Many expats come to live and work in Bangkok, which is fast becoming a hub for digital experts and if you are bringing your family, you will need to research education in Thailand. Here is some basic information to get you acquainted with Thai education.
Thai Citizens
As with every nation, Thai children study at a government school, with 12 years of formal education, yet your child would not attend such a school, as the Thai language is used across the board, with English studied as a second language. The Thai parent has a choice between state and private education and middle-class families send their children to private schools, which may be using English as the language of instruction.
Bi-Lingual Schools
There are many private schools that teach in both Thai and English, which is designed for Thai students that wish to become proficient in English. This type of school would be quite expensive, yet a Thai student would gain language competency in English, which is very beneficial and that is the main reason to send their child to such a school.
International Schools
There are quite a few international schools in Bangkok, as you would expect and they either use the UK or the US curriculum and import their teachers from the homeland. Term fees are high but this is the beast education there is, and should you take your children to live in Bangkok, an international school would be the ideal choice.
Private Language Schools
The Thai people have a strong desire for fluency in English, as Thailand is a favourite tourist destination and a Thai could benefit economically if they can speak and understand English. Equally, there are Thai language private schools, where your child could learn the local language, along with you and your partner.
Rural Thailand
Don’t expect the locals to speak English in rural regions, although there may be the odd person who has worked overseas and picked up English, most rural Thais can say no more than a greeting. If you cannot speak Thai, you may have some communication issues and if you are planning to work in Bangkok for 3 years, then you should learn to speak Thai.
If you are planning to accept that foreign posting and take the family along, then international school education is the best way to go and your employer would probably pay the term fees, which means the best education will cost you nothing.
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