British family leaves UK for Thailand for lower costs of living

[StayinThailand2much]

18 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

No good for couples, but great for a single guy that is prepared to sleep with (and impregnate) the locals!

 

I never understood that. 'Move' to Thailand as a single guy, okay. But as a couple, or family? - Why??

 

Why not 'move' with the family to Spain, Hawaii, or the Bahamas? Aren't these more suitable places for a family?

[BritManToo]

14 minutes ago, StayinThailand2much said:

Healthcare isn't cheap, travelling around isn't, and neither are the better restaurants, imported food, better education, etc., etc.

Like anywhere else, government healthcare is cheap, but for some reason foreigners choose to frequent private hospitals.

I'm OK with government healthcare, my recent accident (5 broken ribs, broken clavicle, collapsed lung, much skin loss) essentially 4 months in a wheelchair cost a total of 13kbht (including physiotherapy, meds, x-rays, hospital stay). And government minimum insurance paid that.

 

Never cared for expensive restaurants, used to eat at Claridge's in London, but only if the company was paying.

I'm OK with KFC, love Zinger Burgers!

 

Education is an odd one, how good an education does an average kid in Detroit get?

Same for mining villages in Cornwall, or the estate schools in Oxfordshire?

Where are these mythical places where top quality free education is provided?

 

[StayinThailand2much]

7 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

And government minimum insurance paid that.

 

Well, if you're employed in Thailand...

[kwilco]

I think that this family needs to outline what they're doing for money and how they intend to stay long term. As a retiree it is fairly easy. If you have a job, it's only as good for as long as you have a job.

 

For these people who don't look they old, I would say that security is their main problem......how long do they want to stay?

How will they educate their kids

What will they do for healthcare? - many Brits overlook this, as there is no POS in healthcare in UK. Also they need to realise that healthcare in Thailand is VERY hit and miss.

I also think that if "saving money" is their main criteria they are going to fall short of how much they will like living in Thailand - society, food job hierarchy, transport, corruption etc etc it takes some getting used to and some never do.

 

[swissie]

On 5/19/2024 at 9:51 PM, webfact said:

 

A determined British mother has relocated her family to Thailand to escape the worsening cost of living crisis in Britain. Jessica Ward, originally from Congleton in Cheshire, took the bold step with her partner and young daughter, Cece, seeking a more affordable and stress-free life abroad.

 

Jessica, her partner, and Cece moved to Thailand in January 2024, captivated by the country's warm climate and lower living costs. The move was driven by a combination of soaring energy bills, heightened inflation, and a surge in mental health issues linked to the UK government's controversial 'net-zero' climate policies.

 

These policies, amidst the backdrop of geopolitical instability and supply chain disruptions, contributed significantly to the financial strain felt by many UK households.

 

The family quickly adapted to their new life in Thailand, where Cece is now enrolled in preschool, and they reside comfortably in a sun-drenched villa. Jessica has applied for a visa with the Thai Immigration Bureau, signalling their intent to make this a long-term move.

 

 

Jessica told GB News that the decision to relocate was spurred by the alarming cost of living back home. She noted that their energy bills had become untenable, driven up by stringent government policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions.

 

Despite widespread public backlash, these measures had been pushed through by the UK's two-party political system, leaving many families like Jessica's grappling with financial hardship.

 

The move to Thailand has provided the Ward family with a fresh start, free from the economic pressures weighing heavily on many Britons. Jessica mentioned that other UK families are also considering similar relocations, as the appeal of a more affordable and relaxed lifestyle becomes increasingly attractive in light of ongoing financial challenges at home.

 

In summary, Jessica Ward's relocation to Thailand - amidst Britain's economic turmoil - exemplifies a growing trend among UK families seeking refuge from the harsh realities of the current cost of living crisis.

 

-- 2024-05-20

 

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And how much does a private health insurance cost in Thailand for a family of 3 on a monthly basis?

[BuddyPish]

On 5/22/2024 at 10:50 AM, Chris Daley said:

I give her 3 weeks before she runs back home to mom and dad.

She's been here six months already, Einstein

[baansgr]

On 5/20/2024 at 8:49 AM, brianthainess said:

I was wondering the same thing Child benefit is 25.60 GBP a week.

