Moving with 3 children to Thailand

Content:

• About moving abroad?
  • Advantages of Thailand
  • Disadvantages of Thailand
  • Interim result
• Which visa keeps the whole family in Thailand
• Personal experience: Eugene and Valentina moved to Thailand with three children
  • What caused the welcoming family to relocate from Russia to Thailand?
  • Searching for and purchasing housing
  • Kindergarten and school for children
  • What kindergarten and school cost today
  • What to count before you move if you have several children
  • The cost of housing
  • What are the conditions for buyers?
  • Additional expenses:
  • Thailand relocation review
• What changed by 2026
• We will help you purchase real estate in Thailand
• Frequently asked questions

"Families work out the tuition and forget everything around it: the enrolment fee, the bus, uniforms, lunches, clubs. In our experience you should add a third to the figure on the school's price list — that gives you the real annual budget per child."

— a family relocation consultant working in Thailand

About moving abroad?

All families have their reasons for moving. Some are tired of the climate of their hometown and want to move to a warmer place and have new experiences; others seek stability. Parents try to enrol children in international schools or kindergartens that provide them with a high-quality education. You can obtain an education that meets high international standards at any of the nation’s international language schools. Adults can apply for a one-year student visa with the option of an extension until they complete their studies — studies are now covered by the Non-Immigrant ED or the ED Plus visa. Another option is to get a long-term visa under the Thailand Privilege programme, known as Thailand Elite until 2023, to stay in the country for up to 20 years. The programme has five tiers, from THB 650,000 (USD 19,625) for 5 years to THB 5 million (USD 151,000) for 20 years. No income requirement applies, and family members are added for a separate fee.

Advantages of Thailand

Although moving to Thailand with a small child is difficult and fraught with challenges, many people are not at all frightened by the prospect. The most common reasons for parents bringing their children to Thailand are:

• Thailand has large English-speaking communities located throughout the entire Foreign nationals living in Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket and the island resorts of Phi Phi and Koh Samui. The communities are friendly and often arrange informal meetings for compatriots. Many are raising children, making it easier for kids to adapt to new situations and get past the language barrier.
• The education system. There are kindergartens, public and private schools, specialised secondary schools and higher education throughout the country. Most of them teach in English and diplomas from Thai universities are valued internationally. The schools focus on creative thinking. In some cities, there are private English schools. So, there are no difficulties for kids of foreign families to attend a school or kindergarten.
• High level of healthcare. There are hundreds of public and private clinics in Thailand that provide high-quality care. You do not need to be concerned about medical care; just ensure that you have insurance.
• Affordable housing rentals. A three-bedroom house in Pattaya rents from THB 35,000 (USD 1,057) per month, and from THB 50,000 (USD 1,510) with a pool. A 6 to 12-month contract works out cheaper than a monthly one. Depending on the location, prices and offers can vary. The apartment is suitable for your furniture and household appliances. The catalogue on Thailand.Estate website contains the price ranges.
• Rich in nature, sea and sun.
• There are many parks and picturesque beaches where you can spend an active holiday with your family.

Disadvantages of Thailand

A change of residence, especially relocating with three children to Thailand, may not be as wonderful as some people may think. In addition to its advantages, the country has the following shortcomings that need to be considered:

• Quality medicine and education are expensive.
• Most of Thailand’s major locations are not suitable for comfortable walking, much less for walking with strollers. There are few sidewalks and even fewer playgrounds.
• Those who love the warmth and come here for the year-round summer will enjoy Thailand, but others will have difficulty with the constant heat (above 30C) and increased humidity. Children should never go outside without sunscreen and hats.
• Obtaining visas, work permits and so on may be delayed.
• Problems with employment for foreigners. In some sectors, foreigners are not employed at all. They can be arrested for illegal work. Therefore, it’s essential to secure a job and obtain a work visa before arriving in the country.
• A lot of insects including spiders, cockroaches and mosquitoes, can be carriers of infection.

Interim result

Thailand is ideal for those who are not afraid of changes and, despite possible inconveniences, are ready to start a new life. However, when moving with children to a new country, it’s worth paying attention to many things or developing a strategy. A significant advantage is that a child can get a decent education here and then go into the world with an international diploma and develop a career in any country. But first, they need to adapt to the new climate, mentality and rhythm of life. Children’s brains are flexible. Surrounded by a new language and culture with peers will allow them to learn several languages (at least English and Thai) and parents will become a reliable support in their endeavours.

Which visa keeps the whole family in Thailand

A conversation about relocation usually starts with schools and housing and ends up at the visa: on what grounds the whole family stays in the country, not just the person who earns. Five routes work at the moment.

Personal experience: Eugene and Valentina moved to Thailand with three children

Over three years ago, Valentina and Eugene made their home in Baan Dusit, a Russian-speaking community in Pattaya that is 15 kilometres from the city centre. They have three children living with them. The youngest child is five years old, while the older two are fifteen and eleven. Here are their comments regarding their experience. The interview was recorded in January 2022, so every sum quoted in it reflects the prices of that time. Today’s benchmarks for kindergartens, schools and housing are given in separate sections below.

What caused the welcoming family to relocate from Russia to Thailand?

Valentina answers: "Eugene and I had long fallen in love with Thailand. This is our power base. We first came here about 15 years ago before the birth of our eldest daughter and then, again, later with her. Previously, we holidayed in Phuket, Bangkok and Chiang Mai but most of all, of course, in Pattaya. We admire the local lifestyle and sights. There are many places to go on a guided tour or your own. There are amazing farms where we usually go with our children.

My husband and I were able to combine our professional and personal lives by working remotely and we decided to move relatively simply. We discovered that Baan Dusit is a wonderful community with a predominantly Russian-speaking community. I felt that we needed to do something."

