Should You Send Your Kids to International Schools in Thailand?
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- Опубликовано: 8 фев 2025
- Should You Send Your Kids to International Schools in Thailand?
Trying to war game my imaginary kid's future for their best education in Thailand. I know, I'm weird...
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Thank you for the content. I am currently researching the schools in Thailand and your video is helpful.
Send them to English Program Schools. They will have a good education with Thai cultures and society. The government school are not lowest tier. They are the highest tier not private and also offering English Program. There are many! Check out these high ranked tier schools Yothinburana, Assumption College, Trium Udon Suksa, Vajjiravuth, Suan Kularb, and those demonstration schools, Mahidol demonstration, Thammasat demonstration School.
As a teacher with experience in international, private, and government schools in Thailand, I can confidently say that international schools often aren’t worth the high price tag. In my experience, private and government schools tend to have stronger teaching staff. While international schools typically hire teachers directly from the UK, US, and other countries, many of these teachers seem disengaged and lack genuine commitment to their roles. Moreover, the elitist atmosphere at international schools can negatively affect a child’s well-being, making it difficult for them to integrate fully into Thai society.
When it comes to teaching methods and teacher quality, I’ve found international schools lacking. Without naming names, I can say this includes one of the top five British international schools in Bangkok. You’d likely get more value by enrolling your child in a good private school and saving the extra money to invest in their future, perhaps to help them start a business when they graduate.
Total rubbish.
My 16 year old son is finishing school in Spain, once we move to Thailand he will go to an online school where he can get the IB diploma, that will allow him to go to any university around the world. The cost of an online high school is a fraction of what an international school would cost.
I have been discussing this subject with my daughter, as I am planning my retirement in Thailand. My daughter is HalfThai but came to live with me in the UK in 2014 after her Thai mother abandoned her
she was 4 years old then. from then to now she had a British education, apart from when we want to live in Khon kean for 18 months in 2017 where she attended a Thai school which was half private, not a good experience for her as she found the work not challenging enough, however, she did learn about Thai discipline which is very different to nanny England. I have always been planning for my daughter to have secondary education in Thailand as I want her to know more about her Thai side and understand the life culture and language. Which I believe will give her more choices in life, as she lives in UK or Thai. We have been looking at many of the British International schools in Bangkok I will admit they are expensive but from doing our research not much more than private schools in the UK. Many International Schools are well-connected to Western universities and Thai, I hate to say it but not always what you know but who you know..
I do see a child as an investment of time and money and see their education little bit like an index fund. It is up to you as a parent to make sure there is discipline and morals. i will admit there are a lot of spoiled brats in these international schools, children need your time and focus. Your child is the reflection of you as being parent you understand the importance of time they are only 5 years old once
but the time you invest is amazing to see the changes as they grow the best feeling ever,
Wonderful advice, your daughter is lucky to have you as a strong caring father 💪🏼
@@ForrestLee Thank you.
As a first dad of a two year old, your words are wisdom. So well explained and I agree I want to give the best to my kid and that starts with my time and love. In my experience many international schools we have visited in Bangkok do not seem worth the price tag but I hope to be wrong, we are not sure yet where to enrol him for kindergarten
@@laptoplivegaming Thank you, I agree many of the international schools are overpriced and it sometimes seems they are just after your money, It is finding a school with a low staff turnover whose teachers are fully qualified. if the staff are happy then the students are delighted. most of all it is about your child and the school more suited for them and sparks joy in your child's life,
Agree with everything said. Could not have spelled it out better myself. My kids attend international school in Chiang Mai and are very happy!
Graduated from top 100 ranked government schools in TH, it’s not a bad place education wise. Thainess value praise too much importance on collectivism, which in-turn ingrained huge lack in self confidents in some ways too. Just some perspective from my own experience.