5,000 baht a month or 60,000 baht a year...not to be sniffed at, take that over 10 years with increases be close to a million..you'd be surprised how many are at it

[DonniePeverley]

School fees are quite expensive in Thailand. 

 

THey would get free education, and free healthcare in the UK 

[LittleBear57]

On 5/21/2024 at 11:25 AM, BritManToo said:

It's a special class for English speakers, separate from the other classes in the government school. 3 western English teachers, 3 Native Chinese teachers. Don't know if it's decent or not, my 12yo only started this term. Maybe some sort of experiment or we were discounted to get a NES pupil in the class.

Where is the school, out of curiosity?

[noobexpat]

Congleton is an affluent area. I used to live nearby. Its also a 

Little IT hub, so no doubt her partner will be an IT remote worker.

£100k minimum earnings for him, if they live around there as a family.

 

 

[Jessica Ward]

Wow some of these comments are hilarious. As the person this is all about I figured I’d drop in. Firstly, I have very little to do with this article, I had no idea I was even in the news until my partner told me! I did a favour for a friend back in the UK and allowed her to use me as a case study for a PR campaign she was working on. Hence why the article is so light - I am not interested in having my personal life in the media and I was not really supposed to be the spotlight. No-one expected it to go global and to be picked up by so many news outlets in Thailand! The PR in me applauds her for gaining international coverage, yet personally I am less thrilled. Either way, it is what it is, and she is a very dear friend so no grudges held!

 

It was supposed to be less about me and more about the cost of living in the UK, but the media seemed to take a different angle than intended. Yes the state of the UK is a bit ridiculous at the moment and was one of the many reasons we felt moving was a good idea.

 

My partner has spent over 7 years living in Thailand previously. He came home, we met, had a baby and he always felt as though he wanted to return. His job here also covers pretty much everything living wise. Director level and YES HE HAS A WORK PERMIT!

 

My career took a bit of a back foot when Cece was born. Being self employed can be hard and being that my specialism (Marketing and PR) is based on selling time, as she got older I had less and less to sell. Nursery costs in the UK are about £1,800 per month on average. Also hard to find a good nursery and we had very little help from family.

 

The childcare costs alone made me working impossible, Vs Thailand I am paying £120 a month in a Thai nursery which Cece absolutely loves and is already picking up Thai.

 

As for how we afford things and how much money we have coming in, frankly that’s none of your business! Would you like it if people were making comments on how much money YOU had in the bank? Do better!

 

Yes we both have the relevant work permits/Visas to stay here and everything is absolutely above board. Due to my partner living here for so long previously, we have a lot of friends here and a good network. Also yes we LOVE Thai food!

 

It wasn’t a quick decision we had been talking about it for over a year before making the move. The truth is I had never been to Asia before moving so I took a huge gamble and it paid off. We love our life here and hope for it to continue. My mothers side of the family originates from Hong Kong so the culture doesn’t feel too dissimilar to my upbringing, which actually makes me feel more at home here.

 

We had a very middle class lifestyle in the UK and we are very lucky we had good jobs and savings to facilitate the move and initial set up. However with childcare costs, food costs etc rising it was either downsize and work more, or move to Thailand, work the same amount but find that balance and enjoy life. 

 

We also wanted our little girl to have a better life than what we think the UK can provide. It worried me that growing up in a UK school where kids are stabbing other kids, and bullying is at an all time high thanks to social media, would negatively impact her. Here in Thailand I get to watch her play outside on the street with other kids and there is a much more community feel, which I love.

 

This article, and many like it, have been pulled from GB News - so don’t believe everything you see on the internet people! These articles can be like Chinese whispers, the original message diluted and “facts” in reality, are fiction. The GB News article was pulled from a press release so even that isn’t a true reflection. 

 

I was never interviewed directly or contacted by any media outlet. 

 

I rarely use LinkedIn, but if you want to keep up with me, feel free to follow me on Instagram @jesswardauthor - this is where I am most active. No I’m not an “influencer” either. I don’t care about my follower count, but I won’t be making any further comments on here. I do not owe any of you an explanation, but I felt it was right to clear a few things up. I’ve shared all that I am willing to share on a public forum. If you have read this far thank you, and I hope you have a great day!

