Bangkok is a city that is rich in history and diverse in population. It is a popular option for many expats, as it offers a Western-style lifestyle at a fraction of the cost. Many parents moving to Bangkok tend to choose an international school for their child to ensure they are getting the highest quality of education taught by well-qualified teachers. However, there are many things to consider when choosing a good international school for both you and your children.
Try to Stay Close to Home or Work
While a lovely city, there’s no way around it—Bangkok has awful traffic. Rush hour can last anywhere from 4-8 PM, and some of the worst stretches of road—particularly along Sukhumvit road or Sathorn road—can take hours for just a short commute. Thus, where you choose to send your child is extremely important.
The two best options are either close to your home or close to your work. Some parents prefer to have schools close to where they work so that if there is an emergency, it is easy to get to the school. Parents with older children may choose a school closer to home so that their child can easily make their own way home at the end of the day.
Go Outside of the City Centre
The heart of Bangkok is vibrant and exciting, but not the best place for your child to be during hours of education. Places outside of the city can offer better views, larger campuses, and sometimes, lower pollution levels. For parents that don’t work in the city centre, this is a great option. A school like https://basis.ac.th/, for example, is located just off the popular Rama 2 road and provides a sprawling campus without the hustle and bustle of the city.
When in Doubt, Look at Public Transport
Many international schools choose locations that are easier to get to. They do this by choosing locations near public transport systems. Bangkok has great public transport systems, and it is very easy to avoid traffic by taking another form of transport to school. The BTS, Bangkok’s sky train system, sprawls across the expanse of the city, and many schools are located within walking distance of some BTS stops. The MRT, Bangkok’s underground railway system, operates similarly and can make it easier for you and your children to beat the rush hour traffic.
Bangkok offers some of the world’s best international schools, so no matter where you choose, you can rest easy knowing there are plenty of great options for you and your children.
