Short answer: at Fat Cat Chess Academy in Khlong San, Bangkok, the Beginner I group course costs 8,550 THB for 16 units of 90 minutes. Private lessons start at 500 THB per hour online and 600 THB per hour at home plus travel. Families can try a single unit first and put that fee towards the full course. Prices below are as of October 2026.
Group classes at the academy
| Course | What you get | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner I | 16 units, 90 minutes each. Every new student starts here; Units K and L prepare students for their first tournament. | 8,550 THB |
| Beginner II | 14 units | 10,500 THB |
| Beginner I & II | Both courses together, 30 units (45 hours) | 19,050 THB |
| Laboratory / CMP & Puzzle | Hands-on practice classes with a coach, using a curriculum designed by the Fat Cat coaching team. 20-session package. | 9,000 THB |
| Intermediate and Advanced | Higher-level courses | Ask on LINE |
Private 1-to-1 lessons
| Option | Details | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Online | Live lesson with a coach, times arranged together | From 500 THB/hour (6-hour package from 3,000 THB) |
| At your home | The coach travels to you | From 600 THB/hour + travel (6-hour package from 3,600 THB) |
Private lessons can be tailored to what the student wants to work on. Group classes follow the set curriculum for each unit.
Trying a class first
If you are not sure yet, you can pay for a single unit (450, 600 or 750 THB, depending on the unit) and use that amount as a discount when you sign up for the full course.
What is not included
Tournament entry fees are separate from class fees. The academy runs its own events, including the friendly Intramural tournament and Caturayuth, a FIDE-rated tournament. See the tournaments page.
Classes are taught mainly in Thai, and coaches can help in English when needed. The academy is at Room 4/2, 4th Floor, Chinthawatchai Building, 218 Lat Ya Road, Khlong San, opposite The Platform Wongwian Yai, and is open every day from 9:00 to 19:00. For class times, message LINE @fatcatacademy or call +66 96 261 6655.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a beginner chess course for kids in Bangkok?
At Fat Cat Chess Academy, Beginner I costs 8,550 THB for 16 units of 90 minutes each (October 2026).
How much are private chess lessons?
From 500 THB per hour online, or from 600 THB per hour plus travel for lessons at home.
Can we pay per class?
Yes, on request, although courses and packages are the standard option. Families who want to try first can pay per unit (450, 600 or 750 THB) and use that amount as a discount on the full course.
Are tournament fees included?
No. Each tournament has its own entry fee.
