The Thai education system has three main levels: pre-school which is optional from age 3; primary school which is compulsory from age 6; and secondary school which is split into lower and higher levels, with the lower level compulsory until around age 15. Schools are generally open to all students, though some more competitive schools select students based on entrance exams. The school year runs from May to March, with holidays in March/April and October. Public education is free, though additional costs exist for uniforms and materials; private or international schools have much higher annual fees from $6,000 to $20,000 USD.

1. Education system of
THAILAND

2. The Thai Education System
Pre-school is optional, it is obtainable from the age of three, in Thailand. It is
compulsory to start schooling at primary level i.e., Prathom Suksa from the age of six.
After primary school, children step onto secondary education i.e., Mathayom Suksa,
which is split into a lower level and higher level.
The lower level that covers students aged to about 15, is compulsory. Schools in the
Thai public system are generally open for all students, but some more respected
schools select students based on entrance exams and can be fiercely competitive.

3. Pre School
Pre-school in Thailand is not that compulsory, even though in theory all children must
be able to have a free place in pre-school for two years.
Primary School (Prathom Suksa)
From the age of six, it is necessary to attend primary school in Thailand. For primary age
children, learning time cannot surpass five hours a day. This stage of schooling is
provided free of charge.

4. Secondary School (Mathayom Suksa)
Secondary education is six years long, but only the first three lower secondary
years are obligatory. At the end of lower secondary education, students take
exams that determine whether they can continue to the higher secondary
programme.
Teaching days get increasingly longer, with lower secondary around six hours a
day, and the higher secondary programme running for at least six hours every
day.

6. The School Calendar and Hours
The school year in the Thai state system usually starts from May and continues to
till the next year March. Holidays are in March and April, with a further holiday is
in October. Nevertheless, the exact dates will differ from school to school.
Frequently the school day will run around 8.30am to 3.30pm, even though actual
teaching time for younger children is limited.

7. Cost of Education
Education in the Thai public system is free. However, there will be additional costs for
uniforms, school materials and transport. If you do not select the state system and
decide to go for a private or international school, the costs are likely to be high.
Fees of anything from USD 6,000 to USD 20,000 a year aren't uncommon. International
schools even tend to have one off admin or registration fees, and other charges such as
security deposit or a building repair costs.

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