It’s not uncommon for expat families to feel disconnected, especially if you are fairly new to the city. Without your usual support network nearby, even the most exciting experiences can feel a little isolating.
Thankfully, Bangkok is home to a thriving international community and countless ways to connect. From school events and parent groups to neighbourhood meetups and cultural celebrations, this city offers many opportunities to form lasting friendships. In this guide, we’ll share our practical ideas to help you connect with other expat families and make Bangkok feel like home.
Start with the School Community
Your child’s school is often the easiest place to start building a network. Most international schools in Bangkok, including NIST International School, have active parent associations that host coffee mornings, welcome events, and other such social gatherings throughout the year. These events are designed to help parents connect, share information, and support one another, especially those who are new to the city.
Many schools also have parent-led WhatsApp or LINE groups or email circles organised by class or year level. Joining these not only helps you stay informed but also provides a casual space to ask questions and build rapport with other families.
Make Connections Through Student Activities
Extracurriculars are not just for students, as they also create natural moments for parents to meet. Whether it’s waiting by the pitch during football practice or chatting before a school play, these shared routines are great for informal introductions. If your child is involved in clubs or sports, consider coordinating carpooling or arranging a group visit to a weekend match or event. Small gestures often lead to strong community ties.
One of NIST’s many volunteer-led events, allowing students to participate in cultural activities
Connect with Bangkok’s Expat Community
Explore Online Expat Hubs
Digital communities can be incredibly helpful when settling into Bangkok. Facebook groups such as Expat Mums in Bangkok, BAMBI News, or Bangkok Expat Families are just some of the places to ask questions, get recommendations, or simply connect with others who understand the challenges of living abroad. Many of these groups also share updates on local events, parent workshops, or weekend activities for children.
LINE, a popular messaging app in Thailand, is another useful platform where smaller, interest-based groups often organise playdates, hobby meetups, or language exchanges. Whether you’re looking for a local babysitter or want to join a book club, these online spaces are often where the conversations start.
Attend Local Expat Events
While online connections are useful, in-person gatherings are where friendships take root. Bangkok hosts regular newcomer brunches, charity walks, and social events tailored for expats. Organisations like the British Women’s Group, and InterNations host family-friendly events throughout the year, including seasonal festivals, workshops, and meet-and-greet sessions.
Embrace the Neighbourhood and Local Life
One of the best ways to connect with your local community is simply by being present. Frequenting the same cafés, fruit stalls, or small shops near your home builds familiarity over time. A friendly greeting to your building’s security guard, barista, or nearby vendors can go a long way in creating a sense of belonging.
Take small opportunities to start conversations. Ask for a local food recommendation, compliment someone’s garden, or ask about a nearby event. Thais are famously warm and welcoming, and making an effort to engage can help you feel more rooted in your surroundings.
Join Local Activities or Courses
Beyond the international school environment, Bangkok offers countless ways to get involved. Consider joining a yoga class, a cooking workshop, or a Thai language course in your neighbourhood. Not only are these great ways to learn something new, but they also open the door to cross-cultural friendships.
Create Your Own Social Circles
Sometimes the easiest way to meet people is to bring them together yourself. Hosting a weekend brunch, a cultural meal, or a casual playdate can be a warm and inclusive way to get to know other families. It doesn’t have to be elaborate; something as simple as a picnic at Benjakitti Park or a shared meal after school hours can be just the thing to spark new friendships.
Families joining one of our new student orientation programmes
Celebrating international holidays is another great way to build bridges. Inviting neighbours or school friends to join in your Diwali, Lunar New Year, or Thanksgiving traditions often creates meaningful exchanges and shared memories.
Offer Support and Be Open
It’s often the small acts of kindness that build a community. If you meet a family that’s new to Bangkok, offer to answer questions or introduce them to a helpful group chat. Sharing recommendations for doctors, delivery apps, or local shops may seem simple, but it can be incredibly reassuring to someone just settling in.
Be approachable and willing to engage, as this creates an atmosphere of trust. When families support one another in this way, they help make Bangkok’s expat network not only accessible but truly welcoming.
Stay in Touch With Those Abroad, Keep Local Roots
Maintaining relationships with loved ones abroad is important, especially during your first year in a new country. Regular calls with family, messages with old friends, or sending photos from your new life can help you feel supported and grounded.
At the same time, it’s important not to get stuck comparing your current experience to life back home. Making the most of Bangkok means being open to new rhythms, new friendships, and sometimes stepping outside your comfort zone. By staying present and engaged, you give your family the best chance to thrive in their new setting.
Reflect as a Family
Connection starts at home, so be sure to set aside time to reflect together. Talk about what you’ve enjoyed so far, what’s felt difficult, and what you’re curious to try next. These shared reflections help children and parents alike process the experience and stay connected to one another through the ups and downs of expat life.
Building Your Community
Finding your place in a new city takes time, but in Bangkok, you’ll find a warm and welcoming community ready to meet you halfway. Whether it starts with a quick chat at a school event, a friendly neighbour at your local café, or an online group that becomes your go-to support, each connection adds meaning to your expat journey.
By taking small steps, whether that be joining a parent group, attending a local event, or hosting a meal, you open doors to friendships and expat connections that can shape your family’s experience in lasting ways. At NIST, we believe community is more than a word. It’s something we build together, every day.