International Schools Expand in Thailand Despite Population Decline
Falling birth rates contrast with rising demand for international education, with new schools planned beyond Bangkok
Thailand’s international school sector continues to grow despite the country’s shrinking population.
Official figures show that the population declined from 66.6 million at the end of 2019 to 66.0 million in 2024, with deaths consistently outpacing births.
In 2024, Thailand recorded more than 462,000 births compared with approximately 571,000 deaths.
By July 2025, the population was estimated at 65.9 million, with 236,000 births and 327,000 deaths registered in the first seven months of the year.
Against this demographic backdrop, demand for international education is rising.
Tanyaporn Phornprapha Tangcravakoon, chair of the School Board at Highgate International School Thailand, noted that Thai parents are increasingly prioritising high-quality education and holistic development, with many willing to invest in private international schooling.
She added that parents are more research-oriented and selective in identifying educational options they consider the best for their children.
While most of Thailand’s international schools are concentrated in Bangkok, new campuses are expanding into provincial areas such as Chiang Mai and Chon Buri.
Chon Buri currently hosts three large international schools, with room for further growth according to sector representatives.
Highgate International School Thailand, established through a partnership between Siam Motors Group, the Phornprapha family, and Highgate School in the United Kingdom, represents one of the latest investments in this sector.
With an investment budget of approximately 1.6 billion baht, the school will be located near Siam Country Club in Chon Buri.
It is scheduled to open in August 2026, initially serving pre-nursery to Year 6 students, with expansion to high school planned in 2027.
Boarding facilities are expected in later phases.
The school will operate under the English National Curriculum, preparing students for IGCSEs and A-Levels.
At full capacity, it will accommodate around 1,400 students aged 2 to 18.
More than half of the student body is expected to be Thai nationals.
Official figures show that the population declined from 66.6 million at the end of 2019 to 66.0 million in 2024, with deaths consistently outpacing births.
In 2024, Thailand recorded more than 462,000 births compared with approximately 571,000 deaths.
By July 2025, the population was estimated at 65.9 million, with 236,000 births and 327,000 deaths registered in the first seven months of the year.
Against this demographic backdrop, demand for international education is rising.
Tanyaporn Phornprapha Tangcravakoon, chair of the School Board at Highgate International School Thailand, noted that Thai parents are increasingly prioritising high-quality education and holistic development, with many willing to invest in private international schooling.
She added that parents are more research-oriented and selective in identifying educational options they consider the best for their children.
While most of Thailand’s international schools are concentrated in Bangkok, new campuses are expanding into provincial areas such as Chiang Mai and Chon Buri.
Chon Buri currently hosts three large international schools, with room for further growth according to sector representatives.
Highgate International School Thailand, established through a partnership between Siam Motors Group, the Phornprapha family, and Highgate School in the United Kingdom, represents one of the latest investments in this sector.
With an investment budget of approximately 1.6 billion baht, the school will be located near Siam Country Club in Chon Buri.
It is scheduled to open in August 2026, initially serving pre-nursery to Year 6 students, with expansion to high school planned in 2027.
Boarding facilities are expected in later phases.
The school will operate under the English National Curriculum, preparing students for IGCSEs and A-Levels.
At full capacity, it will accommodate around 1,400 students aged 2 to 18.
More than half of the student body is expected to be Thai nationals.
