Thailand’s international school sector is experiencing record growth, with its market value projected to reach 95 billion baht annually in 2025 — around US $2.8 billion — according to data from the Ministry of Education and market research reports.
The sector was valued at 87 billion baht in 2024, driven by a 13 percent increase in market size, a 10.2 percent rise in student enrollment, and a 3.8 percent climb in average tuition fees year-on-year. Analysts forecast nearly 10 percent further growth in 2025, despite economic pressures.
Thailand now has 249 international schools, spread not only across Bangkok but also in Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Phuket, and other regional hubs. The number of schools has expanded at an average of 5 percent per year since 2017, according to the Office of the Private Education Commission (OPEC).
BISP – A British International school in Phuket known for its academics and sports programs
These institutions provide globally recognized curricula, small class sizes, advanced facilities, and diverse student bodies. Many campuses host children from more than 70 nationalities, reflecting Thailand’s role as a key destination for expatriate families.
Tuition fees at leading schools now range from 905,000 to 1.1 million baht per child per year (approximately US $25,000–30,000). Despite the high cost, demand continues to rise, with families viewing these schools as investments in global opportunities for their children.
As of April 2025, Thailand had 7,511 registered education-related businesses, with over 50.6 billion baht in registered capital, underscoring the growing scale of the industry.
Asia dominates the international school landscape, hosting nearly 60 percent of all international schools worldwide. Globally, the market has reached 14,833 schools, enrolling 7.5 million students and generating more than US $67 billion annually. More than 280 new international schools are currently in the pipeline worldwide, 167 of them in Asia, with over 100 expected to open by the end of 2025.
For expatriate families and affluent Thai parents, international schools provide stability, high standards, and multicultural environments that mirror global society. With strong demand, diverse curricula, and expanding facilities, Thailand is firmly positioned as one of Asia’s leading hubs for international education.
