Hi, I originally posted this in the teaching forum with no information on the answer,perhaps this section will have a wider readership and someone can help me with a basic understanding as to who (and why) someone has to pay for schooling just because they are not living where they were born,as I understood that the Thai education system was free up to some point.Also why some one who has been living somewhere for four years(Pattaya) has to return somewhere else to vote.

"I hope someone here can clarify some aspects of the Thai Education System. My GF has a son who when he was 16/17 went to his local school(Pattaya), but it would seem that he had to pay about £80 per term because he was born(registered?) in Pigit.(He also has to return there to vote on the 19th).I have tried to understand why he had to pay just because he was "registered" somewhere else.

Now he is 18, he is "staying on" in School and again he has to pay.Can someone throw some light and also let me have some info on the costs involved as it seems he has to pay about a £100 per term.Sorry, forgot to mention, he is Thai, Mum is Thai goes to Thai school, normal Thai education nothing to do with farang system.

Thanks "

It's based on their house registration, not place of birth.

He/They could change the location where they are registered. That would allow him/them to vote locally and for the young man to attend school as a local. Free education isn't really free here. There are still fees to pay. The school should give him an itemized list of the cost and what they are for.

You might get more input on the teachers forum. ajarn.com