[BuddyPish]

On 6/4/2024 at 3:01 PM, Jessica Ward said:

Wow some of these comments are hilarious.

 

Welcome to the cesspool of curmudgeonry that is Asean Now forum. 

Mostly right wing dinosaurs who think their pensions account for half of Thailand's GDP.

 

[atpeace]

On 6/4/2024 at 3:01 PM, Jessica Ward said:

Wow some of these comments are hilarious. As the person this is all about I figured I’d drop in. Firstly, I have very little to do with this article, I had no idea I was even in the news until my partner told me! I did a favour for a friend back in the UK and allowed her to use me as a case study for a PR campaign she was working on. Hence why the article is so light - I am not interested in having my personal life in the media and I was not really supposed to be the spotlight. No-one expected it to go global and to be picked up by so many news outlets in Thailand! The PR in me applauds her for gaining international coverage, yet personally I am less thrilled. Either way, it is what it is, and she is a very dear friend so no grudges held!

 

It was supposed to be less about me and more about the cost of living in the UK, but the media seemed to take a different angle than intended. Yes the state of the UK is a bit ridiculous at the moment and was one of the many reasons we felt moving was a good idea.

 

My partner has spent over 7 years living in Thailand previously. He came home, we met, had a baby and he always felt as though he wanted to return. His job here also covers pretty much everything living wise. Director level and YES HE HAS A WORK PERMIT!

 

My career took a bit of a back foot when Cece was born. Being self employed can be hard and being that my specialism (Marketing and PR) is based on selling time, as she got older I had less and less to sell. Nursery costs in the UK are about £1,800 per month on average. Also hard to find a good nursery and we had very little help from family.

 

The childcare costs alone made me working impossible, Vs Thailand I am paying £120 a month in a Thai nursery which Cece absolutely loves and is already picking up Thai.

 

As for how we afford things and how much money we have coming in, frankly that’s none of your business! Would you like it if people were making comments on how much money YOU had in the bank? Do better!

 

Yes we both have the relevant work permits/Visas to stay here and everything is absolutely above board. Due to my partner living here for so long previously, we have a lot of friends here and a good network. Also yes we LOVE Thai food!

 

It wasn’t a quick decision we had been talking about it for over a year before making the move. The truth is I had never been to Asia before moving so I took a huge gamble and it paid off. We love our life here and hope for it to continue. My mothers side of the family originates from Hong Kong so the culture doesn’t feel too dissimilar to my upbringing, which actually makes me feel more at home here.

 

We had a very middle class lifestyle in the UK and we are very lucky we had good jobs and savings to facilitate the move and initial set up. However with childcare costs, food costs etc rising it was either downsize and work more, or move to Thailand, work the same amount but find that balance and enjoy life. 

 

We also wanted our little girl to have a better life than what we think the UK can provide. It worried me that growing up in a UK school where kids are stabbing other kids, and bullying is at an all time high thanks to social media, would negatively impact her. Here in Thailand I get to watch her play outside on the street with other kids and there is a much more community feel, which I love.

 

This article, and many like it, have been pulled from GB News - so don’t believe everything you see on the internet people! These articles can be like Chinese whispers, the original message diluted and “facts” in reality, are fiction. The GB News article was pulled from a press release so even that isn’t a true reflection. 

 

I was never interviewed directly or contacted by any media outlet. 

 

I rarely use LinkedIn, but if you want to keep up with me, feel free to follow me on Instagram @jesswardauthor - this is where I am most active. No I’m not an “influencer” either. I don’t care about my follower count, but I won’t be making any further comments on here. I do not owe any of you an explanation, but I felt it was right to clear a few things up. I’ve shared all that I am willing to share on a public forum. If you have read this far thank you, and I hope you have a great day!

Nice post and the best of luck.  Don't take it personally - most here love to hate and the article made you an easy target.  I read a few pages not because I was interested in your situation 🙂 but was amazed how most  have determined Thailand is more expensive than the UK and their silly reasons.  There are some good people here but sadly their are many more of the unhappy in life type that get off bringing others down.  Hope it is your last post here. 

