Having kids is a whirlwind of joy, dirty nappies, hilarity, frustration, tests of mettle and, of course, love.
Having kids as an expat in Bangkok, however, is another challenge entirely.
Of course, you’ve got all of the usual parental anguish, plus some extra heightened worries about quality of education, road safety, Dengue Fever, and helping your child make friends across a racial and language divide.
But fear not – one of the benefits of Bangkok being such a popular city with is the ream of parents over here who’ve done it all before.
They’ve managed to find the sweet spot of being an expat parent and can help you find it too. There’s a myriad of online resources, communities and blogs for Bangkok parents as well as a host of classes and activities perfect for your little one.
We’ve compiled all the kid-friendly resources and activities that you can find right here on Sukhumvit, as well as a list of international schools and nurseries in the neighbourhood.
If there’s anything we’ve missed out that you think Bangkok parents should know about, feel free to let us know in the comments!
Without further ado…
Communities for Parents and Kids in Bangkok
BKK Kids
One of the biggest online resources for anything child related in Bangkok, from schools to healthcare, with a host of valuable articles and regular social media updates broadcasting relevant events across the city.
Bangkok Mothers & Babies International (BAMBI)
A non-profit branch of the Childbirth & Breastfeeding Foundation of Thailand that provides support to pregnant women and new mothers of all nationalities in Bangkok. They hold regular talks and events, have a library and host a number of support groups for adoption, working mums and more.
Kid-Friendly Activities on Sukhumvit
To ensure your child has plenty of opportunities to make new friends and develop their passions, it’s a good idea to enroll them in classes and have them try out new hobbies.
Whether they’re a footballer in the making or a budding musician, there’s a riot of activities for them to try out on Sukhumvit. It’s also a great way to meet fellow mums and dads!
Play Centres and Soft Play
- Funarium, Phrom Phong – the largest indoor playground in Bangkok
- Imaginia Playground, Phrom Phong
- Kids’ Club at Samitivej Sukhumvit, Thonglor
- Kidzoona Molly Fantasy, Ekkamai
- Playtime, Ekkamai
Dance Lessons
- PS Dance Bangkok, Asok
- RumPuree Dance Studio, Asok
- Cala Dance Studio, Phrom Phong
- Dance Centre Bangkok, Phrom Phong
- Bangkok City Ballet, Thonglor
- Rising Star Dance Studio, Thonglor
Music Lessons
- Robinson School, Phrom Phong
- BMAS International Music & Performing Arts Academy, Thonglor
- Superstar Academy, Thonglor
- Gymboree Play and Music, Thonglor
Football Academies
- Kiddy-Kicks, Thonglor
- BKK Galaxy FC, Thonglor
- CUKI Tots, Thonglor
Yoga
- Incy Wincy Kids Yoga, Schools go into schools
- Iyengar Yoga Studio, Thonglor– twice weekly kids classes (also offer private prenatal classes)
- Prem Yog Prana, Phrom Phong – offers classes for 8-14 year olds and 14-24 year olds and for children with special needs
Swimming Lessons
- Lets Asia Little Splashers, Phrom Phong
- Bangkok Swimming, Phrom Phong
- Swimkids Bangkok, Phrom Phong
- Bangkok Dolphins, Thonglor
- Baby Pool, Thonglor
Having a Baby in Bangkok
Having a baby in a foreign country – particularly one as, ahem, unique as Thailand – is an understandably daunting prospect.
Your fears should be quelled, however, by the high quality of Sukhumvit’s international hospitals and the wealth of personal blogs written by women who’ve given birth here and have plenty of tips and advice for would-be Bangkok mothers.
Hospitals on Sukhumvit with Maternity Packages
- Samitivej Hospital, Thonglor
- Bumrungrad International Hospital, Nana
Useful Blogs on Giving Birth in Bangkok
- Expecting Expats
- Doulas Of Bangkok
- Tales From An Expat
- BAMBI Guide to Having a Baby in Bangkok (note: published in 2003)
- Expat Child
Childcare and Nannies in Bangkok
Compared to the West, childcare in Bangkok is inexpensive and very accessible for expats who need an extra set of hands to take care of the kids.
Check out these local agencies for recommended nannies and childminders:
- Bangkok Nannies
- Great Au Pair
- Ayasan Service
- BAMBI
- Bangkok Nanny Center
- Nitiporn’s Professional Nanny Agency
International Schools and Nurseries
The quality of the Thai education system is a hotly debated topic and one understandably at the forefront of many expat and local parents’ concerns.
Many opt to step around this issue and enroll their child in accredited international schools instead. Due to the volume of affluent expat families living in the neighbourhood, Sukhumvit is home to a number of international schools, pre-schools and nurseries generally dominated by the British and American education systems.
NIST International School
- Where: Asok
- Age range: 3 years to 18 years
- Education: International Baccalaureate
- Contact: 0–2651-206
Australia International School (Primary)
- Where: Asok
- Age range: 18 months to 6 years
- Education: Australian
- Contact: 0–2260-4575, 0-2663-5495
Kiddykare International Kindergarten
- Where: Phrom Phong
- Age range: 18 months to 6 years
- Education: British
- Contact: 0–2665-6777
Australia International School (Prep)
- Where: Phrom Phong
- Age range: 6 years to 14 years
- Education: Australian
- Contact: 0–2260-4575, 0-2663-5495
IPC International Kindergarten
- Where: Phrom Phong
- Age range: 18 months to 3 years (nursery); 3.5 years to 6 years (kindergarten)
- Education: British
- Contact: 0–2258-8105, 0-2261-6487
The First Steps International Pre-School
- Where: Phrom Phong
- Age range: 16 months to 7 years
- Education: British
- Contact: 0–2260-3152
Anglo Singapore International School Sukhumvit 31
- Where: Phrom Phong
- Age range: 18 months to 12 years
- Education: Singapore
- Contact: 0–2662-3105
Modern International School
- Where: Phrom Phong
- Age range: 3 years to 18 years
- Education: British
- Contact: 0–2258-8222, 0-2258-8216
ABC Pathways International Kindergarten
- Where: Phrom Phong
- Age range: 18 months to 6 years
- Education: British
- Contact: 0–2260-6888
Seeh Phinong International Kindergarten
- Where: Thonglor
- Age range: 2 years to 5 years
- Education: American
- Contact: 0–2185-2715
Bangkok International Preparatory & Secondary School
- Where: Thonglor
- Age range: 3 years to 18 years
- Education: British
- Contact: 0–2260-7890
Trinity International School
- Where: Thonglor
- Age range: 3 years to 18 years
- Education: American
- Contact: 0–2661-3993
The American School of Bangkok
- Where: Thonglor
- Age range: 2 years to 18 years
- Education: American
- Contact: 0–2620-8600
Melodies International Kindergarten and Nursery
- Where: Thonglor
- Age range: 2 years to 6 years
- Education: British
- Contact: 0–2712-1680, 0-2712-1681
Annabel’s Early Years International Kindergarten
- Where: Ekkamai
- Age range: 18 months to 5 years
- Education: British
- Contact: 0–2391-8181, 0-9228-3-7648
Ekamai International School
- Where: Ekkamai
- Age range: 3 years to 19 years
- Education: American
- Contact: 0–2391-3593
Kids’ Academy International Pre-School
- Where: Ekkamai
- Age range: 18 months to 5 years
- Education: British
- Contact: 0-2714-3636 , 0-2714-3737
How do you get by as an expat parent in Bangkok? Any advice for new parents on Sukhumvit?
Featured image is via Wallpaper Cave