International Schools in Thailand Face Oversupply as Student Numbers Lag Behind Expansion

Key summary

The international school sector in Thailand is experiencing a shift from growth to saturation, with the number of institutions outpacing student enrollment. According to Kasikorn Research Center data, the number of international schools in Thailand rose from 234 in 2022 (2565) to 280 in 2026 (2569), representing an increase of approximately 5.3% for that year alone. Projections indicate the count will reach 293 by 2027 (2570). While total student numbers grew from 66,352 in 2022 to 86,056 in 2026, with an expected figure of 89,200 for 2027, the average number of students per school has declined. This metric dropped from 312 students per school in the 2024-2025 academic year (2567-2568) to 307 in 2025-2026 (2569), and is forecasted to fall further to 304 by 2027. Consequently, operators are facing pressure to raise tuition fees to maintain revenue; the average annual tuition fee in Bangkok increased from 776,887 baht in the 2024-2025 academic year to 799,818 baht in the 2025-2026 academic year (an approximate 3% rise), with a projected increase of about 5% to 839,184 baht for the 2026-2027 academic year. Despite overall sector revenue growing from 75 billion baht in 2022 to 116 billion baht in 2026, with projections reaching 128 billion baht in 2027 and 141 billion baht in 2028, the oversupply of schools means new entrants face longer payback periods for capital investments. Bangkok remains a critical market, hosting more than 45% of all international schools nationwide, intensifying local competition. To survive, operators must differentiate themselves through specialized curricula, safety measures, and cultural environments rather than relying solely on standard international credentials.