[CockneyGit]

On 6/4/2024 at 3:01 PM, Jessica Ward said:

Wow some of these comments are hilarious. As the person this is all about I figured I’d drop in. Firstly, I have very little to do with this article, I had no idea I was even in the news until my partner told me! I did a favour for a friend back in the UK and allowed her to use me as a case study for a PR campaign she was working on. Hence why the article is so light - I am not interested in having my personal life in the media and I was not really supposed to be the spotlight. No-one expected it to go global and to be picked up by so many news outlets in Thailand! The PR in me applauds her for gaining international coverage, yet personally I am less thrilled. Either way, it is what it is, and she is a very dear friend so no grudges held!

 

It was supposed to be less about me and more about the cost of living in the UK, but the media seemed to take a different angle than intended. Yes the state of the UK is a bit ridiculous at the moment and was one of the many reasons we felt moving was a good idea.

 

My partner has spent over 7 years living in Thailand previously. He came home, we met, had a baby and he always felt as though he wanted to return. His job here also covers pretty much everything living wise. Director level and YES HE HAS A WORK PERMIT!

 

My career took a bit of a back foot when Cece was born. Being self employed can be hard and being that my specialism (Marketing and PR) is based on selling time, as she got older I had less and less to sell. Nursery costs in the UK are about £1,800 per month on average. Also hard to find a good nursery and we had very little help from family.

 

The childcare costs alone made me working impossible, Vs Thailand I am paying £120 a month in a Thai nursery which Cece absolutely loves and is already picking up Thai.

 

As for how we afford things and how much money we have coming in, frankly that’s none of your business! Would you like it if people were making comments on how much money YOU had in the bank? Do better!

 

Yes we both have the relevant work permits/Visas to stay here and everything is absolutely above board. Due to my partner living here for so long previously, we have a lot of friends here and a good network. Also yes we LOVE Thai food!

 

It wasn’t a quick decision we had been talking about it for over a year before making the move. The truth is I had never been to Asia before moving so I took a huge gamble and it paid off. We love our life here and hope for it to continue. My mothers side of the family originates from Hong Kong so the culture doesn’t feel too dissimilar to my upbringing, which actually makes me feel more at home here.

 

We had a very middle class lifestyle in the UK and we are very lucky we had good jobs and savings to facilitate the move and initial set up. However with childcare costs, food costs etc rising it was either downsize and work more, or move to Thailand, work the same amount but find that balance and enjoy life. 

 

We also wanted our little girl to have a better life than what we think the UK can provide. It worried me that growing up in a UK school where kids are stabbing other kids, and bullying is at an all time high thanks to social media, would negatively impact her. Here in Thailand I get to watch her play outside on the street with other kids and there is a much more community feel, which I love.

 

This article, and many like it, have been pulled from GB News - so don’t believe everything you see on the internet people! These articles can be like Chinese whispers, the original message diluted and “facts” in reality, are fiction. The GB News article was pulled from a press release so even that isn’t a true reflection. 

 

I was never interviewed directly or contacted by any media outlet. 

 

I rarely use LinkedIn, but if you want to keep up with me, feel free to follow me on Instagram @jesswardauthor - this is where I am most active. No I’m not an “influencer” either. I don’t care about my follower count, but I won’t be making any further comments on here. I do not owe any of you an explanation, but I felt it was right to clear a few things up. I’ve shared all that I am willing to share on a public forum. If you have read this far thank you, and I hope you have a great day!

Well said. 👏👏

Life here is amazing if you do it right. Good luck to you and your family.

[KhunLA]

On 6/4/2024 at 3:01 PM, Jessica Ward said:

I rarely use LinkedIn, but if you want ... me on Instagram

Nice snaps ... ENJOY 😎

[FritsSikkink]

On 5/20/2024 at 4:35 AM, theblether said:

Here we go again. Another chance for the nutter brigade who haven't lived in the UK for decades to start ranting. Let me annoy you - 

 

20% of British pensioners are millionaires. NHS free, education, free, university - free in Scotland, limited fees in England. Prescriptions, free in Scotland, Bus passes, free. 

 

 

Can you send me a link about the 20% of pensioners are millionaires?

