A British woman has left London for Thailand after becoming frustrated with rising living costs and what she described as a stressful lifestyle in the UK. Rajna Uddin, 26, moved to Thailand at the end of January and now rents a one-bedroom apartment with a swimming pool for GBP100 a month, compared with the GBP850 she previously paid for a single room in a shared London property.
Get today's headlines by email 
Rajna, originally from Brighton, said she had been living “pay cheque to pay cheque” in the UK and felt constantly stressed about money. Before leaving Britain, she spent a year saving aggressively by cutting nearly all unnecessary spending and taking on extra work.
She previously paid GBP850 a month including bills for a “tiny” room in a shared flat with two housemates in London. According to Rajna, she avoided eating out, buying coffee and other expenses while saving for the move. She said the process was difficult at times but kept her focused on building a different future.
Rajna first travelled to Thailand between December 2023 and March 2024 before returning again from May to June 2025. After deciding she wanted to relocate permanently, she left the UK without a confirmed job and spent several weeks travelling around Thailand looking for schools willing to hire international teachers.
She eventually secured a teaching role working with nursery and KS3 pupils, helping children learn English through songs, games and activities. Rajna said the role involves more than classroom teaching, including helping children settle in, eat lunch and nap during the school day.
The move has also significantly reduced her monthly expenses. Rajna said she now spends around GBP200 a month on food, GBP80 on a moped and GBP80 on bills, bringing her total monthly costs in Thailand to about GBP460. In comparison, she estimated her monthly costs in the UK reached GBP2,650, including rent, food and other expenses.
Rajna said she feels safer and happier living in Thailand and enjoys the slower pace of life. She described the country as more community-focused and said she no longer feels constantly on edge when outside at night.
Despite earning roughly half of what she made in Britain, Rajna said her quality of life has improved considerably. She added that teaching in Thailand may not suit people focused on earning large salaries, but said the move had given her greater peace of mind and a better work-life balance.
The Mirror reported that Rajna also warned that moving abroad can be financially and emotionally difficult. She said relocating overseas should not be done simply for appearances, as there can be challenges finding work, settling in and managing debts after leaving home behind.
Pictures courtesy of Daily Mirror
Join the discussion? 
Already a member? 
Adapted by ASEAN Now Mirror 26 May 2026
-
1
Recommended Comments
Create an account or sign in to comment