Picture courtesy of The Independent

 

In a bold move, Dale Smith, an HGV driver from Nottinghamshire, is relocating his family to Thailand with just a suitcase and dreams, citing the unbearable living conditions in “Broken Britain.”

 

Frustrated by soaring bills and dreary weather, Smith, his wife Kim, and their children Noah and Molly will leave Mansfield for Bangkok this November, carrying little more than essentials.

 

Despite earning more, Smith feels trapped by financial pressures. “The prices are sky-high, and the streets are in a state,” he shared on TikTok. “We want to escape this routine.”

 

Selling their home and car, the Smiths plan to land in Thailand with savings and a sense of adventure. “We’re taking nothing but clothes. What else do we need?” Smith remarked.

 

Dissatisfaction is not only financial; the children find their education disengaging. The parents intend to homeschool them, incorporating practical skills and language learning.

 

“We’re not closing the door on formal education,” Smith clarified, ensuring the kids could pursue qualifications later.

 

The family's journey begins in Bangkok, moving to Hua Hin to determine living costs. Though their plans are fluid, Smith is unfazed. “We’ll probably rent a furnished place. One less worry.”

 

 

Smith’s TikTok has garnered 1.5 million views, resonating with those seeking a similar escape. “It’s scary but amazing, especially for the children,” he said, confident of an improved quality of life.

 

Having researched visas, flights, and costs meticulously, the family's ultimate goal is freedom rather than a strict plan.

 

“We’re not fleeing; we’re pursuing a better life,” Smith declared. They aim to document their travels online, potentially turning it into income.

 

With enough savings for a few years, Smith reassures that the UK remains an option if needed. “We can return anytime to spend quality time with family.”

 

His message to others: “Don’t live in regret. If you dream of change, don’t be afraid. Embrace life now.”

 

And so, the Smiths embark on this venture, driven by hope and the promise of new experiences.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-07-14

 

 

sweet dream until he realises thailand is not as cheap as it once was. the golden years are over and unless he finds a way to get income he will likely be going back to th uk quicker than he thinks. wish him all the best though

Not fair on the kids man. 

Your not loaded or have high paying jobs here.

So it's all going to go south at some point. 

 

 

I like his attitude. A very bold decision when you have school age children but I wish him and his family all the best.

i'm not up to date with the visa rules and regulations. how is it legally possible to simply move to thailand with a young family and decide to live here ?

46 minutes ago, snoop1130 said:

Picture courtesy of The Independent

 

In a bold move, Dale Smith, an HGV driver from Nottinghamshire, is relocating his family to Thailand with just a suitcase and dreams, citing the unbearable living conditions in “Broken Britain.”

 

Frustrated by soaring bills and dreary weather, Smith, his wife Kim, and their children Noah and Molly will leave Mansfield for Bangkok this November, carrying little more than essentials.

 

Despite earning more, Smith feels trapped by financial pressures. “The prices are sky-high, and the streets are in a state,” he shared on TikTok. “We want to escape this routine.”

 

Selling their home and car, the Smiths plan to land in Thailand with savings and a sense of adventure. “We’re taking nothing but clothes. What else do we need?” Smith remarked.

 

Dissatisfaction is not only financial; the children find their education disengaging. The parents intend to homeschool them, incorporating practical skills and language learning.

 

“We’re not closing the door on formal education,” Smith clarified, ensuring the kids could pursue qualifications later.

 

The family's journey begins in Bangkok, moving to Hua Hin to determine living costs. Though their plans are fluid, Smith is unfazed. “We’ll probably rent a furnished place. One less worry.”

 

 

Smith’s TikTok has garnered 1.5 million views, resonating with those seeking a similar escape. “It’s scary but amazing, especially for the children,” he said, confident of an improved quality of life.

 

Having researched visas, flights, and costs meticulously, the family's ultimate goal is freedom rather than a strict plan.

 

“We’re not fleeing; we’re pursuing a better life,” Smith declared. They aim to document their travels online, potentially turning it into income.

 

With enough savings for a few years, Smith reassures that the UK remains an option if needed. “We can return anytime to spend quality time with family.”

 

His message to others: “Don’t live in regret. If you dream of change, don’t be afraid. Embrace life now.”

 

And so, the Smiths embark on this venture, driven by hope and the promise of new experiences.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-07-14

 

 

Poor kids.

All what they can learn from their parents is stupidity.

Shattered dreams come soon.

And losers will start a @gofundme action at the end.

Oh, dear...........😥

Don't knock him, if you lived in Mansfield you would have taken Beirut or Dhaka as better options too.

18 minutes ago, motdaeng said:

i'm not up to date with the visa rules and regulations. how is it legally possible to simply move to thailand with a young family and decide to live here ?

over 50 ?

11 minutes ago, newbee2022 said:

over 50 ?

 

He's 37, she's 36, kids 10 and 8.

 

https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/were-fed-up-uk-life-35550315

Just now, Enoon said:

 

He's 37, she's 36, kids 10 and 8.

 

https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/were-fed-up-uk-life-35550315

then investment visa, elite

I don't think he has thought this through, for a start with young children like this he is likely well under 50 more like in his 30's so a long term visa in out, if he intends to work his job potential and earnings are severely limited

The "nomad family 9-5 escape channel", but like dropshipping, its more of a product itself to sell howto's on, than the hopium about freedom it promises.