That’s what I worry, would want kids to be critical independent thinkers valued in western education
@@ForrestLee It, is also your job as a parent
to ensure your child becomes a confident critical thinker. This is where Thai / Asian parenting differs from the Western way. Most of the education disciplines. confidence work ethic etc..is Taught at home in Thai. whereas in the West we believe it is up to school and spend little time with our children why have a broken society in the west. children need your time and attendance, not a new iPad
@@ForrestLee Yeah, there is not much discussion in the traditional Thai classroom, but this can be supplemented by the discussion you make with your kids at home. It depends on your view that critical thinking should be done at home or at school.
@@ForrestLee and do not forget, JustStopOil protesters are also the product of western education. Free thinking is good but without the context of cultures or respect that largely exist in the Asian cultures, people will think without boundary like blocking the road, destroying the arts, painting the private jet, etc. So, ff your kids attend the western school, it is better to teach them asian values at home, but if they attend the asian school, better teach them the western way of thinking.
Great topic! I have a toddler in the US and think about this stuff a lot. There are also extra curricular activities to consider like sports or art, where they can find good mentors and make friends with like-minded kids...not necessarily to excel in something, but also to grow, learn, and push limits, etc.
I homeschool all my 12 kids. Personally, I went to private boarding school from Grade 10 and loved it and highly recommend it! I was a really, REALLY shy and withdrawn kid in Grades 1- 9 but boarding school brought me out of that shell. So if I were you, I'd start at a private day school in Thailand and then send them overseas for private boarding school in USA, Canada, Australia or UK (and then use that as am excuse to visit them - and visit often). Although I was boarding from within Canada (6 hour drive away) I had many international friends as far away as South Africa, Saudi Arabia and Hong Kong boarding with (but unfortunately they didn't see their parents for months on end -- I wouldn't recommend that as it does take a toll).
And, boarding also gives you built-in camaraderie you don't get with other school choices because, living day-in and day-out, you really get to know each other and they all become your step brothers or sisters (at single sex schools), or both if they're attending a co-ed private school like me. The UK start boarding students at age 6 & 7 at prep schools, but for me that's too young. OK, sure, 7 week overnight summer camps are OK if you rent a cottage close by for emergencies (as we do). However, the upper class has always done this and a lot of these prep schools of connections with the top private schools (called "public schools" in the UK like the one Prince William and Harry went to: Eton) so it's easier getting accepted to them if they've already gone through boarding at age 7.
Personally however, with all this woke culture and transgenderism propaganda and brainwashing going (even - or rather, especially - at these private schools, both my wife and I decided to homeshool our kids. She teaches some subjects, and I teach some and then we also have a support network online and in-person that teaches other subjects. We've even hired tutors for specialized teaching that neither of us know about.
This was beneficial in the beginning for both them and us because, in their early years, we were travelling a lot. Now that we're settled in Uruguay, living on a farm, we still homeschool them ... but if any of them wanted to go to private school I would find a school in US, Canada, UK or Australia and send them there instead (because, esp with the better schools, your giving them contacts that might be beneficial later on in life not to mention the "Old Boys Network" at those schools. And, of course, I'd/We'd visit them once every couple of weeks, take in some of their sporting pursuits or drama & music performances and meet with their teachers to see how they're settling and fitting in.
However, thankfully, all of them like the homeschooling routine (as do we!) ... early rise to help parents on the farm, then homeschool in the AM and then play in the afternoon, or, for the older ones, further study to get into Uni or trade school. (I'm 68, my Brazilian wife is 38 and we have 12 kids - 8 boys, 4 girls - aged between 2 and 15.) If they're "serving time" (i.e., grounded) they'll help me on the farm (I always have extra tasks for them to do!) or their mother in the kitchen in the afternoon.
She has a much tougher job than I have (canning, cooking, cleaning, looking after the kids, and helping me as well doing farm chores to boot, etc) than me and I'm so blessed to have her. She says I'm her "Rock of Gibraltar" but, in reality, she's mine.
Behaviour is not a reflection of the school, it's a reflection of the parenting and sometimes, you might just see some kids no their worst day.
Not all international schools cost that much. I lived in the Bangna area and most international schools here are priced around 10000 - 20000 USD/year. After shopping around and attending different schools in Bangna for a few days, it comes down to how many languages you want your child to learn, the type of environment you want your children to be in and where you want your child to be after high school. Additionally, do you want your child to get a scholarship for higher education? Some schools claimed they could help me with that as well.
