15 Things You Need to Know About the Education System in Thailand

There is much to know about Thailand’s education system. But of the much information that can get you overwhelmed, you should simply take note of a very important few like data involving schedules, the language of instruction, and the availability of international schools in Bangkok. Lucky you, we collected all such important information for you. Read on to know everything there is that you need to know about Thailand’s educational system.

15 Things You Need to Know About the Education System in Thailand

1. Format and Structure

Students in Thailand can begin preschool at the early age of thee. However, compulsory schooling only begins come a child reaches the age of six. Its secondary level is divided into two: lower and upper secondary. Education is compulsory until a child reaches the age of 15.

2. Public Schools in Thailand

Public schools in Thailand are absolutely free of cost until Grade 9. The government takes on all the educational expenses which include coverage for three years of preschool and three years of higher secondary education.

3. Private Schools in Thailand

Thailand is home to around three to four million expats. All can choose to enroll their students in public or private schools. Private schools are often run by religious institutions. Of millions of Thai students, only 2.8 million are enrolled in private schools. Private schools are not run by the Thai government but there are minimum national educational standards that they need to comply with.

4. Teachers in Thailand

Teaching is a highly respected profession in Thailand. Thailand has a rich culture that gives importance to learning and good education. This is why teachers have a special role in Thai society as they represent authority and knowledge. Teachers in Thailand train at Rajaphat universities.

5. Costs of Education in Thailand

You wouldn’t have to worry about matriculation fees if you’re going to enroll your child in a public school in Thailand. This is because as mentioned earlier, the Thai government takes on all the matriculation expenses for public school students until they reach the age of fifteen. If you’d enroll your child in a public school, you would only have to budget for uniforms, transportation, and school materials.

6. Governmental Bodies for Education

Public and private schools in Thailand greatly differ when it comes to the level of government monitoring. Both are strictly administered and evaluated by the government of Thailand but only public schools have to strictly follow the government’s prescribed curriculum. All basic, higher, and vocational education are administered and managed by the country’s Ministry of Education (MOE).

7. International Schools in Thailand

Expats who want their children to still receive Western schooling even if they’re already based in Thailand opt to enroll their children in international schools. Expensive as they may, international schools are sought after by parents in Thailand. Most are in Bangkok. A family would at least need around USD 6,000 to USD 20,000 a year to afford international schooling in Thailand.

8. Education Levels

The government of Thailand only makes it compulsory for its citizens to finish secondary school. So much so that education is provided for free up to such level. Schooling can begin at preschool when children at the age of three are allowed to enroll. Formal schooling happens during primary school that is finished in six years. Secondary education then comes next. Thai students who wish to go to college can take up upper secondary education. Those who do not wish to enter college can take up vocational courses.

9. Language of Instruction

The language of instruction in Thai public schools is Thai. Students however of international schools receive their lessons in English.

10. National Statistics

To date, there are over 30,000 schools in Thailand that cater to 20 million students. There are over 40,000 preschools in Thailand and over 30,000 primary and secondary schools. There are only over 2,600 upper secondary schools in the country.

11. Expats

Most expats that enjoy living in Thailand are from Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America. There are many who are also from China who got attracted to living in Thailand due to the number of its world-class international schools.

12. Public Transportation

Public transportations available for students are as follows: buses, taxis, and trains. Students can also ride transportations that are unique to Thailand — tuk-tuk, songthaew, and motorcycles. Such unique local rides are good for short-distance trips.

13. Standard of Living

The standard of living in Thailand is considerably affordable if seen through the lens and purchasing power of expats. Accommodation is decently priced. It is in food costs that things can get pretty tricky. As in all countries all over the world, the cost of living varies per region. People living in cities tend to spend more.

14. Visa for Students

Students who wish to study in Thailand simply need to apply for a Thai Student Visa. A student who will be enrolling in Thailand will be given a non-immigrant visa. A work visa can also be granted to a student but a non-immigrant visa must be acquired first.

15. Schedule

The Thai academic year usually beings every May of the year. It ends around march. Holidays are had during March and April. A break is also given every October. School hours in Thailand begin every 8:30 in the morning. Classes end by 3:30 in the afternoon. Some private schools follow a different semestral schedule.