Thailand’s international school growth outpaces enrolment

School Watch. Editorial graphic: EdEvents News.

Thailand’s international school sector is expanding faster than its pupil base, according to analysis published by Kasikorn Research Center on 9 October. The centre puts growth in school numbers at approximately 5.3% in 2026, compared with 3.8% growth in enrolment.

Average enrolment has fallen from around 312 pupils per school in 2025 to 307 in 2026, with a further decline to 304 forecast for 2027. Total pupil numbers are still growing, but more schools are competing to attract and retain families.

Kasikorn reports that average annual tuition fees at Bangkok international schools rose by around 5% for 2026–27, compared with 3% the previous academic year. It expects sector revenue to keep increasing despite the reduction in average enrolment.

With more than 45% of Thailand’s international schools concentrated in Bangkok, the research highlights the importance of differentiation through educational quality, specialist provision, activities and the school environment. For school leaders, the findings put recruitment, retention and financial sustainability alongside the headline growth story.

Read Kasikorn Research Center’s analysis (Thai).