As someone who has worked in education for over 20 years (a few in Thailand as well). On thing about an International elementary school versus a good government school is acquiring sound academic writing and reading comprehension skills. Being conversant in English is one thing but decoding a High School History or writing a formal essay is another skill altogether.
20 some years ago I helped a few students cram to enter an International school at 14 and we focused primarily on vocabulary development trying to learn 20-50 words a day. They go into their school of choice but had to have their hands held by tutors all the way through (Thai speaking family). It felt like a real stressful time for this student.
Whatever school you go to I would really focus on reading. Most of the struggling students I have come across are reading at a 2-3 grades below what they should and they never get caught up
FWIW, I went and graduated from an International School in Korea and now send my 3 kids to an International School in Korea. It is very expensive but not much different from sending kids to private school in the USA and it's actually much cheaper than sending them to the top boarding schools in the USA. So price is expensive if compared to public schools but not too bad if compared to other private schools in the USA.
After HS, I went on to a pretty good college in the USA and have been working at good companies, etc. I have done well in life. I hope my kids do well in their lives as well which is why I have no problem paying for their school. I am still in touch with friends from school and it has been a great experience for me.
ISB (International School Bangkok) is generally considered to be one of the better International Schools in the world.
You are an American and a Veteran! They can go to a local school all the way till they are 18 and then send them to America to go to College, You have Community Colleges, State Colleges, HBCUs, Trade Schools, the Military, Pell Grant. scholarships (dependents of a vet), etc. It's so many ways you can skin that cat!
Part of the question: do you want to send your child to an American college? Do you want your child to come to America to work for a few years to build a financial portfolio (assuming, of course, America is still a wealth builder in twenty years)? I'd definitely focus more on bilingual if that is case and ensure the school can provide English school records to ensure basic standards are met and to facilitate acceptance into secondary education.
I don’t think it’s weird.. just make sure you’ve had enough time to enjoy and learn about each other and become friends before leaping into marriage/children. We are Asian American but also a military fam and have been married for 26yrs now (we’re 46/47). It’s great to have these conversations so that you are both on same page. So glad you’re doing this topic as he will be retiring from military soon and I’d love to live in Asia but worried about kids’ education (12 and 7 yr old). Also, am searching for the right place since we hate humidity and want our money to stretch.
You and your girlfriend are discussing what most mature adults that see a future should address and make sure you are on the same page. How nice to hear your choices and whatever you choose your future children will be given and education that is best for your family. You are very insightful and I would think that is why all of us follow you.
It will be you and your wife’s job to raise your kids and ensure that they are stand up human beings. You can’t assume that the international school education will create that. I grew up in a big international school in singapore and it was the greatest experience. My 14 year old son too… Same school. Totally worth it if you can afford.
20-30k/year. It is what it is. Kids generally act like kids. I wouldn’t judge a young kid for not re-racking weights.
Horwang School (next to Central Lardprao), and Sai Nampueng (Suhkumvit 22) are 2 prestigious, high-quality Thai government schools. Bilingual (Sathit schools) are a great idea too, especially the ones connected to universities. The problem with Catholic or Christian schools is that some of them proselytise to students even if the students are Buddhist. Even if you're Christian, you might not like the idea of that.
Thanks 🙏 for your video. It has given me some more ideas to think about. I will be moving to Thailand in May with my 4 year old daughter. I will need to make a decision soon
Great video Forrest. I've been thinking about this as well. I believe there's a tier of private schools that is about 1/20th the cost of international schools. A family member's daughter is graduating soon. Her English is not as good as the international school kids, though I'm pretty sure my kids would be better at English because I would focus on that at home.
I'm also thinking about home schooling.
I can't see paying for International Schools. I'd rather take that money and pay for a great university education in the future.
For non thais- thai school simply isnt an option. I saw a bunch of thai local school kids smoking yabaa in an alley once. Does that mean they are all addicts no...
