A family from the United Kingdom has relocated to Thailand, citing a desire for a more fulfilling lifestyle and significant cost savings. Amelia Wray, aged 31, and Billy Evans, 37, made the decision to leave the UK after feeling constrained by the demands of a traditional work schedule. They believe their new life in Asia allows for both quality family time and financial freedom.
After a seven-week trip to Thailand in July, the couple fell in love with the lifestyle and decided to sell their five-bedroom home in Wakefield, West Yorkshire. They quickly found a cash buyer, enabling a swift transaction. On November 4, 2023, the family set off from Heathrow Airport, beginning a new chapter funded by the sale of their house.
Amelia and Billy are now living on approximately £1,250 per month, significantly lower than their previous expenses of around £2,500 per month in the UK. According to Amelia, this new budget allows them to enjoy life more fully, with accommodation costs averaging £550 per month. In comparison, their former lifestyle required spending about £83 daily, which they found unsustainable.
Amelia, who previously worked as a self-employed hairdresser, and Billy, who had a job in telecommunications, were logging over 108 hours of work weekly. They felt they had only one day a week to spend with their three children: Archie, aged four, Annie, aged two, and Albert, aged one. Now, they are embracing a digital nomad lifestyle, with Amelia retraining as a life coach while Billy prepares for his next professional venture.
Embracing a New Lifestyle
The family has packed light for their adventure, bringing only two rucksacks and two suitcases, while storing sentimental items back in the UK for £160 per month. Their children will be home-schooled and participate in educational programs at “pop-up hubs” during their travels. Their journey begins in Bangkok, where they plan to stay for a week before heading to Chiang Mai and then exploring Thailand’s southern islands.
Amelia describes the bustling city of Bangkok as an exciting environment that operates around the clock. She notes that Thailand is often misperceived as a destination primarily for single men, emphasizing that it is, in fact, very family-oriented. She believes the affordability of living in Thailand will allow her family to thrive, stating, “We feel we can give them more of our time and be more present because it’s more affordable to live a good life out here.”
While the family has received mixed reactions from friends and relatives, most have been supportive of their bold move. Amelia acknowledges that some question the wisdom of selling their home and relocating, but she sees it as a necessary step towards a more enriching life. The couple aims to demonstrate to their children that alternative paths exist outside conventional societal expectations.
Financial Freedom and Future Plans
The family’s current budget reflects their commitment to a simpler lifestyle. Their weekly grocery shopping costs about £200, with monthly expenses for family outings estimated at a minimum of £200. They plan for low-cost recreational activities, such as visiting beaches, temples, and local markets, while allocating around £150-200 weekly for dining out.
Overall, their total monthly expenditure is projected to be around £1,250, a stark contrast to their previous financial commitments in the UK. With no fixed plans for their travels, they intend to explore Southeast Asia at their own pace, starting with a visit to Hua Hin for Christmas and New Year.
As they embark on this new journey, Amelia and Billy are determined to embrace the uncertainties that come with their decision. They express optimism about the adventures ahead and the lessons they hope to impart to their children about living life on their own terms.
