What is the experience of moving to Thailand with children?

Aug 17, 2022
2 years ago
Noel *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Not really a visa question. Anyone ever moved to thailand with kids/kid? If so how was the transition for the kids?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion centers on the experiences of expats who moved to Thailand with children, highlighting both positive and negative perspectives. Some users expressed concerns about the challenges children may face, such as adapting to Thai schools and the social environment, especially for teenagers. Others reported positive transitions, emphasizing that children can thrive in Thailand with access to international schools and engaging activities. The conversation also touches on the importance of age when relocating, suggesting that younger children may adapt better than teens. Overall, the feedback is mixed, but many agree that with proper support and schooling, children can find enjoyment and benefit from living in Thailand.
Noel *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks everyone for the replies.
Geoff ***********
Follow Dan About Thailand mate. He’s done it and runs a good channel.
Noel *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Geoff **********
thanks ill tune in
Eric **********
If it's rural life and you use the school there you would be doing any child a diservice. Poor education at best.
Eric **********
Sounds like a plan. I love my wife's home village but I'd never raise children there... Peaceful and quiet...
Noel *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Eric *********
our plan was always to go back and live. Land bought and foundation ready to build a home. But now have a 2 year old. Don't really want to pull a teen away from ireland. So just thinking of letting her and him go ahead and set up home.... ill have enough money to do until my pensions come..... lots to research over the next year or so....
Noel *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Eric *********
it's a village life, but not for school. Udon thani is a short school bus ride... going back october and will check out some places...
Johanna ********
I moved with a 15 year old stayed for 12 years .We moved back shes still there married 2 kids herself now Once they make friends they are fine
Lee ********
We had 5 kids together and went back and forth between the US and Thailand every six months or so. In America the kids were mostly out of shape, learning was far more advanced, and overall more interesting. Their Thai schools treated them like movie stars.
Verity *********
I just moved here 6 weeks ago with my daughter 14.. she has to go to a international school because she can't speak ir read thai.. she is very happy.. although hasn't started school yet.. the new school year starts soon.
Nate ******
@Verity ********
how much does the school cost?
Verity *********
@Nate *****
should also mention thats the cheapest one in Pattaya 😂😂
Verity *********
@Nate *****
about 6.5k Australian a year.. not sure where you are from for conversion rate.
Kuan ******
If you can afford international school or decent bilingual schools for your kid(s), I really see no actual traumatic impact but can be a very fun experience for the kid(s). In addition if you are a church goer, there are also lots of teen or children ministries that really have planned activities for bonding n friendships… All in all very international n good exposure for the child or teen.

As an expat I was posted to many countries n my children all enjoyed their stay in each country.

You can connect with me if you need to know more in Bkk.
Nate ******
@Kuan *****
I wonder what the average cost for elementary international school is?
Maarten ****
@Kuan *****
yes I heard no homework at all …. It’s giving them lots of freedom to find what they like most
Noel *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
My son is 2 at the moment. I am thinking of moving him and his mother there when he is about 5, that will be a year or two before I can move.. didn't really think moving a young teen would work ( if I waited that long)....lots to think about over the next few years.....
Johanna ********
@Noel ********
my daughter was 15 when we moved there .We are back in UK she stayed married with 2 kids
Johanna ********
So we get to have nice holidays too
Dawn ********
From experience move them as young as possible. They will adapt but
***
theyve already started preschool & start having an opinion 🤣 and worst of all telling you they don’t want to

Move 🤣
Michael ********
@Noel ********
young teens is dangerous time.

My son grew up in Phuket and Singapore and know lots of kids from that time some born here. Most now in there early twenties(stuart the moderator also knows a lot of them)

Was a great upbringing for kids reefs to rainforests and almost all are extremely polite well brought up kids with respect for all cultures

There are temptations though for teenagers but probably no more than a western country.
Noel *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Michael *******
thanks. Not idea to leave at 5 for him, but better than than teen we are thinking. Also I suppose the wife could get our house built too. It will be a village life..
Michael ********
Kids love Thailand. Thais love kids especially blonde haired ones
Wilmont ******
My son hated every minute here. He said the schools are shitty, and nothing for chilled to do. He was 6 when he first came to Thailand and again when he was a teenager and hated it even more. Nothing but sex and drunks. Says Thailand is for old farts looking for a happy ending.
Maarten ****
@Wilmont *****
did u send him to international school ? I heard from people those international school are so good similar to UK private school
Wilmont ******
@Maarten ***
He went to both.
Garrett ***********
@Wilmont *****
To be fair, kids tend to hate anything that isn't video games or burgers.
Garrett ***********
Kids are banned in Thailand, adults only.
Mark ********
@Garrett **********
Sadly, half the adults are dumber than the kids. 😛
Bobby ********
@Garrett **********
They should be banned! 😆
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