BANGKOK, THAILAND – Thailand’s private schools faced the prospect of an unprecedented wave of closures in 2026, with up to 80 institutions expected to shut down under mounting financial and competitive pressure.
Unusually high number of closures in 2026
APPE president Supaset Khanakul said he expected 70 to 80 private schools to close in 2026. This would mark a sharp increase compared with the usual 30 to 50 closures per year.
According to Supaset, several schools in Bangkok had already ceased operations. He said the sector was feeling the strain from multiple directions at the same time.
Soaring costs hit school operations
Supaset cited rising operating expenses as the main driver of the closures. Many school operators could no longer absorb the higher costs.
In particular, higher fuel prices had pushed up the cost of student transport. These additional outlays significantly increased schools’ day‑to‑day expenses.
Falling enrolment deepens the crisis
At the same time, APPE reported that student enrolment at private schools was declining. This trend reduced tuition income and weakened their financial base.
For institutions heavily dependent on school fees, funding ongoing operations had become increasingly uncertain. The combination of lower income and higher costs left little room to maneuver.
Public schools intensify competitive pressure
According to the association, competition from public schools had increased. State schools had expanded class sizes from 40 to 42–44 students, creating more capacity.
Public institutions also maintained open admission policies at key entry levels. This drew additional students away from private schools and intensified the competitive squeeze.
High land values and rules make exits attractive
Supaset said some schools, both large and small, simply could no longer continue because the numbers no longer added up. Alternative uses for their sites were becoming more appealing.
He pointed to high land values and regulatory requirements as key factors. These conditions made conversion or other commercial uses more attractive for some owners than remaining in the education business.
Calls for fairer state funding
The APPE president urged the government to correct what he saw as imbalances in public funding. He highlighted subsidies for school meals as a particular concern.
“Educational equity means reforming how budgets are allocated, instead of indirectly pushing schools to charge additional fees.”
said Supaset Khanakul, president of APPE.
International schools reshape the market
Rapid growth of international schools was also transforming Thailand’s education landscape. These institutions had become an increasingly popular option for families.
Some public schools now offered special programmes costing 60,000 to 70,000 baht per trimester. For only slightly more money, families could choose international schools, further intensifying competition for private Thai schools.