If you’re planning to teach in Thailand, it helps to have a basic grasp of how the education system is structured. 

While life inside a Thai classroom can sometimes feel unpredictable, the framework that holds everything together is actually quite well organised - at least on paper.

Let’s start at the beginning.

The big picture

Thailand’s school system is divided into a few clear stages. The first is Anuban - kindergarten - usually for children aged 3 to 5. You’ll often find two years here: Anuban 1 and 2. This stage is mostly about play, socialisation, and getting kids used to the classroom setting. Foreign teachers don’t always teach at this level, but if you do, expect lots of singing, dancing, and hand-holding (literally and figuratively).

Next comes Prathom - the primary years - spanning Prathom 1 through Prathom 6. These kids are roughly 6 to 11 years old. English is generally introduced here, though “introduced” is doing a lot of work in some cases. Foreign teachers are more commonly found in these grades, often teaching basic English conversation, phonics, or simple vocabulary-based lessons.

After primary school, students move into Mattayom 1 to 3, which is the equivalent of lower secondary or early high school. These students are around 12 to 14 years old. At this stage, you may notice a shift in behaviour. Kids start developing real opinions, teenage mood swings, and varying degrees of enthusiasm for your lessons.

Following that is Mattayom 4 to 6 - upper secondary. These students are preparing for university entrance exams or figuring out their next steps. In theory, they’re more mature and focused, but it really depends on the school and the students. Some Mattayom 6 classes are dream groups who love to practice English, others are a bit more checked out, especially after entrance exams are over.

Once students complete Mattayom 6, they can head to university, take a more practical route via vocational college, or enter the workforce. Vocational education is a big deal in Thailand and shouldn’t be underestimated. It’s common for students to study specific trades or technical skills rather than go down the academic route.

The school calendar

Now, here’s where things often trip people up: the school year in Thailand runs from May to March. There are two terms:

Term 1: May to early October

Term 2: November to early March

This is followed by a long summer break in March and April, which happens to coincide with the hottest and driest time of year. There’s also a shorter mid-year break in October, which is when you’ll see a lot of teachers heading off to the islands or neighbouring countries to recharge. It’s worth noting that while this calendar applies to most government and private Thai schools, international schools usually follow a Western calendar - August to June - so it depends where you end up teaching.

A few other things to keep in mind

School days usually run from around 8am to 3 or 4pm, but you might be expected to arrive earlier for morning assembly or flag-raising.

Uniforms are worn by students at every level, and they take them very seriously. There are different ones for regular days, scout days, and even sports days.

English programs (EP) exist within some schools, where certain subjects are taught in English. These programs usually pay better but come with higher expectations and more planning.

Final thoughts

While the structure of the Thai education system might seem neat and tidy on the surface, day-to-day life in a Thai school is often anything but. That said, having a basic understanding of how it all fits together can help you stay grounded when things feel a bit chaotic. Whether you’re teaching tiny Anuban kids or too-cool-for-school Mattayom teens, knowing where your students are in their educational journey is half the battle.

And if you ever feel confused - don’t worry. You’re in good company. Every foreign teacher in Thailand has had that moment of “Wait, why are there no classes today?” or “What do you mean exams are next week?” Just smile, roll with it, and maybe ask the janitor what's really going on - they usually know more than the head of English.