FAMILY LIVING · PHUKET

Moving to Phuket with family: international schools and the best areas to live

Where the international schools are, what they cost, which neighbourhoods expat families choose, and the relocation steps we walk every client through.

International schools Expat hubs Relocation tips
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS

Phuket's leading international schools

Approximate annual tuition for 2025–26 in Thai baht. Fees typically rise 3–5% a year, and transport, uniforms, trips and exams are extra.

SCHOOL CURRICULUM AGES PRIMARY SECONDARY SIXTH FORM / IB ONE-TIME LEVY
UWC Thailand
Thalang, north Phuket
IB (PYP, MYP, Diploma) 3–18 ฿440k–560k ฿610k–720k ฿780k–850k ฿150k–180k
British International School Phuket
Koh Kaew
British (IGCSE, A-Level) 2–18 ฿430k–540k ฿590k–690k ฿760k–810k ฿140k–160k
BIS Kathu
Kathu
British (IGCSE, A-Level) 2–18 ฿310k–390k ฿420k–520k ฿560k–620k ฿60k–80k
QSI International School of Phuket
Rawai
American 3–17 ฿210k–290k ฿300k–370k ฿380k–430k ฿35k–55k
HeadStart International School
Rawai
British (IGCSE, A-Level) 2–18 ฿190k–260k ฿280k–340k ฿350k–400k ฿30k–50k
Kajonkiet International School
Phuket Town and branches
Thai–international bilingual 2–15 ฿80k–130k ฿120k–150k — ฿10k–20k
Indicative ranges. Always confirm current fees, sibling discounts and places with the school's admissions office.
EXPAT HUBS

Where international families settle

On Phuket, the school run decides the neighbourhood. Choose the school first, then live within easy reach of it.

Bang Tao, Laguna & Cherngtalay

Resort-lifestyle families, second-home owners
Schools nearbyUWC Thailand (north)
HomesBranded condos, pool villas

Insider read. The island’s most complete lifestyle address: beach, golf, cafes and the Sansiri and Laguna developments. Premium prices, and the deepest resale market.

Rawai, Nai Harn & Chalong

Long-stay families, value with community
Schools nearbyHeadStart, QSI
HomesVillas, townhouses, low-rise condos

Insider read. The island’s most established long-stay expatriate community, with two international schools close by. Calmer and better value than the west coast.

Kathu & Koh Kaew

School-first families, golfers
Schools nearbyBISP, BIS Kathu
HomesGated villa estates, golf-side homes

Insider read. Central and practical, between Phuket Town and Patong. A strong choice when a British-curriculum school is the priority.

Phuket Town

Budget-conscious and Thai-integrated families
Schools nearbyKajonkiet
HomesCity condos such as THE BASE

Insider read. Shops, hospitals and Central Phuket on the doorstep, at the island’s lowest prices. Not a beach address, but easy everyday living.

Bangkok · Sukhumvit, Sathorn, Ari

Working parents, city careers
Schools nearbyWide international-school choice
HomesHigh-rise condos near BTS/MRT

Insider read. For families who need the capital for work. Choose a home on the same rail line as the school to keep the daily commute short.

Koh Samui · Bophut

Island-life families, remote workers
Schools nearbySmaller choice than Phuket
HomesVillas and new condos

Insider read. A quieter island with a close-knit community. Check school options carefully before committing; the choice is narrower.

RELOCATION TIPS

Ten steps for a smooth family move

01
Choose the school before the house
Secure a place, then search within an easy school run. Phuket’s main roads are busy at peak times.
02
Visit in both seasons
See the island in the dry season (roughly November to April) and the monsoon (May to October) before you commit.
03
Rent before you buy
Six to twelve months in your chosen area tests the neighbourhood, the commute and the school before you buy.
04
Apply to schools early
Popular year groups fill early. Have school reports, passports and vaccination records ready to send.
05
Budget the first-year costs
One-time capital levies of ฿10k–180k per child sit on top of tuition, plus transport, uniforms and trips.
06
Settle your visa route
Long-Term Resident visas, Thailand Privilege and other routes each suit different families. See our Schemes page.
07
Arrange international health cover
Choose a plan accepted by Phuket’s private hospitals, and check it covers every family member.
08
Register your address
Foreign residents must be reported to immigration (TM30) within 24 hours of arrival at an address. Agree with your landlord who files it.
09
Set up banking and a Thai phone number
Most everyday services, from school fees to utilities, run through a local account and number.
10
Think about getting around
Most families rely on a car. Budget for one, and agree school transport early if you prefer not to drive.
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