Bringing Up Toddlers in Thailand

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Bringing Up Toddlers in Thailand

The Thai government regards the health and education of toddlers very highly. As the structure of the Thai family changes, the Ministry of Public Health and the Ministry of Education are constantly working to create better programmes for pre-school children.

• Ministry of Public Health
• Ministry of Education

Health Matters

When a child is born in Thailand, the obstetrician oversees the birth, ensures vaccinations are administered and signs the child's health record.

The baby has an examination in the first week and then up to six further times in the first year, followed by three examinations during the second year and then an examination every six months during each of the next years up to the sixth birthday. It is typical for vaccinations to be administered at the same time as the examination.

The child's health record notebook will be given to the mother on discharge from the hospital. This may be in Thai or in English if it is an international hospital.

This notebook must be taken to each of the child's medical consultations until they are 18 years of age. The medical examiner will enter the details of any procedure and this will act as a record of full medical history.

Vaccinations

Except for the compulsory BCG vaccination to prevent tuberculosis, vaccinations are not obligatory. However, the recommended vaccinations from birth to 16 years old include:

• Poliomyelitis
• Measles
• Mumps
• Rubella
• Tetanus
• Diphtheria
• Pertussis (whooping cough)
• Japanese B Encephalitis Vaccine
• Haemophilus Influenza (HIB)
• Hepatitis B

Child Benefit

Child benefit is paid to anyone working in Thailand who has made contributions to the Social Security Fund for at least one year. The contributions are usually paid by the employer. The child must be under the age of six and there is a two-child maximum limit. Child benefit is managed by the Social Security Office and is paid quarterly at the end of each quarter.

• Social Security Office
  At: 88/28 Moo 4 Tiwanon Rd, Taladkwan, Nonthaburi 11140
  Tel: 02 956 2345
  Website

Any company can register an employee for the Social Security Fund. After a full year of contributions, the employee can submit an application (SorPorSor. 201) for child assistance benefit at the Social Security Office along with:

• Both parents' passports or Citizenship Identity Card, if spouse is Thai
• A copy of either the Certificate of Marriage or Certificate of Divorce
• A copy of the child's Birth Certificate
• A copy of the first page of the savings account which shows the name and account number, if collecting the benefit through the bank
• Further information from the Social Security Office: Click here
• For information on the necessary documents that need to be submitted to the Social Security Office: Click here

Childcare expenses

Traditionally in Thailand the parents and their extended families take care of children from birth to primary school and help with the costs associated with child care. This is still very much the case but more parents are seeking the government's help. Policies have been considered but are still being discussed and little has actually been implemented.

Child allowance tax exemptions can be used if the child is under 25 years of age and is studying at an educational institution or is declared incompetent. The amount allowed is THB 15,000 for each child, but limited to three children maximum.

• For further information from the Revenue Department: Click here

Childcare Options

There is no formal pre-school system in Thailand and pre-school education is not mandatory. There are some public schools that offer kindergarten programmes for families, but parents must pay for expenses such as uniforms, books, lunches and a small administration fee. There are also many commercial kindergartens that charge only a relatively small fee.

Nurseries, day care centre or playgroups

Although pre-school education is not mandatory in Thailand there is a high demand for child care centres and kindergartens in urban areas and many commercial nurseries and day care centres are now available to assist parents. Playgroups are often organised by the parents to involve the children in social interaction with each other. Prices are generally reasonable, ranging from volunteer parent-run playgroups to the most expensive and most selective private international schools.

Teachers should be professionally trained to work with children from six weeks to five years old but it is best to check with the individual school to confirm this. Games, music, arts and snacks are provided. Typical hours can be as much as from 08:00-16:00 but all schools will be flexible in the number of hours children can attend.

• For a list of British and American international schools for children between six weeks and five years of age: Click here

Nannies and Au Pairs

The terms "nanny" and "au pair" are often used interchangeably. Nannies are used more often than au pairs. Typically, nannies are certified childcare givers and some countries even require CPR training. However, Thailand currently has no regulations for nannies.

Thailand has many nannies seeking employment from English-speaking families and most are listed with an agency or find employment through word of mouth.

• See AngloINFO INFOrmation Page on Employing Domestic Workers in Thailand

Private babysitters

These may be useful for evenings and shorter periods of time on an ad-hoc basis. Local media or some of the local expatriate websites post small ads with names of students offering babysitting services. Check with local schools or neighbours for recommendations. Many Thai teenagers wish to improve their English speaking skills and so are keen to undertake babysitting services. Hourly rates vary and more is usually paid after midnight.

Finding Other People with Pre-School Children

Toddler groups do exist and can be found in the local media or through word of mouth. The groups tend to be informal and within the community.

Nurseries and day care centres in the area are great resources to connect with other parents of toddlers.

Out & About with Toddlers

Thailand has many parks and recreation areas with play areas specifically for toddlers. These are free but can vary greatly in quality. It is wise to check the equipment before allowing children to play because some areas may be dangerous. For example, the surface underneath the equipment is often not made of a soft material in order to cushion falls.

In some of the parks there are wading pools and even small water slides for toddlers. There are government swimming pools in most provinces that only charge a very small fee. Many parents join a local commercially run club that will have facilities for both parents and toddlers.

Many local superstores such as Big C Supercenter and Tesco Lotus, have an indoor commercial play area, usually near the food court.

Public transport is available in major cities throughout Thailand, but is less frequent in rural areas. Children under a certain age and height can sometimes travel free or pay reduced rates, but check with each individual transport company.

Further Information

• The Federation of American Women's Club Overseas, Inc. (FAWCO)
• Thailand National Parks

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