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Set Up a Language School

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Setting Up a Language School

Don’t know where to start with your language school in Thailand? Our experienced team will guide you through every step. Set up a language school hassle-free.

With our extensive expertise, we have assisted numerous entrepreneurs in setting up their language schools in Thailand. Our team of professionals possesses the requisite knowledge and resources to seamlessly navigate you through each stage of the endeavor. Whether it entails acquiring the essential permits and licenses or devising a comprehensive curriculum and effective marketing strategies, we are dedicated to transforming your vision into a tangible reality.

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Overview of the Setting Up School Process

The establishment of a language institution in Thailand necessitates various crucial measures. These encompass the identification of a suitable premises, acquisition of mandatory authorizations and permits, recruitment of proficient personnel, and adherence to regulatory obligations. New Stamford School offers all-encompassing consultancy services that navigate you through this progression, furnishing adept guidance and assistance at each phase.

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Legal Requirements

To establish a language school in Thailand, you must adhere to the Private School Act, BE 2550. This includes securing an AOR 6 (Building Permit) for your chosen location, ensuring that the building meets safety and accessibility standards, and obtaining a school license from the Ministry of Education (MoE). Our team will assist you in navigating these legal requirements, preparing the necessary documentation, and liaising with relevant authorities.

Personnel Requirements

Appointing qualified staff is crucial to the success of your language school. The school director must meet the MoE's requirements, including holding the necessary educational qualifications and work experience. Our consulting services include guidance on selecting and appointing a suitable school director, as well as assistance in preparing employment contracts and gathering required documentation.

Documentation Assistance

Documentation Assistance New Stamford School will help you prepare all the necessary documentation for school registration, including: - School name, type, and objectives - Building plans and classroom details - Study fees and school regulations - Curriculum outlines and lesson plans - Student capacity calculations We will also guide you through the process of submitting these documents to the MoE and provide support during the committee inspections to ensure your school's readiness for operation.

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Our School Setup Services in Thailand

We offer a range of comprehensive services designed to help you navigate the complex process of setting up a school in Thailand. Our experienced team will work closely with you to ensure that your school meets all legal requirements and is well-positioned for long-term success.

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Building Selection and Approval

  • Expert guidance on selecting a suitable building that complies with the Private School Act, BE 2550
  • Assistance in obtaining the necessary building permits, such as the Aor 6 license
  • Comprehensive site evaluations to ensure the building meets safety, accessibility, and educational standards
    Liaison with relevant authorities to streamline the permit application process

School License Acquisition Support

  • Complete assistance in obtaining a school license from the Ministry of Education
  • Preparation of all required documentation, including school registration forms, curriculum outlines, and lesson plans
  • Guidance on appointing a qualified school director and meeting staffing requirements
  • Support during the Ministry of Education’s inspection process to ensure a smooth licensing process

Initial Staff Training Program

  • Comprehensive training for your staff during the first three months of operation
  • Guidance on school registration processes, teacher and student management, and regulatory compliance
  • Training on effective teaching methodologies, curriculum implementation, and student assessment
  • Development of staff handbooks and operational manuals for long-term success
Why Registering as a Language School in Thailand is Essential

Benefits of Registering as a Language School

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Visa for Teachers:

Operating a licensed school in Thailand allows you to obtain non-immigrant B visas for foreign teachers, enabling them to work legally and remain in the country during their employment. The number of visas depends on your school’s size and student count, and teachers must meet qualifications and hold appropriate documentation. documentation to obtain a visa. This will allow them to work legally in Thailand and remain in the country for the duration of their employment.

Visa for International Students:

If you are operating a licensed school in Thailand, you may be able to issue non-immigrant ED visas to your international students. These visas are valid for the duration of the student’s study program and allow them to study in Thailand legally. The exact requirements for obtaining an ED visa will vary depending on the student’s country of origin and the type of program they are enrolled in.

VAT Exemption:

If you are operating a licensed school that is established solely for the purposes of education and accredited by the Ministry of Education, you are exempt from Value Added Tax (VAT) under Section 81(1)(k) of the Revenue Code. This exemption applies to both the formal and non-formal private school sectors. This can help reduce costs for the school and potentially make it more affordable for students and their families.

The Consequences of Running an Unlicensed Language School in Thailand

Registering Your Language School in Thailand: A Legal Necessity

Legal Consequences of Violating the Private School Act in Thailand

The Private School Act B.E. 2550 (2007) and its amendments, specifically Section 120, stipulate that establishing a non-formal school requires permission from the Office of the Private Education Commission (OPEC).

Operating a school without obtaining the necessary permission is considered a violation of the law, which carries a penalty of up to:

  • 1 year imprisonment

  • A fine of 20,000 baht

  • Or both imprisonment and fine

Protecting Your Language School in Thailand: Understanding Legal Requirements

  • Violating the Private School Act can have severe consequences for school owners and operators.

To avoid potential criminal charges and ensure the smooth operation of your educational institution in Thailand, it is essential to:

  • Understand all legal requirements
  • Comply with all legal requirements

Seeking professional guidance can help you:

  • Navigate the registration process

  • Maintain compliance with Thai laws and regulations

Overview of Building Requirements

for Obtaining a School License in Thailand
Building Approval
  • The building used for the school must have an Aor 6 license, confirming its approval for educational use.
  • The school building must be separate from other businesses and equipped with fire exits and fire protection measures.
Operating Area

The required operating area depends on the course duration and hours:

  • Courses shorter than 6 months and less than 600 hours: minimum 100 square meters
  • Courses between 6 months and 1 year, with at least 1200 hours: minimum 200 square meters
Study Room Dimensions

Each study room must have a minimum area of 20 square meters and a width of at least 3.5 meters.