Wonder how many Dropshippers survive 10 years with all the selling platform cost increases and rule changes.

 

Researched visas, but no mention of what one he is on......Elite ?

HGV driver, won't be DTV anyway. 

1 hour ago, snoop1130 said:

Selling their home and car, the Smiths plan to land in Thailand with savings and a sense of adventure.

 

Selling their home is a very bad move (IMO). But, maybe they are relying on inheriting property from their parents.

He's gone for a long holiday.

 

Wait till he learns it's very expensive to put children into school in Thailand. He claims he is going to home school them which is incredibly selfish in my opinion. Schooling is not just about education.

 

Wait till he learns his travel insurance will have to be replaced by health insurance in Thailand after a year out of living in the UK, most travel insurances become invalid.  

 

Wait till he learns rental is not that cheap. 

 

Wait till he navigates the visa process. 

 

Thailand is not as cheap as he thinks it is. 

 

He claims he is going to do social media and generate income. Him and the thousands of others. 

 

The UK Needs new laws in this generation that if you leave the country for a year you are no longer a citiizen. 

 

 

Sick of these Brits who knock their own country - then claim the income they have made in the UK and the security it provides them will help them relocate to another country. Go ask Thai's if they can do this. Like biting the hand that feeds you. 

1 hour ago, snoop1130 said:

Smith’s TikTok has garnered 1.5 million views, r

 

   Which will earn him about US $ 40

It doesn't sound like he's intending to stay in Thailand particularly long-term. According to the Mirror article, he reckons he only has "sufficient funds for a couple of years."

He could join Robin Hood's band of merry men in Sherwood Forest.

Mansfield is dread. I would not live there if you paid me. She and he can get TEFL jobs. Teaching adults English as a foreign language.  Though one or two I'll informed people on this forum criticise the profession that is always ignorant people who don't know what they are talking about. The beauty of teaching English as a Foreign Language is that you can progress up to PhD Level but start with a certificate from International House or the British Council. It is also a good way to meet people. I WISH THEM LUCK.

18 minutes ago, GroveHillWanderer said:

It doesn't sound like he's intending to stay in Thailand particularly long-term. According to the Mirror article, he reckons he only has "sufficient funds for a couple of years."

He's gonna work...

So he's gonna lose £200 a month child benefit, he will also lose anything upto £5,000 in other benefits, he will need to pay approximately £400 per month health insurance, he'll also need to contribute £1,850 a year towards his NI contributions ( voluntarily)..not to mention schooling....not sure they have thought it through, unless they haven't informed.DWP like so many do claiming for their kids...good luck to them but without working, it ain't gonna last long

5 minutes ago, baansgr said:

he will need to pay approximately £400 per month health insurance

Is that a compulsory thing or ?

46 minutes ago, DonniePeverley said:

Sick of these Brits who knock their own country - then claim the income they have made in the UK and the security it provides them will help them relocate to another country. Go ask Thai's if they can do this. Like biting the hand that feeds you. 

Yeah but Thais are treated like Thais in Thailand, Brits are treated like crap in UK, imprisoned, raped and murdered with nowhere else to turn except somewhere abroad

Just as I was starting to believe that religions were the only delusions....

Just now, Ralf001 said:

Is that a compulsory thing or ?

No...he can just wing it and not pay a penny and.rely on gofund me if anything happens but if he wants reasonable health insurance for four people, that is the going rate

14 minutes ago, baansgr said:

So he's gonna lose £200 a month child benefit, he will also lose anything upto £5,000 in other benefits, he will need to pay approximately £400 per month health insurance, he'll also need to contribute £1,850 a year towards his NI contributions ( voluntarily)..not to mention schooling....not sure they have thought it through, unless they haven't informed.DWP like so many do claiming for their kids...good luck to them but without working, it ain't gonna last long

If he had kept his mouth shut and his photo out of the press and opened a mail forwarding account he could still claim all of the above!

31 minutes ago, baansgr said:

So he's gonna lose £200 a month child benefit, he will also lose anything upto £5,000 in other benefits, he will need to pay approximately £400 per month health insurance, he'll also need to contribute £1,850 a year towards his NI contributions ( voluntarily)..not to mention schooling....not sure they have thought it through, unless they haven't informed.DWP like so many do claiming for their kids...good luck to them but without working, it ain't gonna last long

 

 

You think they are making claims? If so, they have to tell them they are leaving the country. 

 

I've seen a few people claim they are 'home schooling' - what about friendship etc?

18 minutes ago, DezLez said:

If he had kept his mouth shut and his photo out of the press and opened a mail forwarding account he could still claim all of the above!

 

   The taxman will catch him out .

When he does his tax returns they will notice he isn't in the UK 

27 minutes ago, baansgr said:

Yeah but Thais are treated like Thais in Thailand, Brits are treated like crap in UK, imprisoned, raped and murdered with nowhere else to turn except somewhere abroad

 

Go ask Thai's how you feel they are treated. 

 

UK whilst it has it's problems, offers (through taxation) children free education, some of the best universities in the world that cost very little for the local population, free health care (you may knock it, but getting bills here in Thailand is scary), little pollution levels, some fantastic cities like London, actually has safer statsitics than Thailand for crime, etc