I’m currently living in Japan. Since living here, my kids have gone through the Japanese school system including college for my oldest. I believe host nation schooling has a better outcome with after school programs for math, sciences, and English for the future.
My kids are in NIST and in Australia TSS. Its worth it, once you have kids you’ll understand, until then 🤷♂️
What's NIST and TSS? I googled it and couldn't find anything. Anything that relates to this anyway.
I think you should send your children to a US school so they can learn all about sex changes in the 3rd grade
Exactly why all my kids are homeschooled.
Forest I went to Thailand because of you and loved it. Would love to live there but got family in the USA and clients 😭
Hi, you may check out the ICSN (International Christian School Nonthaburi) just northern part of Bangkok (near the north Purple Line). American curriculum. Fee is about $15000 a year.
Good tip. Thank you. I'm actually fairly close to that. It's near KMUT NB.
Awesome Forrest... Have a blast in Koh Samui. Awesome island. I'm in Bangkok as we speak! I'll be here till the end of October, but have a visa run in Mid October. Cheers!
Why are the international schools such a ripoff?
I'm a single mom with a toddler and have been considering moving to Thailand or Japan due to the lower cost of living, high quality of life, and cultural value. However, I just can't fathom spending $500K USD for my child's primary education at a private school. I think you have to have a net worth of $5M USD to be able to comfortably afford that along with your own retirement. I always wanted my theoretical kids to attend international schools abroad, too, but I can't afford a private school over $10K USD per year. I think a lot of parents who do use the international schools either have a high net worth or their employers reimburse the expense. I know that US diplomatic jobs cover this education cost when you are working in Thailand with a family.
My son is 13yold, and im looking for a middle school for him to attend in thailand.
He loves science, written, and outdoor activities.
My son has spent all of his school life starting in K5 to 7th grade in private schools.
And his father and i would like to keep it that way.
My husband is a cardiovascular Sergeon, so private school close to a major hospital would be best.
Please feel free to let me know what schools i should plan a visit to. Thanks❤
Hey buddy, love your videos and you are doing excellent job on them! I’m an Asian American just like you and I’m a veteran too. where would you recommend a couple with one kid to live in Bangkok? I want my kid to get American type education in one of those international schools. Or should I avoid them at all? Thanks a lot!
My kids attend an international school in Chiang Mai, where all teachers are foreign trained and credentialed. For me it’s worth the cost and hopefully will set them up on a path to being well educated good persons in this world. The caliber of the friends from school they interact with is outstanding. Local Thai school curriculum is generally not so great. Spend the money! Waiting until they are 14 will be too late. They will likely not be able to handle the differences in curriculum and teaching styles. Good luck. You have time to decide and save money…
Same for my kid. International school. I agree it will be very hard for them to move from one curriculum to the other. Some international school will not accept them. You also need to think about if for some reason (you never know what happens) you need to go back to your home country. Moving from a Thai curriculum will be very challenging.
There are some decent Thai government school but your kid need to pass an exam. What happens if he does not pass the exam? Even if he pass the exam then you will have the problem of changing curriculum because if you kid wants to go study or work outside Thailand it will be very hard with a Thai education.
My primary school was Assumption Thonburi. Now i am a dermatologist. I love my school. Highly Recommended
I'm in the US and have a kid. My wife (who is Thai) and I are planning and should be set up to retire early, which would put our child (who has Thai citizenship) in middle school at that time. We're strongly considering moving to Thailand during retirement. If we do that, we will definitely be putting our child into an international school since all the kids in public and bilingual schools will already know Thai. I want my kid to learn Thai, but I also don't want them to be in environment where they're disadvantaged for not knowing it already. It will also depend somewhat on what my child wants at the time. If they are dead-set against moving to Thailand for whatever reason, we probably won't do it, at least until after they're in college.
International school in Thailand is very expensive, but I can eliminate nearly that amount from my US-based taxes by selling my property and moving my US residence to a state with no income tax. So, on net, it's not far off from a wash for me cost-wise, and at the point when I'd potentially move to Thailand, I'd only need to pay for 5 or 6 years of international school. Of course, those are the most expensive years for international school, but such is life.