Toilet Facilities
  • The school must provide separate restrooms for male and female students.
  • The number of toilets should be sufficient for the student population:
    • One restroom for every 35 students
    • An additional restroom for every 20 students beyond the initial 35
Building Ownership or Lease Agreement
  • The licensee must either own the school building or have a lease agreement for at least three years from the date of submission.
  • The lease agreement must explicitly state that the building will be used as a school.

To successfully obtain a school license in Thailand, it is essential to ensure that your building and facilities meet all the necessary requirements and comply with Thai laws and regulations. Collaborating with an experienced business setup service provider specializing in school establishment can provide you with valuable guidance and support to guarantee that your building and facilities adhere to all the required standards.

Who Can Own the School?

A school registered in Thailand must be owned by a Thai national or a juristic person (e.g., a company) majorly owned by Thai nationals. This means that foreign ownership in the school must not exceed 49% of the total shares, ensuring that Thai nationals maintain the majority stake in the institution.

Who Can Set Up the School?

Setting up a language school in Thailand requires navigating various legal and regulatory requirements. While the school must be majority-owned by Thai nationals, the process of establishing the institution can be initiated by either Thai nationals or foreign individuals in partnership with Thai shareholders.

To set up the school, you will need to:

  1. Register the school as a legal entity (e.g., a company) in Thailand
  2. Ensure that the school’s ownership structure complies with the foreign ownership restrictions
  3. Obtain the necessary licenses and permits from relevant authorities, such as the Ministry of Education and the Office of the Private Education Commission (OPEC)
  4. Comply with all requirements related to school facilities, curriculum, and staffing

Requirements for School Licensees in Thailand

Obtaining a school license in Thailand involves meeting a set of specific requirements for both individual and company licensees, as well as the school director. These requirements ensure that the school is operated by qualified individuals who adhere to the legal and educational standards set by the Thai government.

Individual Licensee Requirements:

  • Must be a Thai national aged 20 years or above
  • Must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited institution
  • Must have a clean criminal record
  • Must honour the democratic form of government with the King as Head of State
  • Must not be declared bankrupt
  • Must not have been dismissed from a government servant position due to criminal charges
  •  Must not have had a previous school licence cancelled
  • Must not have been deemed incompetent or quasi-incompetent by a court of law
  • Must not have been imprisoned

Company Licensee Requirements:

  • The company’s primary objective must be education
  • If the school address is the same as the company’s registered address, education must be the sole objective
  • The company must have sufficient capital for school operation, as determined by officials
  • The majority of shareholders, both in terms of shares and number of individuals, must be Thai nationals
  • The company must have at least one Thai director who meets the same qualifications as an individual applicant

School Director Requirements

  • Must be a Thai national aged 20 years or above
  • Must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited institution
  • Should have experience in a related field or at least one year of teaching experience
  • Must not have any prohibited diseases
  • Must have a clean criminal record
  • Must not be declared bankrupt
  • Must not have been dismissed from a government servant position due to criminal charges
  • Must not have been imprisoned

FAQ

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While foreign nationals can invest in a language school, the majority of shareholders must be Thai nationals.

Yes, you must have a suitable building before applying for a school license in Thailand. However, it’s important to note that not all buildings will be eligible for an Aor 6 (Building Permit), which is a prerequisite for obtaining a school license.

The eligibility of a building for an Aor 6 permit depends on various factors, such as the local land use plan, zoning regulations, and construction standards. Some buildings may not meet the necessary requirements due to their location, structure, or intended purpose.


To avoid potential setbacks, it’s crucial to verify that the building you select can obtain an Aor 6 permit before proceeding with the school license application.

The time required to obtain a school license in Thailand can vary depending on several factors, including the complexity of your application, the responsiveness of the relevant authorities, and the readiness of your building.

The building permit process, which is a prerequisite for obtaining a school license, can take varying amounts of time depending on the specific building and location. Some buildings may require modifications to meet the necessary standards, which can extend the timeline. Additionally, the waiting time for permit approval can differ between provinces and districts.

At New Stamford School, we typically take 3-5 weeks to prepare your school license application and write your school setup project after receiving all the necessary documents from you. This ensures that your application is comprehensive and meets all the requirements set by the Ministry of Education.

Once your application is submitted, the Ministry of Education will review your documents, check the proposed school name, and inspect the readiness of your building. This process should be completed within 30 days, provided that all the submitted information is accurate and complete.

However, it’s important to note that unforeseen delays can occur during the process, particularly if there are issues with the building or if additional information is required by the authorities.

Yes, you must submit regular reports to the MoE and comply with any updates to the Private School Act. New Stamford School’s training program will equip your staff with the knowledge and skills needed to maintain compliance.

Don't let your dream school turn into a nightmare!

Consult with experts to avoid costly setbacks and ensure your school's success!

Before signing that lease or purchase agreement, make sure your building can obtain an Aor 6 permit and school license. Zoning, land use, and construction standards can make or break your school's eligibility.

Ready to get started?

Contact us today to learn more about our school license services and how we can help you set up your educational institution in Thailand.

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