Prem Tinsulanonda International School
PO Box 1, Mae Rim, Chiang Mai, 50180, THAILAND
4
IB Programmes
6.3/10
Rating
16
Reviews
511
Students
$20K - $55K
Salary Range
At a Glance
IB Programmes
PYP
Primary Years ProgrammeMYP
Middle Years ProgrammeDP
Diploma ProgrammeCP
Career-related ProgrammeAbout This School
Mission
We are a community that challenges its members to act as compassionate, creative, knowledgeable and principled global citizens: working together for a sustainable future and inspired by meaningful relationships, continuous learning and good thinking.
Accreditations
Teacher Reviews
Prem Tinsulanonda International School is an IB boarding school set on a beautiful 90-acre campus in the hills outside Chiang Mai, but the picturesque setting masks significant operational challenges. Teachers describe an institution struggling with leadership instability, financial management issues, and deteriorating facilities, though some find value in the IB program and pleasant student body. The remote location, mandatory boarding duties, severe seasonal air pollution, and inconsistent administration have created high staff turnover and widespread frustration.
Pros
- +The campus grounds are stunning, with 90 acres of tropical landscape and good sports facilities including an Olympic pool, tennis courts, and cricket fields.
- +Students are generally pleasant, easy to teach, and represent diverse nationalities, with IB diploma scores consistently above average.
- +The school offers full IB programming (PYP/MYP/DP) and hosts IB workshops, providing solid experience for those seeking IB credentials.
- +Living costs in the area are relatively affordable, with inexpensive domestic help, local produce, and access to outdoor activities when air quality permits.
Cons
- –Leadership instability and financial mismanagement have created chaos, including delayed contracts, sudden salary cuts, benefit reductions, and high staff turnover approaching 20% annually.
- –On-campus housing is cramped, poorly maintained, and plagued by mold and dampness, with teachers often losing money on required renovations when departing.
- –The school is extremely isolated, located 40 minutes from Chiang Mai at the end of a 7km road, with mandatory boarding duties adding 48+ unpaid hours annually on top of regular responsibilities.
- –Severe air pollution from agricultural burning makes the region hazardous for 3-4 months yearly, often reaching dangerous AQI levels above 300 and forcing school closures.
- –Department budgets and teaching resources are severely limited and outdated, with professional development opportunities reserved mainly for administrative favorites.