established 1957, oldest international school in Thailand
• Known for: Academic rigor, history
• Fees: ~THB 650,000 - 850,000
• Location: Sukhumvit Soi 105

KIS International School

• Full IB curriculum
• Smaller, community-focused
• Known for: Personalized attention, IB results
• Fees: ~THB 500,000 - 700,000
• Location: Ratchada-Ramintra

Regents International School

• British curriculum with IB option
• Part of Nord Anglia network
• Known for: MIT collaboration, STEAM
• Fees: ~THB 500,000 - 750,000
• Location: Pattanakarn

Mid-Range (THB 300,000 - 500,000)

Australian International School Bangkok

• Australian/IB curriculum
• Good facilities for the price
• Known for: Value, sports
• Fees: ~THB 350,000 - 500,000
• Location: Sukhumvit Soi 20

St. Andrews International School

• British curriculum
• Multiple campuses
• Known for: Community, accessibility
• Fees: ~THB 350,000 - 600,000
• Locations: Sathorn, Sukhumvit, Green Valley

Wells International School

• American curriculum
• Growing reputation
• Known for: Value, American approach
• Fees: ~THB 250,000 - 450,000
• Location: On Nut

Value Tier (Under THB 300,000)

Traill International School

• British curriculum
• Smaller class sizes
• Known for: Personal attention, value
• Fees: ~THB 200,000 - 350,000

Pan-Asia International School

• American curriculum
• Affordable option
• Known for: Accessibility
• Fees: ~THB 150,000 - 300,000

Location Considerations

Bangkok's traffic makes school location crucial for quality of life:

Sukhumvit (Central)

• Schools: NIST, Australian IS, Bangkok Prep
• Neighborhoods: Phrom Phong, Thonglor, Ekkamai
• Pros: Central, great for families, BTS access
• Cons: Traffic, higher housing costs
• Best for: Those wanting urban convenience

Sathorn / Silom (CBD)

• Schools: St. Andrews Sathorn, Shrewsbury (nearby)
• Neighborhoods: Sathorn, Silom, Riverside
• Pros: Central, corporate area
• Cons: Less family-focused, traffic
• Best for: Working professionals

Nichada / Nonthaburi (North)

• Schools: ISB, Harrow
• Neighborhoods: Nichada Thani, Chaengwattana
• Pros: Purpose-built communities, space
• Cons: Far from central Bangkok
• Best for: Families wanting suburban feel

Sukhumvit Outer (East)

• Schools: Bangkok Patana, various options
• Neighborhoods: On Nut, Bearing, Bang Na
• Pros: More affordable, newer developments
• Cons: Further out, developing infrastructure
• Best for: Budget-conscious families

Pattanakarn / Srinakarin (Southeast)

• Schools: Regents, various options
• Neighborhoods: Pattanakarn, Srinakarin
• Pros: More space, school clusters
• Cons: Traffic to central Bangkok
• Best for: Families prioritizing school proximity

Admission Process

Timeline

Bangkok schools generally follow this schedule:

Period	Activity
August - November	Open houses and tours
September - January	Application submission
January - March	Assessments and interviews
March - May	Offers and acceptance
August	Academic year begins

Note: Some schools (ISB, Harrow) have earlier deadlines due to high demand.

Required Documents

• Passport copies (all family members)
• Birth certificate
• Previous school reports (2-3 years)
• Reference letters from teachers
• Immunization records
• Passport-size photos
• Parents' work permits (if applicable)

Assessment Components

• Cognitive testing: CAT4, WIDA, or school-specific
• Academic assessment: Math, English
• Interview: Student (and sometimes parents)
• Writing sample: Age-appropriate
• Observation: For younger children

Living in Bangkok with Kids

Family-Friendly Neighborhoods

Area	Rent (THB/month)	Character	Schools Nearby
Sukhumvit (Phrom Phong-Ekkamai)	50,000 - 150,000	Urban, convenient	NIST, Australian IS
Nichada	80,000 - 200,000	Suburban compound	ISB
Thonglor	60,000 - 180,000	Trendy, family-friendly	NIST, Bangkok Prep
Sathorn	50,000 - 120,000	Central, mixed	St. Andrews
Sukhumvit outer	30,000 - 80,000	Value, newer	Bangkok Patana

Practical Tips

Transportation

• School buses are standard and reliable
• Consider BTS/MRT access for family activities
• Traffic can be severe—allow extra time always
• Drivers (with car) cost ~THB 15,000-25,000/month

Domestic Help

• Live-in helpers: THB 15,000-25,000/month
• Nannies are affordable and common
• Most condos allow live-in help

Healthcare

• Excellent private hospitals (Bumrungrad, Samitivej)
• International health insurance recommended
• Schools usually require insurance

Things to Know

• Air quality can be poor (December-February)
• Rainy season: June-October
• School calendar differs from Western schools
• Thai language useful but not essential

Making Your Decision

Key Considerations for Bangkok

1. Location first: Traffic makes this crucial
2. Budget realistically: Include all costs
3. Visit in person: Schools vary significantly
4. Consider commute time: For both school and activities
5. Check air quality provisions: Important for health

Questions to Ask Schools

1. How do you handle air quality days?
2. What is teacher turnover like?
3. How do you support non-native English speakers?
4. What percentage of students are Thai vs. expat?
5. What are university destinations for graduates?

Red Flags

• Reluctance to show campus
• Vague about fees or increases
• Limited parent access
• High teacher turnover
• Poor communication systems

Green Flags

• Transparent about everything
• Active parent community
• Clear academic outcomes
• Low staff turnover
• Responsive leadership

Ready to Explore?

Bangkok offers exceptional international education value. Start comparing schools in your preferred area.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: January 2025

Questions about Bangkok schools? Contact us for personalized guidance.