No it's not weird to talk about the future with someone you care about.
Thailand have many kind of schools. Many public schools are bilingual schools (study Thai and English ) or trilingual schools (study Thai, English and Chinese or Japanese).
All my kids are homeschooled. Between my wife and I, we speak a total of 9 languages fluently. So think my kids anyway are covered on that front! 😉
@ That cool. My meaning is schools in Thailand are good, don’t have to go international schools.
I almost moved to Thailand to save money on rent, but then I realized taxes are high enough on my income that I can just live on Miami beach and send my kids to a dope charter school
Wanting your kids to be better than you - you got the right mindset. The fact you are even thinking about schools now just shows how lucky your future kids will be.
If you provide your children life education outside of school then their is no need for an international school. if you work so much that you don't have time for your kids then an International school may be a good idea.
Hey man show some content with your gf . Is she light or dark skinned ? What's the story on your relationship ? I heard you met her on tinder lol
My friend I have one son, 12 years old this year, bilingual is top, learn good Thai language and manners and some more English than government school; price is ok and if I can give you a piece of advice choose a Catholic school because keeping Thai traditions they insist more on the human side and attitudes of your son; hope to become your friend,
Max
If she's discussing this stuff, she's probably the right one bud
She cares about her kids, that isn't remarkable, it is normal
We can't all have an easy life like rich Mama's boy Forrest Lee.
Some government schools are famous with long list of applications, so are many well known private schools. Some Christian schools are well known too. Vajiravudh College is a very famous, old tradition school created by king Rama VI, based on Eton college in England. These are more expensive than government schools in general. ~ International schools are very expensive and their students are from rich families which often are not nice rich people and so their parents are not good example to them anyway.
Enjoy the thought process but if you don’t have children yet, I would highly assume that school will not be as important anymore by the time your kid is 11-12. ai is replacing tons of jobs by then. There will be other things then school that helps your kid to become a successful and happy adult
Hotel looks amazing. Might treat my girlfriend there one day. Always love watching your videos.
I believe that a lot of international students at International Schools have their tuition paid for by their parents employer (embassy or executive pay package). Is this still the case?
I wouldn't judge a school based on a limited sample size. Rich kids are often spoiled and rich kids go to good schools so there's always that peer group to avoid whether govt. Catholic or International. I remember hearing stories about how students at ISB were really academically competitive. If you have an average kid who isn't super motivated why spend huge amounts of money for them to feel inadequate. Just my 2 cents.
I think having this discussion with a partner is okay but by the time you are actually enrolling your theoretical kid in school there will be a lot of different options. Regardless of what you choose to do you will end up paying.
Home School, Online. Lot’s of good online communities
Can do online schooling through US schools for about $4k USD a year
Was wondering do you need a work permit to do what you do as business consultant and condo seller/ pitch man.
Forrest, Ai will destroy many industries , as well as equalize capabilities. So raising a respectful, humble and open minded kid with a retirement fund started would be my recommendation. I’m 52, have a one year old and this is my plan.
What about Home School and just hire private tutors for certain classes?
I'm thinking about home schooling. I'm not sure what we would need tutors for.
It’s not good
Online education + private tutors = cheaper and better
I’ll roll with ya Bro
Holly shit mate, you are going balls deep on this one ? Good luck buddy.
Nice sunglasses! Oh, thats your nostrils!
Catholicism is not “Western values”? Clear your mind first.
First from San Francisco! ❤ Best combo is for a wealthy man to commit to a teacher 👩🏫 . 👌
There are private schools too. The problem I see are the teachers. Most farangs were not teachers in their countries and don't know how to teach. Speaking only about America. Teachers go to school and get an Educational degree. Would you want an eye doctor if you have a heart problem?
@@kentandrews850 I concur. That's why I only dated local teachers in Bangkok.
We have been researching and bilingual school is the best option for us. Daughter will be in 4 grade and we want her to learn both languages. More than government school but less than international school.
