For many expatriates, moving to Thailand begins as a career opportunity, a lifestyle choice or a retirement plan.
Then life changes.
Children arrive.
Or perhaps you move to Thailand with a young family already in tow.
Suddenly, the questions become very different.
You stop worrying about the best rooftop bars and start worrying about the best schools.
You stop researching weekend getaways and start researching paediatricians.
You start thinking about safety, education, healthcare, friendships and what kind of childhood your children will experience.
The good news is that thousands of expatriate families successfully raise children in Thailand every year.
In fact, many families discover that Thailand offers an excellent environment for children, with strong international schools, excellent healthcare, family-friendly communities and a quality of life that can be difficult to match elsewhere.
This guide explains what life is really like raising children in Thailand and what families should consider before making the move.
Why Many Families Love Raising Children In Thailand
Ask long-term expatriate families why they stay and you’ll often hear similar answers.
They appreciate:
- Family-oriented culture
- Warm weather
- Outdoor lifestyle
- Excellent healthcare
- International schools
- Domestic travel opportunities
- Strong support networks
Children often enjoy a lifestyle that includes:
- Swimming year-round
- Outdoor activities
- International friendships
- Exposure to different cultures
For many families, that combination is extremely appealing.
Tip & Hint
Before choosing where to live, think about your child’s lifestyle, not just your own. School runs, sports activities and family routines often become more important than nightlife or proximity to work.
Is Thailand A Good Place To Raise Children?
For many families, yes.
Thailand is generally considered a family-friendly country.
Thai culture places significant importance on family relationships and respect for others.
Children are often welcomed in places where they may be less visible in some Western countries.
Restaurants, shopping centres and public spaces are usually accommodating to families.
That doesn’t mean Thailand is perfect.
Every country has challenges.
However, many expatriate families find the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.
Choosing The Right Area
Location becomes one of the biggest decisions you’ll make.
Different areas suit different families.
Bangkok
Ideal for:
- International schools
- Healthcare access
- Career opportunities
Challenges:
- Traffic
- Higher living costs
Chiang Mai
Popular for:
- Lower costs
- Outdoor lifestyle
- Family community
Challenges:
- Seasonal air quality concerns
Phuket
Popular for:
- Beaches
- International community
- Outdoor activities
Challenges:
- Higher housing costs in some areas
Hua Hin
Popular with:
- Retirees
- Young families
- Families seeking a slower pace
Pattaya
Offers:
- International schools
- Family communities
- Good value housing
Tip & Hint
Always research school options before signing a property lease. Many families end up choosing their neighbourhood based on school location.
Education In Thailand
For most expatriates, education is the biggest consideration.
Thailand offers a wide range of options.
International Schools
The most common choice for expat families.
Benefits include:
- English-language teaching
- International curriculums
- Global qualifications
Bilingual Schools
These combine:
- English
- Thai
and can offer a lower-cost alternative.
Local Thai Schools
Some families choose local schools, particularly when children are very young.
Each option has advantages and disadvantages.
What Do International Schools Cost?
School fees vary enormously.
Budget International Schools
100,000–300,000 THB annually
Mid-Range Schools
300,000–800,000 THB annually
Premium Schools
800,000–1.8 million THB+ annually
Per child.
Additional costs often include:
- Uniforms
- Transport
- School meals
- Activities
Tip & Hint
Always request a complete fee schedule before committing. Tuition rarely tells the whole story.
Healthcare For Children
Thailand’s healthcare system is one of its biggest strengths.
Major cities offer excellent private hospitals.
Families commonly use facilities such as:
- Bangkok Hospital
- Samitivej
- Bumrungrad
- Bangkok Pattaya Hospital
Many hospitals have:
- English-speaking doctors
- Paediatric specialists
- Modern facilities
What Does Healthcare Cost?
Without insurance:
GP consultation:
800–3,000 THB
Paediatric specialist:
1,500–5,000 THB
Emergency treatment:
Variable
Many families choose private health insurance for peace of mind.
Childcare And Nurseries
Thailand offers a wide variety of childcare options.
