Panyaden International School vs Prem International School
Panyaden International School and Prem International School are both in Chiang Mai, about 29 km apart. Both schools offer IB programmes. Panyaden International School also offers IPC, IMYC, British and EYFS, and Prem International School also offers IBCP and Reggio Emilia. Published annual fees are THB 303,000 - 571,000 at Panyaden International School and THB 399,000 - 780,000 at Prem International School, which puts Prem International School roughly 35% higher. Panyaden International School takes pupils from 2 to 18, and Prem International School from 3 to 19. The two are similar in size, at around 405 and 500 pupils. Typical class sizes are 20 at Panyaden International School and 25 at Prem International School.
IB (DP), IPC (International Primary Curriculum), IMYC (International Middle Years Curriculum), British Curriculum, EYFS (Early years foundation stage)
Curriculum
IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), IBCP (International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme), Reggio Emilia Approach
Pupils
Pupils
405
Pupils
500
Typical class size
Typical class size
20
Typical class size
25
Instruction language
Instruction language
English, Thai
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
2011
Opened
2001
Bus service
Bus service
—
Bus service
Yes
Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
Panyaden International School is located in the Hang Dong district, about 15 minutes south of Chiang Mai city centre, in a semi-rural setting surrounded by rice fields and greenery. It is accessible by local road networks, with parents commonly using a car, bicycle, or a parent‑organised bus.
Location
Prem International School is located in Mae Rim, about 25 km north of Chiang Mai, Thailand, on a spacious 100-acre campus nestled in a rural setting. The campus is accessible by car and bus and provides a tranquil, nature-filled environment with forests, ponds, and meadows that serve as part of the educational experience.
Stages
Stages
The school offers education from Nursery (about age 2) through Early Years (Kindergarten), Primary, Middle School (Years 7–9), and Secondary through to Year 13 (IB Diploma).
Stages
The school serves students aged 3 to 19, covering Early Years (EY1–3), Primary (Grades 1–5), Middle Years (Grades 6–10), and Senior School programs, including the IB Diploma and Career-related Programmes in Grades 11–12.
School type
School type
Panyaden is a fully co‑educational day school.
School type
Prem is a co-educational international school offering both day and boarding options. Boarding is available for Grades 3–12, with full (7-day) and weekly (5-day) arrangements in modern dormitories, apartments, and short-stay residences.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
—
Pupil nationality mix
—
Additional learning support
Additional learning support
Panyaden provides language support for students needing extra help in English (ESL) or Thai (TSL). These services are assessed via WIDA tools and delivered through co‑teaching models.
Additional learning support
Students in Grades 3–8 who require extra English support attend the Intensive English Programme (IEP), which focuses on building language skills in literacy, math, science, and humanities, alongside creative and outdoor learning activities.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
The school has no formal country affiliation.
Country affiliation
Prem has no affiliation with any country.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
The school is not affiliated with any particular religion; however, Buddhist values are integrated into daily life and learning, reflecting Thai cultural traditions.
Religious affiliation
The school has no religious affiliation.
School day structure
School day structure
School hours in Early Years run approximately 08:20–15:15, with optional after‑school clubs until 16:00–17:00.
School day structure
Specific start/end times or break schedules aren’t listed publicly on the school's website.
Bus service details
Bus service details
Panyaden does not operate its own bus; however, there is a parent‑organised school bus coordinated via the Friends of Panyaden group.
Bus service details
A school transport service is available for day students, with fees ranging from THB 16,125–19,500 per term based on home-to-school distance.
Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Application Fee: THB 3,000 (non-refundable, payable at the time of application) Admissions Fee: THB 65,000 (non-refundable, payable upon acceptance to confirm a seat)
Security Deposit Nursery – Year 6: THB 5,000 (refundable) Year 7 – 13: THB 15,000 (refundable) Note: deposits are refunded upon withdrawal with required notice and deduction of any outstanding fees.
Annual Tuition Fees Nursery – Kindergarten 2: THB 303,000 Year 1 – 2: THB 331,000 Year 3 – 4: THB 370,000 Year 5 – 6: THB 380,000 Year 7 – 9: THB 443,000 Year 10 – 11: THB 466,000 Year 12 – 13 (IB Diploma): THB 571,000
Sibling Discount 2nd child: 10% 3rd child or more: 15% Note: discounts apply automatically and are adjusted if enrollment changes during the year.
Language Support Services EAL (English): THB 25,000 per term (max 6 terms) TAL (Thai): THB 17,000 per term (max 2 terms)
Other Charges IB Exam Fees (Year 13): Approx. THB 32,000 University postage (Years 12–13): THB 1,500–2,500 per application Transcript reprints: THB 300 per additional copy
Refund Policy Annual payment: Only Term 2 refundable if withdrawal occurs during Term 1 Term payment: No refunds after term begins Medical withdrawals are considered case by case No refund for dismissal or force majeure closures
Payment Options Bank transfer, Credit/debit cards, AMEX, and Alipay/WeChat Pay.
