Short answer: Fat Cat Chess Academy (สถาบันสอนหมากรุกสากลแมวอ้วน) is a chess school in Khlong San on the Thonburi side of Bangkok, opposite The Platform mall at Wongwian Yai. It teaches children from age 5 and adults in 90-minute group classes, offers private lessons online or at home, and runs its own FIDE-rated tournaments. It is open every day from 9:00 to 19:00.
Location and getting there
- Address: Room 4/2, 4th Floor, Chinthawatchai Building, 218 Lat Ya Road, Khlong San, Bangkok 10600
- Landmark: directly opposite The Platform Wongwian Yai
- Map: open in Google Maps
- Parking: the building has no car park. Families usually park at The Platform (first hour free) or at the cooperative store on the same side of Lat Ya Road (2 hours free with a 100 THB purchase). Parking terms belong to those venues and may change.
Classes and prices (October 2026)
| Option | Details | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner I | Group class, 16 units, 90 minutes each | 8,550 THB |
| Beginner II | Group class, 14 units | 10,500 THB |
| Beginner I & II | Both courses together, 30 units | 19,050 THB |
| Private online | Times arranged with the coach | from 500 THB/hour |
| Private at home | Coach travels to you | from 600 THB/hour + travel |
Every new student starts with Beginner I, even if they already know how the pieces move. Families who want to try first can pay per unit (450, 600 or 750 THB) and put that amount towards the full course. More detail is on our English guide to chess classes.
What language are classes taught in?
Classes are taught mainly in Thai, and our coaches can help in English when needed. If your child is more comfortable in English, message us on LINE first so we can talk about what will suit them.
Tournaments and ratings
Students can play in the academy’s own events: the friendly Intramural tournament for first-timers, Rapid tournaments, and Caturayuth, a FIDE-rated standard tournament (45 minutes + 15 seconds per move, round-robin groups of four, three rounds in one day). The academy registers a FIDE ID for every Caturayuth player. See the tournaments and ratings page.
Coaches
The head coach is Patcharawee Brahmawong (โค้ชแมวอ้วน), an International Arbiter and FIDE Instructor, working with the Fat Cat coaching team. WGM Enkhtuul Altan-Ulzii joins as a guest coach. Meet them on the coaches page.
To book a trial or ask about class times, message LINE @fatcatacademy or call +66 96 261 6655.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Fat Cat Chess Academy?
Room 4/2, 4th Floor, Chinthawatchai Building, 218 Lat Ya Road, Khlong San, Bangkok 10600, opposite The Platform Wongwian Yai.
What age can children start?
From age 5. Adults are welcome too, and no chess experience is needed.
Are classes in English?
Classes are taught mainly in Thai, and coaches can help in English when needed.
Can my child try a class first?
Yes. You can pay per unit first (450, 600 or 750 THB depending on the unit) and use that amount as a discount on the full course.