 

Limited fees for uni: University tuition fees and financial support in England (thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk)

"Universities in England, Northern Ireland and Scotland can charge students from England up to £9,250 a year for undergraduate tuition. For accelerated degrees (which are completed in less time) English universities can charge up to £11,100. The most Welsh universities can charge is £9,000 a year."

[stoner]

On 5/19/2024 at 6:09 PM, KhunLA said:

IF you own your own home ... 

 

own your own home now is much different than before. the cost comparisons etc are totally different in almost every way. in canada its out of control for both owning a home and renting. trying to save a down payment while living in an apartment etc now vs before is night and day. 

 

median income doubled from 2001 to 2024. yet housing prices increased much much more than that. in most cases 4 5 6 7x or more. 

 

 

[KhunLA]

2 minutes ago, stoner said:

 

own your own home now is much different than before. the cost comparisons etc are totally different in almost every way. in canada its out of control for both owning a home and renting. trying to save a down payment while living in an apartment etc now vs before is night and day. 

 

median income doubled from 2001 to 2024. yet housing prices increased much much more than that. in most cases 4 5 6 7x or more. 

Still easy in the USA ... IF ... you're not trying to impress your friends & family, and will accept less than optimal environment.   You can still buy houses in the $50-100k range, FHA assisted, low down payments.   

 

If I was there now, that's exactly what I'd do, if in my 20s and starting out.   Basically what I did 40+ years ago.

 

Then buy a 2nd house, since credit established, to rent out for amount of mortgage or more.  Yes, it's very possible in some areas.  Section 8 (govt assistance program to poor), pays the rent, at market price for the area.  So more than you could get to a private citizen.  Covers the mortgage and then some.  I know because I did it.

 

Once credit is established and you have a good repoire with bank & Section 8 program, then simply follow the McD business strategy of duplication.   Simple buy another house every 6 months or year, until you have as many as you want.

 

And yes ... it really is that simple.

 

[lapamita]

On 5/19/2024 at 9:51 PM, webfact said:

 

 

and a surge in mental health issues linked to the UK government's controversial 'net-zero' climate policies.

 

 

 

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what new sickness aredeveloping  in europe. intresting,just intresting

[theblether]

3 hours ago, FritsSikkink said:

Can you send me a link about the 20% of pensioners are millionaires?

 

Limited fees for uni: University tuition fees and financial support in England (thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk)

"Universities in England, Northern Ireland and Scotland can charge students from England up to £9,250 a year for undergraduate tuition. For accelerated degrees (which are completed in less time) English universities can charge up to £11,100. The most Welsh universities can charge is £9,000 a year."

 

Scotland is free for four years. Fees are limited in England and Wales as mentioned. 

 

What was the point of your comment? Are you bored? 

[FritsSikkink]

12 minutes ago, theblether said:

 

Scotland is free for four years. Fees are limited in England and Wales as mentioned. 

 

What was the point of your comment? Are you bored? 

You think 9250 pounds a year is a good price?

where is the link about the 20% millionaires?

[theblether]

On 5/21/2024 at 3:53 PM, MarkyM3 said:

 

You don't like being challenged, that's for sure. Now remember you from Thai Visa in the past.

 

For starters, I've been a landlord for many years and done full refurbs and never paid floor fitters anywhere near the rate you quote. I've got a full Kahrs wooden floor in my place - all sourced and arranged via the dreaded mybuilder.com and nowhere near your annualised rates. Anyone paying them are welcome to but they're way over the odds for the skill level involved.  

 

And yeah, I did check various sites for quoted salaries around the UK so obviously they're obviously all lying of course....

 

As for the rest of your post, I don't give two hoots about carpet fitters earning more than me. There's always gonna be someone earning more than you. Last time I checked my net worth is comfortably north of a mill I'm hardly gonna be crying about it fella 😄. I work 35 hours a week from the comfort of my own mortgage-free home or remote and could retire today in my early 50s. I wouldn't typically post that but you've clearly got an unhealthy obsession with putting people down engaged in reasonable debate. Evident from your other posts on this forum as well. 

 

Returning to the point of this thread, again I repeat why this couple could struggle with costs in the UK but for various reasons their plan is half baked imo.

 

The end. 

 

 

The pathetic ramblings of a brittle, lonely man. You'll need to rent a girlfriend as women don't like weak men. 