* Late fees: 1.5% monthly interest charged daily from term start for overdue payments
Late payment penalty: 1.25% monthly; records may be withheld after 30+ days
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
—
Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
—
Uniform requirement
—
Food options
Food options
—
Food options
—
House system
House system
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House system
—
Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
—
Governance and ownership
—
Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
Panyaden International School offers a bilingual curriculum combining international academic standards with Thai cultural values. In Early Years, the school follows the British Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework with equal instruction in Thai and English. The Primary Years (Years 1–6) use the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) alongside the British national curriculum. For Middle School (Years 7–9), students follow the International Middle Years Curriculum (IMYC), designed to support inquiry-based learning across subjects. From Year 10 to Year 11, students enter the Pre‑IB programme, preparing for the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) offered in Years 12–13. The curriculum includes Thai language and culture, English and Thai literacy, mathematics, science, humanities, art, physical education, and music across school stages.
Curriculum details
Prem International School follows the full IB continuum from Early Years to Grade 12. The Early Years programme (ages 3–5) is play-based and influenced by the Reggio Emilia approach, with a strong emphasis on outdoor and experiential learning. Grades 1–5 follow the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), focusing on transdisciplinary inquiry and foundational literacy and numeracy. Grades 6–10 follow the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP), which includes interdisciplinary learning, service, and personal projects. In Grades 11–12, students can choose between the IB Diploma Programme (DP), the IB Career-related Programme (CP), or individual IB courses combined with a Prem High School Diploma. The Intensive English Programme (IEP) supports Grades 3–8 students developing academic English, alongside core subjects and creative learning.
1. Register your interest Families are encouraged to arrange a personal visit (in-person or virtual) via the enquiry form to get a real sense of the school during term time.
2. Submit online application form Include supporting documents as requested. Application fee of THB 3,000 is payable on the assessment date.
3. Receive decision and offer Panyaden reviews the application and will notify families once a place is available.
4. Complete enrollment Accept the offer, pay required enrolment fee, and complete paperwork to confirm the place.
Admissions
1. Book a campus tour or open house (optional but encouraged). Once your match is received, the Admissions team may offer to schedule a visit to the campus. You can tour the learning spaces, ask questions in person, and get a feel for the school day—either in-person or virtually.
2. Submit the online application and required documents. You'll need to complete the Online Application Form and upload relevant documents such as school transcripts and reports. A one-time, non-refundable application fee must also be paid at this stage to proceed.
3. Participate in an interview and academic assessment. Once the application is complete, the school will schedule an interview for both the parent(s) and the student. The student will also complete academic assessments, which may include a tailored English language evaluation to ensure the right level of support from the beginning.
4. Receive the admissions decision. After interviews and assessments are completed, the school typically communicates a decision within 3–5 business days. The offer may be conditional based on year group or required support services.
5. Confirm your place and pay the required fees. If a place is offered, you’ll need to accept it and make the payments listed in your invoice by the specified deadline.
6. Receive visa support (if applicable). Once initial fees are received, the school will issue any required documents to support a student visa application (if needed). The admissions team will guide families through this step and help with preparations for starting at Prem.
Scholarships
Scholarships
The Panyaden Secondary Scholarship Programme offers scholarships of up to 100% tuition for high-achieving students entering Years 7 to 11 or the IB Diploma. It also includes additional waivers (e.g., 30%) for early applicants supported by the Erber Family Foundation. These opportunities are selective and typically announced once a year.
Scholarships
General Guidelines * Scholarships are open to new and returning students. * Applications must be submitted by April 15 each year. * Award results are announced by April 30. * All applicants must first complete the general school admissions process. * A separate scholarship application, including supporting documentation, is required.
Academic Scholarship Awarded to students who demonstrate strong academic achievement, consistent effort, and a record of engagement in school life and service.
Athletic Scholarship Given to students with notable accomplishments and commitment in competitive sports. Applicants are expected to be active contributors to the school’s sports teams.
Creative Arts Scholarship Designed for students with significant talent in music, visual arts, performing arts, or digital media. A portfolio or audition may be required depending on the discipline.
International Diversity Scholarship Supports students from diverse national backgrounds who show academic strength and leadership. Intended to encourage broad representation across the school’s community.
IBCP Sustainability Scholarship Available to students entering the IB Career-Related Programme with a focus on Business and Sustainability. Applicants must submit a digital portfolio and show interest in global sustainability issues.
Prem Ambassadors Award (For existing students only) Offered to students already enrolled in Grades 8–11 with at least one year at Prem. Awardees are expected to represent the school at events and maintain strong academic and extracurricular involvement. The award is valid for one academic year and must be reapplied for annually.
Waitlist
Waitlist
The school does not have a waitlist.
Waitlist
There is no mention of a waitlist on the school's website.