Examples include:
- Nurseries
- Daycare centres
- International preschools
Costs vary significantly.
Typical nursery costs:
5,000–40,000+ THB per month
depending on location and provider.
Safety Considerations
Thailand is generally safe.
However, parents should still consider:
- Road safety
- Swimming supervision
- Heat exposure
- Traffic awareness
Road safety is often the biggest adjustment for families arriving from countries with stricter driving cultures.
Tip & Hint
Teach children road awareness early. Traffic behaviour can differ significantly from what they may be used to.
Family Activities
One reason many families enjoy Thailand is the huge range of activities available.
Examples include:
- Beaches
- Water parks
- National parks
- Aquariums
- Zoos
- Cultural attractions
- Weekend markets
Children often have access to experiences that would be expensive elsewhere.
Sports And Hobbies
Popular activities include:
- Football
- Swimming
- Tennis
- Martial arts
- Dance
- Music
- Gymnastics
International schools often provide excellent extracurricular opportunities.
Learning Thai
Many expat children pick up Thai surprisingly quickly.
Even basic language skills can help:
- Build confidence
- Make friends
- Understand local culture
Tip & Hint
Encourage children to learn some Thai, even if they attend an English-language school.
Building Friendships
One concern many parents have is:
“Will my children make friends?”
In most cases, yes.
International schools often have students from dozens of countries.
Children frequently develop global friendships and cultural awareness from an early age.
Family Living Costs
Children naturally increase household expenses.
Examples include:
Housing
Family-friendly accommodation:
20,000–100,000+ THB monthly
Schooling
100,000–1.8 million+ THB annually
Healthcare
Variable
Activities
2,000–20,000+ THB monthly
Family Example Budget
Bangkok family of four:
Housing:
45,000 THB
Utilities:
5,000 THB
Food:
25,000 THB
School Fees:
50,000 THB monthly equivalent
Activities:
8,000 THB
Total:
Approximately 133,000 THB monthly
Families can spend considerably less or considerably more.
Raising Teenagers In Thailand
Teenagers often enjoy:
- International friendships
- Modern facilities
- Travel opportunities
However, parents should still maintain awareness regarding:
- Online safety
- Social influences
- Independence
The challenges are often similar to those faced elsewhere in the world.
University Planning
Families should begin thinking about university funding early.
Questions include:
- Which country will university take place in?
- What will tuition costs be?
- How much should be saved?
The earlier planning begins, the more options are usually available.
Tip & Hint
Many parents underestimate future university costs while focusing solely on current school fees.
Family Support Networks
One of the biggest advantages of expatriate life can be the community.
Many families develop friendships through:
- Schools
- Sports clubs
- Parent groups
- Community organisations
A strong support network can make life significantly easier.
Financial Planning For Families
Raising children internationally involves long-term financial commitments.
Examples include:
- School fees
- Healthcare
- University funding
- Housing
Planning ahead can help reduce future pressure.
Need Professional Guidance?
If you’re planning for:
- Education funding
- University costs
- Retirement planning
- Wealth management
- Long-term family financial security
you may wish to speak with:
Lawrence Young
Senior Wealth Manager
Holborn Assets
Email: lawrence.young@holbornassets.com
Particularly if you’re balancing family expenses with long-term financial goals.
Search Just Landed In Thailand First
Before relocating with children, explore the resources available through Just Landed In Thailand.
You’ll find information covering:
- International schools
- Healthcare providers
- Family services
- Property professionals
- Financial advisers
These resources can help make family life in Thailand easier and more enjoyable.
Final Thoughts
Raising children in Thailand can be a rewarding experience.
Children often benefit from:
- International friendships
- Cultural diversity
- Excellent healthcare
- Strong educational opportunities
- An active outdoor lifestyle
Like any major move, success comes from planning.
Research schools.
Understand the costs.
Choose your location carefully.
Build a support network.
And think long-term.
For many families, Thailand becomes far more than a temporary destination.
It becomes the place where their children grow up, make lifelong friends and create memories that stay with them forever.
