Thai School Calendar Explained
Understanding Thai School Year Dates
In Thailand, the weather is a significant motivator for the timing of the Thai school year; it does not resemble regular European, Australian, or North American school calendars. The school year starts in mid-May, when the rainy season commences, and ends at the beginning of March as the hot season rolls around.
The first semester is typically from the beginning of May until the first week of October. Students take the end-of-semester exams and have a 2-3 week break; then, students return for the second semester at the beginning of November.
Final exams are held in late February or early March before the school year ends. Students and teachers will have a holiday; however, the duration will differ in each region/school.
Temperatures peak in March and April, and many schools do not have air conditioning in the classrooms. From March to April, the temperature can be between 36°C-44°C (96°F-111°F).
Having to study at school in those temperatures would be very difficult, to say the least! Hence why the Thai school year is scheduled in this way!
Throughout the year in Thailand, there are also over 23 Public holidays, which students and teachers get off school, including time off to celebrate Western New Year. However, the majority of Public holidays are based on Buddhist culture and beliefs.
The Thai school year puts elementary and secondary school graduation in February. In Thailand, graduating from school is a big deal! There are grand ceremonies in the schools, and the younger students and sometimes even the teachers will give flowers and cuddly toys as gifts to the graduating students.
In some schools, the younger students will put on a show for the graduating students. This can involve singing and dancing, and students will spend days in advance practising to perfect their performances. Other schools will set up photo booths/stations with banners and balloons for the students to pose with their gifts, gowns, and garlands.
Graduation Day is a massive celebration and an enjoyable day for Thai students. One they look forward to throughout their school life and one not to be missed as a teacher in the land of smiles!
Thai School Calendar FAQ
Thai School Terms 2022
The Thai school terms for the academic year 2022-2023 are from May 2022 until October 2022 for the first semester and from November 2022 until March 2023.
Thailand School Calendar 2022-2023
The Thai school academic year 2023-2023 is from May 2022 until March 2023.
Thailand University Academic Calendar
Semester one starts in June and ends in October, and semester two starts in mid-November and ends in March.
Thai School Holidays
Thailand’s formal holidays are typically 6 to 8 weeks between the end of March and the middle of May because it is the hottest time of the year in Thailand. The second Thai school holiday is typically 2 to 3 weeks in October; however, it depends on the school and location.
Mother's Day in Thailand
Mother's Day in Thailand was first celebrated on the 15th of April, 1950. In 1976, Mother's Day was switched to 12th August to celebrate the birthday of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, deemed the Mother of all Thai people.
Father’s Day in Thailand
One of the numerous public holidays on Thailand’s calendar is the birthday of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, The Great. The 5th of December celebrates the Great King’s Birthday and is observed as Father’s Day.
Relevant
Go to kidsenglishthailand.org/teacher-training-program-thailand to read about Meaningful Work and Travel Teaching Positions starting in May 2023 with teacher training in April 2023.
Go to kidsenglishthailand.org/blog/seasons-in-thailand-explained to read about the seasons and climate in Thailand.
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