[JeffersLos]

On 5/20/2024 at 4:46 AM, Jingthing said:

What visa?

 

Daughter is in school, parents can piggyback off the education visa. 

[JeffersLos]

On 5/20/2024 at 4:35 AM, theblether said:

20% of British pensioners are millionaires.

 

Perhaps on paper, including their house that is valued so high that no one can afford to buy it off them. 😁 A million in cash or assets that can be liquidated  at anytime, 20%, you're having a giraffe. 

[stoner]

7 hours ago, KhunLA said:

Still easy in the USA ... IF ... you're not trying to impress your friends & family, and will accept less than optimal environment.   You can still buy houses in the $50-100k range, FHA assisted, low down payments.   

 

If I was there now, that's exactly what I'd do, if in my 20s and starting out.   Basically what I did 40+ years ago.

 

Then buy a 2nd house, since credit established, to rent out for amount of mortgage or more.  Yes, it's very possible in some areas.  Section 8 (govt assistance program to poor), pays the rent, at market price for the area.  So more than you could get to a private citizen.  Covers the mortgage and then some.  I know because I did it.

 

Once credit is established and you have a good repoire with bank & Section 8 program, then simply follow the McD business strategy of duplication.   Simple buy another house every 6 months or year, until you have as many as you want.

 

And yes ... it really is that simple.

 

 

what a difference. wow. can you adopt me so i can get a green card ? 

 

average price of a home in my small town of 80k in canada is hovering around 700k now after the crash. so roughly 511k in real money for the average house.

 

it was up over 800 a year or so ago. 

[theblether]

5 hours ago, JeffersLos said:

 

Perhaps on paper, including their house that is valued so high that no one can afford to buy it off them. 😁 A million in cash or assets that can be liquidated  at anytime, 20%, you're having a giraffe. 

 

Oh, look. The ramblings of a financial illiterate. By your reckoning if you don't have a million quid in the bank your not a millionaire? Grow up, man. 

 

Far too many of you seem to be deeply annoyed that your fellow Brits are doing well financially. Raging that people who followed basic financial advice by buying a house and funding a pension are well set. What is it, jealousy? 

 

Anyway, I confess to being wrong. The figure according to this report is not 20%. It's 27%. 

 

chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.if.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/pensioner_millionaires_FINAL.pdf

[Hanuman2547]

11 hours ago, stoner said:

own your own home now is much different than before. the cost comparisons etc are totally different in almost every way. in canada its out of control for both owning a home and renting. trying to save a down payment while living in an apartment etc now vs before is night and day. 

 

median income doubled from 2001 to 2024. yet housing prices increased much much more than that. in most cases 4 5 6 7x or more. 

Vancouver BC housing costs are just incredibly high.  1M CAD (730K USD) will buy a small condo.  To buy a house, starting price is about 1.3 CAD (950K USD).  Mid-point is about 2.5M CAD (1.82M USD) and it's not a big or newer house at all.  

[Hanuman2547]

10 hours ago, KhunLA said:

Still easy in the USA ... IF ... you're not trying to impress your friends & family, and will accept less than optimal environment.   You can still buy houses in the $50-100k range, FHA assisted, low down payments. 

 

You must be talking about places in the mid-west of which I am familiar with while attending grad school.  A lot of people wouldn't want to live there as the employment opportunities aren't that great.  A house at the price range will be older and less up to date but yes, you can find houses there.  Won't find that along the west coast of the USA unless it is a remote area.....maybe.  

[stoner]

2 minutes ago, Hanuman2547 said:

You must be talking about places in the mid-west of which I am familiar with while attending grad school.  A lot of people wouldn't want to live there as the employment opportunities aren't that great.  A house at the price range will be older and less up to date but yes, you can find houses there.  Won't find that along the west coast of the USA unless it is a remote area.....maybe.  

 

to be fair you don't need much income to support a 75k house. they would be crap houses but over time you could move up as LA was saying. 

[theblether]

9 hours ago, FritsSikkink said:

You think 9250 pounds a year is a good price?

where is the link about the 20% millionaires?

 

I'm Scottish, it's free - and here you go. 

 

chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.if.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/pensioner_millionaires_FINAL.pdf