IELTS test centres in Thailand: Bangkok, regional cities and how to choose a centre and date

Who runs IELTS in Thailand

IELTS is delivered in Thailand by two official partners, IDP IELTS and the British Council. Both offer the same IELTS Academic, IELTS General Training and IELTS for UKVI tests, marked to the same standard, and your Test Report Form carries the same weight whichever centre you choose.

Both providers moved every test to computer from 22 March 2026. Listening, Reading and Writing are taken on a computer in the test room, while Speaking is a face-to-face interview with a trained IELTS examiner.

IDP IELTS centres in Bangkok and the provinces

IDP says it runs 22 test centres in Thailand. In Bangkok its centres sit near BTS and MRT stations in areas such as Phaya Thai, Asoke, Siam, Silom and Thonburi, with a Rangsit option in Pathum Thani for the northern suburbs. IDP's official city list includes:

• Bangkok and surroundings: Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani (Rangsit)
• East: Pattaya
• North: Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai
• Northeast: Khon Kaen, Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat), Udon Thani, Ubon Ratchathani
• South: Phuket, Hat Yai, Ranong

British Council IELTS centres in Bangkok and the provinces

The British Council's Thailand page lists its locations by region. Bangkok has the widest choice, from Siam and Silom in the centre to Pinklao on the Thonburi side and Bangkapi in the east.

• Bangkok: Siam Square, Silom Edge, Samyan Mitrtown, MBK Center, Emsphere, Ladprao, Pinklao, Bangkapi
• Central: Nonthaburi
• North: Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai
• Northeast: Khon Kaen, Ubon Ratchathani, Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat)
• South: Phuket

Outside Bangkok: which cities have both providers?

If you live outside Bangkok, start with the nearest city that appears on both lists — two providers in one city usually means more dates to choose from. Exact venues inside each city can change, so always confirm the address in the booking system before you pay.

• Both IDP and the British Council: Nonthaburi, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Khon Kaen, Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat), Ubon Ratchathani and Phuket.
• IDP only on current official lists: Pathum Thani (Rangsit), Pattaya, Udon Thani, Hat Yai and Ranong.
• Southern Thailand: Hat Yai (IDP) serves the lower south, while Phuket (both providers) and Ranong (IDP) serve the Andaman side.

How to choose the right test centre

• Travel time on test morning: pick a centre you can reach early without stress — in Bangkok, a centre near your BTS or MRT line beats a long drive in traffic.
• Real date availability: computer delivery means more sessions, but popular dates can fill up before university and visa deadlines.
• Speaking slot: the British Council lets computer test takers choose their Speaking time, and your confirmation email shows the Speaking date and time, which may differ from the written test.
• Transfer rules: IDP charges 800 THB to move a test 5–14 days ahead and the British Council 25% of the fee; both are free 15 or more days ahead.
• Familiarity: check the venue on a map or visit the area beforehand so test day has no surprises.

How to choose your test date

Work backwards from the deadline that matters — a university application, a scholarship or a visa — rather than forwards from whenever feels convenient.

• Leave a buffer for results: on computer they usually arrive in one to two days, but IDP says to allow up to five.
• Leave room for a second try: One Skill Retake must be taken within 60 days of your first test, so test early enough to use it before your deadline if you need it.
• Pick a date you can keep: free transfers are only possible 15 or more days before the test.
• Plan the day: at British Council centres written sessions usually run in the morning (about 9:00–12:00) or afternoon (about 14:00–17:00), with Listening, Reading and Writing back to back and no break.
• Book only when you are ready: timed practice scores at or above your target in every skill.

Before you travel to the test centre

• Pack the same valid ID you registered with — a Thai national ID card or passport (a passport only, for non-Thai citizens).
• Re-read the confirmation email for the venue address, start time and Speaking time.
• Expect to switch off your phone and smartwatch and leave them with your belongings; they cannot go into the test room.
• Warm up your speaking on the way: five minutes of out-loud practice beats silent revision.

Practise first, then pick your centre

The centre matters far less than your readiness. Practise free across Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking with instant feedback at engforedu.com/journey, and get daily out-loud practice for the face-to-face Speaking test with the free speaking game at engforedu.com/pine-speak. When your timed scores hold at your target, pick the most convenient centre and book.