After-school activities guide
Thai culture is very focused on enjoyment through social life, to a degree that may even seem overwhelming for more individual westerners. Thais prefer to be around friends, school mates and co-workers as much as possible. It is indeed rare to do any kind of activities on your own in Thailand. Thailand is strongly collectivist and places much importance on getting along and belonging to the group. Social circles are large, but not always close. This emphasis on social life is encouraged from a young age in Thailand and through the school system. Thai schools have, as far as their budgets permit, very extensive extra-curricular activities and after-school clubs. It’s even required for students to join clubs in some schools. This may or may not seem too much for expat parents, but on the other hand it gives the children the opportunity of making many friends and enjoying themselves after school. It’s also very practical for expat families where both parents work.
After-school activities are often organized into clubs at the school. There may be a photography club, a martial arts club, painting and drawing club and so on. There’s usually a ton of different sport clubs available. Music is another after-school activity that is very popular with Thai children and their parents.
International schools are by far the best in this area, which they should be – considering their steep fees. The schools hold events and outings as well for the clubs and it’s common for students to cheer their sports team on when they meet other schools.
As Bangkok is a logistic nightmare sometimes, it also eliminates the need to drive children to and from practice.
There are some clubs for children around the city, below is a list of popular children’s clubs and activities:
Gymnastics Corner (6 months-12 years)
Phone: +66 86 881 2483
IPC Club House (Children and Families)
http://www.ipcthai.com
Spin & Slice Tennis School
http://www.spinandslice.com/
