The international school market in Phuket continues to expand, even as the number of school-age children in the area shows a downward trend. Data from Kasikorn Research Center indicates that international schools in Phuket have become a significant hub in the southern region, with a total of 16 schools, the highest compared to other provinces such as Surat Thani with 10, Songkhla with 3, Krabi with 2, and Chumphon with 1. From 2020 to 2024, the school-age population in Phuket is approximately 82,000 per year, remaining stable or slightly decreasing. However, the number of students in international schools has increased from 3,140 in 2021 to 3,490 in 2023, and is expected to be around 3,480 in 2024, demonstrating growth amidst a shrinking population. The main driver of this growth in the international school market is the economic recovery in Phuket, with GDP per capita soaring by over 87% from 2021 to 2023, rising from 168,523 baht per person in 2021 to 314,921 baht per person in 2023. This growth has enhanced household purchasing power and increased demand for quality international education.

When examining the ratio of international school students to the school-age population, there has been a continuous increase from 3.78% in 2020 to 4.21% in 2024. This figure reflects the growing popularity among parents, both affluent Thai families and expatriates residing in Phuket. Additionally, Phuket is a tourist destination that attracts both short-term and long-term foreigners, resulting in a heightened demand for international education. Schools thus have opportunities to develop and compete to meet this growing demand. This data also indicates that Phuket is becoming an Education Hub in the southern region, particularly at the international level, which is further supported by the economic recovery post-COVID-19, prompting many families to prioritize quality education and international curricula.

In the future, competition among international schools in Phuket is expected to intensify, driven by the expansion of existing operators and the entry of new players. This presents opportunities for further investment in related services for expatriate families, such as long-term residential real estate and premium healthcare services. The growth of international schools also reflects Phuket's evolving role from a tourist city to a community that accommodates high-quality expatriates and serves as a regional education center. Therefore, even though the overall school-age population may remain stable or decline, the support from the economy and the demand for quality education make Phuket a vibrant international school market with continued growth potential in the future.