Krabi Expat Guide

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There is only one international school in Krabi - the recently opened Nawattaphume International School in Ban Nateen (5 minutes drive from Ao Nang). It offers kindergarten and primary teaching only and follows the British curriculcum, even though there are no British teachers. We have mixed reports about the school; some say it is a blessing for Krabi to have such a school at all; others complain that there is not enough investment in the school infrastructure and teaching materials. The school currently has around 40 students up to year 7 (May 2010).

Other, well-established international schools can be found in Phuket, and they accept boarders of all ages. There are also several schools, from kindergarten to upper secondary, in operation in Ko Lanta, offering education in Swedish language. These are useful for and popular with long-stay tourists during the high season months. But student turnover is very high, meaning the environment may not be stable enough for expatriate children.

Within the local Thai school system in Krabi Town, there are a couple of bilingual (Thai-English) programmes, with native-speaking teachers (although not all are qualified as school teachers; a piece of paper showing a university degree - rarely verified - is all that is required to get a position). The majority of expats send their children here; often undertaking to give them extra tuition themselves before or after school if they feel the teaching is not adequate.