Searching for and purchasing housing

Eugene said, "Before we actually moved, we talked about relocation. We daydreamed and pondered on it. When Valya was expecting, careful planning got underway. This can be regarded as an impulse. We previously tried to find the best accommodation in Baan Dusit while taking a break in Pattaya. The village is cosy and bustling and everything follows some sort of routine. We immediately thought it would be simpler to start a life in a foreign country after being startled by the abundance of Russian speech and the shouting of our parents. For recreation, there are parks, a gym, a library and even sports clubs where locals can play basketball and volleyball. An idyllic family life is immediately evident. Pay attention to the playgrounds and parks. We were told that there were schools and kindergartens, which was later confirmed)."

"We bought a spacious one-storey three-bedroom villa. One room was equipped as a nursery, the second room was for our daughter and my wife and I lived in the third room. There’s a spacious kitchen and living room, the surrounding area has been turned into a courtyard and we have instaled several swings and a sandbox. The developer offers these options. Some of our neighbours, from Russia as well, ordered the construction as per an individual plan for a separate price but this was not suitable for us as we would have had to wait another year and a half. So we settled the paperwork and moved in."

Kindergarten and school for children

Tina says, "In Thailand, kindergarten attendance is not required; some kids wait until they are six years old to start school. Zhenya and I just need some free time as we work remotely. The young son now attends a kindergarten a short distance from the house. The garden has a unique educational programme that requires the kids to study and speak English, Thai and Russian (although I'm not sure if this is more of a characteristic of our "reservation" than the rest of Thailand). The teachers are accommodating and kind and they constantly monitor the child's development. There’s a cost associated with everything good. The monthly cost for kindergarten is USD 175 to USD 435 (THB 6,000–15,000). The school is also compensated; the starting price for a year of study at an international institution is USD 7,660 (THB 264,000). Of course, it’s expensive, but we were aware of the costs beforehand. Additionally, both the children and ourselves have a completely satisfactory level of education."

What kindergarten and school cost today

Valentina quotes the prices of January 2022. Schools and kindergartens have gone up since then, so here are today’s benchmarks across the country.

On top of that, budget 10 to 30% for the enrolment fee, uniform, school bus, lunches and clubs. A school day in Phuket costs roughly 15 to 25% less than at a comparable school in Bangkok.

What to count before you move if you have several children

Costs for a family with three children add up differently than for one child. Four figures are worth putting together before the move.

• School fees multiply by the number of children. Three places at a mid-range international school come to THB 600,000–2.1 million (USD 18,115–63,400) a year, and that is before enrolment fees and the bus.
• Medical insurance for each family member. Some visas require it, and without it a private clinic charges the full price list.
• The rental deposit and advance payment. The standard is two months’ deposit plus one month upfront, so you need three times the monthly rent at the start.
• Reports and extensions. A 90-day report for every family member, and children on a study visa follow their own extension schedule.

The cost of housing

Thailand offers instalments to foreign homebuyers. The family claims that the home cost them THB 3.8 million (USD 114,700 at the current rate). That was the price of their own deal, made well before the 2022 interview, and today’s market differs.

What are the conditions for buyers?

• Deposit for booking and withdrawal of real estate from the market – THB 50,000 (USD 1,510);
• Contract payment – 10%·
• 24 payments for 2 years at 2% – 48%;
• The last payment – 42%.

Additional expenses:

• Payment via bank - the buyer bears the additional costs;
• Registration and instalation of counters;
• Registration of the contract of sale;
• Additional payment for the location is between THB 100,000 and 150,000 (USD 3,020–4,530);
• Utility bills;
• Security, garbage collection and cleaning.

In some locations, it’s cheaper to buy an apartment in Thailand. Maintenance costs may also vary.

Thailand relocation review

Valentina says, "It feels like we're going our own way. Of course, this is the merit of our environment and the microclimate that it supports here; a very friendly community. We have several Thai friends who help us understand the local flavour. We are gradually learning the language and it’s far easier for the children. At school, they communicate with their peers and learn faster.

Anyone who, like us, is thinking about relocating to Thailand, I advise you to study the area better. We were lucky but sometimes assimilation is incredibly difficult; there are more indigenous people, a foreign language and a different culture. It’s better to study everything in advance, travel, live, take a closer look and then make a decision."

What changed by 2026

• The Thailand Elite programme was renamed Thailand Privilege, with tiers starting at THB 650,000 for 5 years.
• July 2024 brought the DTV visa, which lets a whole family relocate: children under 20 qualify as dependants.
• The cap on the number of LTR dependants was lifted in 2025.
• The paper TM 6 card was replaced by the digital arrival card, mandatory since 1 May 2025.
• Studies now require the Non-Immigrant ED or ED Plus visa; the DTV does not cover language courses.

We will help you purchase real estate in Thailand

You will find more housing options from proven developers in the catalogue in Thailand.Estate. Our specialists will help you buy an apartment in a new building in Thailand, provide information and support and ensure a legal transaction.

Frequently asked questions

What visa can the whole family live on?

The usual route is one parent's visa with dependants: work, retirement, LTR or DTV. The children are granted dependant status.

How much does an international school cost?

The range is wide: from 200,000 baht a year in budget programmes to one and a half million in the top schools in Bangkok and Phuket. Fees come on top of tuition.

Can my child attend a state school?

Every child in Thailand has the right to schooling regardless of nationality. In practice foreigners choose private and international schools because of the language of instruction.

Does a parent need a separate visa if the child has a study visa?

Yes, an accompanying parent is issued a guardian visa, granted on the basis of the child's enrolment.

What costs more, housing or school?

With three children the school usually outweighs the rent. That is why families often choose an area by the distance to a suitable school rather than by the view.