A Parent’s Guide to International Schools and Education in Bangkok (2025)
For many expat families relocating to Thailand, the search for the right school often comes before the search for a home. Education is a decisive factor in choosing a neighbourhood, a commute, and even a property type. In Bangkok, where traffic congestion shapes daily life, school access can outweigh almost every other lifestyle consideration.
This makes international education not only a family concern but also an investment one. Properties near the most sought-after schools enjoy stronger rental demand and higher occupancy, driven by parents who prioritise proximity above all else. In 2025, Bangkok remains one of Asia’s most competitive markets for international education and that directly underpins certain segments of the city’s property market.
Why Bangkok stands out for international education
Bangkok has become one of Asia’s leading hubs for international schooling. More than 100 institutions operate across the city, reflecting its role as a regional base for global businesses and international organisations.
What sets Bangkok apart is the diversity of curricula. Parents can choose between British, American, and International Baccalaureate pathways, or opt for national systems such as French, German, Japanese, or Singaporean. This range makes it easier for families to maintain continuity with home-country systems or prepare for universities abroad.
The quality of provision is equally important. Many schools are accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) or authorised to deliver the full IB programme. Campuses often rival those in Singapore or Hong Kong, with extensive facilities for sport, performing arts, and STEM. For families, that assurance of quality education makes Bangkok a viable long-term base.
Leading schools in 2025
A number of institutions dominate the conversation among expat families. Bangkok Patana School in Bang Na is the country’s oldest British international school, following the English National Curriculum and offering the IB Diploma. NIST International School, centrally located near Asoke, is fully IB-accredited and remains popular with families seeking centrality despite Bangkok’s traffic challenges.
Shrewsbury International School operates two campuses, one riverside and one closer to Sukhumvit, both known for academic rigour and British heritage. Further out, Harrow International School Bangkok offers a large suburban campus with boarding facilities, appealing to families who value space and a traditional British framework.
In Nichada Thani, International School Bangkok (ISB) is a cornerstone of the expat community, with its US-based curriculum and IB options attracting families into the surrounding gated community. St. Andrews International School rounds out the major players, offering IB pathways across multiple city campuses in Sukhumvit, Sathorn, and Dusit.
Each of these schools not only attracts students but also exerts a gravitational pull on housing demand in their respective districts.
The cost of education
Bangkok’s international schools are more affordable than their counterparts in Singapore or Hong Kong but are far from inexpensive. Fees have continued to rise, reflecting investment in facilities and growing demand.
Application and capital fees are common, alongside extras such as uniforms, transport, and extracurricular activities. For families, these costs are significant, but they are often non-negotiable, and for investors, they help explain why properties close to schools can command premium rents.
Early Years: THB 250,000-400,000 per year (£5,600-£9,000 / $7,000-$11,000)
Primary: THB 400,000-600,000 per year (£9,000-£13,500 / $11,000-$16,500)
Secondary (IB / A-Level): THB 600,000-900,000 per year (£13,500-£20,000 / $16,500-$25,000)
Where schools shape property markets
The influence of international schools on Bangkok’s housing market is clear. In Sukhumvit, schools such as NIST, Patana, and St. Andrews ensure steady demand for apartments and condos from Asoke to Bang Na. Sathorn and Riverside remain popular with families tied to Shrewsbury and St. Andrews Sathorn, sustaining rental markets in those districts.
In the north of the city, Nichada Thani has grown almost entirely around ISB. The gated community caters to families seeking proximity to the school, and its property values reflect that focus. Harrow, further out in Don Mueang, attracts families prepared to accept longer commutes or boarding in exchange for space and facilities.
Each of these districts has become defined, in part, by its schools. For investors, that means international education is not just a service but a structural driver of property demand.
Key trends in 2025
Several trends stand out this year:
Rising tuition fees continue to push education costs upward, though demand has not diminished.
Mid-tier schools are expanding to serve a broader base of Thai and international families.
Competition for places remains strong, with waiting lists at schools such as NIST, Patana, and Shrewsbury.
Clustering effects around school districts are intensifying, reinforcing property premiums near campuses.
Summary
International schools in Bangkok are not only central to expat family life but also to property investment dynamics. Parents’ need for quality education directly translates into strong rental demand and stable property markets in areas surrounding the top schools.
For families, Bangkok provides continuity, choice, and quality of education. For investors, those same schools create neighbourhoods that remain consistently attractive, supporting both yield and long-term growth.
Looking to invest near Bangkok’s top schools? Browse our curated Bangkok listings.
International Schools in Bangkok FAQs (2025)
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There are over 100 international schools in Bangkok, offering a wide range of global curricula.
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British, American, and IB programmes dominate, but French, German, Japanese, and Singaporean schools are also represented.
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Fees typically range from:
Early Years: THB 250,000–400,000 (£5,600–£9,000 / $7,000–$11,000)
Primary: THB 400,000–600,000 (£9,000–£13,500 / $11,000–$16,500)
Secondary (IB / A-Level): THB 600,000–900,000 (£13,500–£20,000 / $16,500–$25,000)
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Sukhumvit, Sathorn, Bang Na, and Nichada Thani are among the most popular residential areas for families.
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Yes. Leading schools such as NIST, Bangkok Patana, and Shrewsbury are frequently oversubscribed, especially at entry points.