Can you please tell me the names of those prestigious Catholic private schools he was mentioning? Either in Bangkok or other cities? Thanks
All boys: Assumtion College, Bangkok Christian College, Saint Dominic School, Saint Gabriel's College
All girls: Saint Joseph Convent School, Mater Dei School, Assumption Convent School
@@terabutephaoluangthong9923 thanks a lot. Do you know how much is the annual tuition at those schools?
Let your wife speak Thai to her, while you speak English. Thai Private school from 4 until 6-7 years old to learn Thai language (otherwise very difficult for child to pick up Thai written language). Bilingual or International school from Primary 1 to Secondary 6. Thai people are afraid of doing anything, even think out of the box because Thai school, in general. If you let your children to Thai schools, beware this. Which school do you want to send your children to depends on your expectation of your children future. International school in Bangkok is not that expensive like 50k USD per year per child. I would say its more likely 50k USD per year per 3 children.
I am glad to know that you are planning to set up family in Thailand.
Education is overrated. Looking back English, economics, and finance is what I would focus on. Having said that a parent should know if their child is some child prodigy which then yes they should be given the best tools to excel their skills. I'm not talking about a clever kid outsmarting their parents. I'm talking about a kid doing calculus at age of 10 or a science project that wins the Nobel prize. Or maybe they are a gifted musician, athlete, or actor. In my case just a kid that did enough to get by in school was a waste of time. When the long game is trying to legitimately make the most money as an adult. Western kids do tend to have this entitlement complex and respect issues but I think that's more of a parenting problem. Hey don't hate I'm just calling it like it is. Yeah one could easily stick 300k in a hedge fund instead of expensive schools. All comes down to if the child is a prodigy to justify paying outrageous prices for school education.
Yes but also math is critical too.
the best alternative is to take the $500k go back to the bay area or sac, buy a house and signup for 15 years of public education.
Are we gonna pretend USA public education is any better? That isn't even including the political propaganda
Forrest have not seen you in a long time. How did the Invisalign for your teeth work out?
Billingual schools probably have a better education tbh, better than surrounded by spoilt rich kids.
Present time most of country they look at for their country government own business popular connection with international countries doing to put the money in their pocket , some patients they don't think deeply for their kids future education spend meaningless money , think deeply about time is the most value in our life , think for time of year finished your kids school and get back the value, if you invest that money for ypur family own business and you can doing for your kids home school at your home any where in the world like in the jungle or village when easy to get time in internet online education for your kids , also you can run for that money for ur family own business in 10 years , how much more money increase also think for ur kids grow up finished international school what kind of job he , she get sure or not , me I only doing that money for my family own business and teaching to learning online study .
lol how you and your gf are talking about your future children is adorable, my man, haha
Hi Forrest. I have been watching for a few years. My wife and I will be visiting Bangkok soon for a month or so. We like to find a short term rental apt. Would you have some that you may recommend. Tks.
Great vid bro
Pilic came back free fire old pick 😢😢😢😢😢😢😢
Homeschool or gtfo
St Andrew's across the road. They do act like a bunch of sh!ts
Digital Bromads!
Private bilingual school for kindergarten and primary. Government for high school.
You're completely out of your depth on this topic. Stick to what you know about or those views will dwindle even further.
As a wise influential old Asian man once said, "Taxes don't go to the community, it doesn't go anywhere, nothing gets fixed with taxes." Please don't roll the dice with your future children in taxpayer funded government schools. I mean you were a product of a taxpayer funded government school program, need I say more?
The thing that comes when you get married . Is Forrest ready?
I think government schools you need to be thai.
International school is the “cost” of being in Thailand as a foreigner. It’s not just about the cheap 500usd 1bed condos that most RUclipsrs vlog about
It’s not about which school you go to; it’s about what you make of yourself at whichever school you’re at. Bottom line, we all want our kids to be better than us. We teach and try to guide them the best way we know. The best life education starts at home. In my opinion, I would not invest that much money in the International school where they will most likely bring back home the snobby attitude.