20 minutes ago, BritScot said:

Cloud cuckoo land! They have no idea. I did a cost "Thai to UK" back in 2019 and the bottom line was Thailand was far more expensive than UK. The usual quotes like rent, electricity and fuel are whiped out by: health insurance, smaller car and free education. Food is another wild herring! I have yet to see caterpillars  crawling out of my cauliflower and have 3 mushrooms costing nearly £2!!!, steak need I say more. Infact food quality is world's apart!@@

Health insurance isn't a necessity.

I pay 16,000bht a year for my 14yo son to attend the Chinese and English special class in government school.

9 hours ago, rattlesnake said:

 

The people in this article don't have jobs or actionable skills, they are ordinary YouTubers in Thailand with nothing to offer apart from an unrealistic cliché for a few people back in their home country. Anyone with experience in actual remote work will identify that in an instant. Check it out yourself:

 

https://www.youtube.com/@roshnirward

 

I don't see what harm they are doing to anybody. Can you please explain why they are causing you a problem?

 

Remote work? I have been a remote software engineer for years, what these two are doing is not my business, at least they are not sitting around moaning at nothing. 

 

2 hours ago, BritScot said:

Cloud cuckoo land! They have no idea. I did a cost "Thai to UK" back in 2019 and the bottom line was Thailand was far more expensive than UK. The usual quotes like rent, electricity and fuel are whiped out by: health insurance, smaller car and free education. Food is another wild herring! I have yet to see caterpillars  crawling out of my cauliflower and have 3 mushrooms costing nearly £2!!!, steak need I say more. Infact food quality is world's apart!@@

 

I just spent 5.5 months in England earlier this year, I was surprised at the cost of everything.

 

I had a meal in a standard restaurant with a friend, we both had a main meal, I had some beer, the friend does not drink, she had two cokes, £110 which is about 4700 baht.

 

A pint of beer in a pub £7.50 , 320 baht, a pint of beer at my local in Phuket, 90 baht

 

A litre of Vodka, 900 baht, Thailand 420 baht.

 

Taxi to the airport £67, 2900 baht, same ride in Phuket to the airport 700 baht.

 

Cigarettes (I don't smoke) 640 baht, Thailand 150 baht for international brands.

 

I sold a five bed house in UK South East in 2021, 34 million baht, three bed detached on a secure estate in Phuket, 6 million baht.

 

The UK house is now on the market  againfor 37 million baht.

 

I bought a flat thirty minutes from London by train to rent out as an extra source of income, two beds, two bathrooms 14 million baht, rent 73,000 baht a month.

 

I will not detail the council tax, NI, income tax, VAT 20% the price of cars, trains tickets etc.

 

The price of goods and basics in the UK have risen 27% since 2019.

 

People drive much bigger cars in Phuket on average than the UK because they are dirt cheap compared to the UK.

 

One litre petrol UK 57 baht, Thailand 33 baht.

 

I can buy a 1kg bag of frozen mushrooms from Makro for 100 baht

 

I buy NZ, Australian beef in Makro, 320 baht a kg. Very good quality.

 

A large bunch of bananas from Makro, 15 to 20 bananas costs 85 baht, in the UK 220.

 

The prices quoted are for Phuket, it must be even cheaper in a village at the back of beyond in Thailand.

 

2019 was nearly seven years ago, go and have a look now.

 

I am not sure where you got your prices comparison from as it is way out as if we farangs are getting income from the UK for example, it makes Thailand dirt cheap to live in. 

 

On 11/1/2025 at 9:58 PM, Nick Carter icp said:

 

   Earn her own money ?

 

A lot of farangs here in Thailand do not realise it is normal for most women to work as they have ended up with the same type of woman many farangs seem to end up with for some reason, the ones with an leash on the walking ATM. 😀

On 10/31/2025 at 7:50 PM, Olav Seglem said:

Dont know if crime in thsiland is lower then UK...

Feel media "filled" every day...

It is much lower for immigrants/expats

Do not know why anyone would stay in UK if they can move elsewhere.

On 11/1/2025 at 12:37 PM, NoshowJones said:

Crime is much much lower in Bangkok and Pattaya than say a UK city like Glasgow.

Have you lived in Glasgow?  It has its problem but is still a great city to live in.

2 hours ago, JamesPhuket10 said:

 

I don't see what harm they are doing to anybody. Can you please explain why they are causing you a problem?

 

Remote work? I have been a remote software engineer for years, what these two are doing is not my business, at least they are not sitting around moaning at nothing. 

 

The jealous ones are annoyed at people choosing to enjoy their lives.

On 10/31/2025 at 10:01 PM, ukrules said:

 

Lol, wait until they find out they really like that lovely comforting A/C

 

On 10/31/2025 at 9:19 PM, 231778_1469957276 said:

I think you can get a 5 yr nomad visa these days

here a numerous videos on YouTube showing the requirements for Digital Nomad visa’s as well as the DT Visa, not as easy now as people think, one man, USA professional videographer, and one lady from UK had to apply, re-apply and re-apply again as they kept asking for more, more, more evidence they are actually what they say they are.  The requirements are entirely up to the Embassy you apply in, some easy, some damned near impossible  -  just saying.     Peace

Claiming that jealousy is what's motivating the negative comments on this thread badly misreads what people are reacting to. First of all, I suspect that the vast majority of people commenting negatively already live in Thailand, which begs the question what are they supposedly jealous of? Even if a poster was on a meager pension, had to rely on an immigration agent to get their visa, was living in a shoe-box rental with a tiny fridge and a hot plate and a bathroom down the hall, chances are they would have more stability and wherewithal than a couple with largely untested social media and distance workout training skills. Maybe not right this second while the couple still have a savings cushion, but down the road will that still be the case?

 

I suspect that the majority of posters on this thread are likely married, living in homes or condos they have a financial interest in, have reasonable pensions and backup savings. 

 

What you are hearing here are the voices of experience, not green-eyed little monsters. I am sure that many many posters have anecdotal stories about people whose Thai dreams have gone up in smoke due to poor planning. Did either of the people featured in this article invest in learning the language, or consider what would happen if they encountered a major unexpected expense or if they grew disenchanted with Thailand? Just for purposes of comparison, I started studying Thai 9 years before moving here, and planned my move for close to 5 years before moving here. So, forgive me, but to my ear, somebody moving here on a lark with what I consider to be half-baked plans strikes me as foolhardy. 

 

People also say 'let other people live their lives, they're not hurting anyone." Fair enough, but when you get on social media as an "influencer" braying about how you can find an apartment for $200/month, and your bowl of noodles only cost you 25 baht, you're kind of encouraging people to go down the same path which is kind of irresponsible when you overlook and downplay all the things that can go wrong. Just to name a few which haven't been mentioned already: a sharp devaluation of your home country currency, a change in visa requirements (the DTV visa being relatively new seems particularly vulnerable to potential revisions), the growing struggle to successfully monetize a U-tube channel, educating children in Thailand, the expense of relocating back or being able to afford real estate in your home country in the future, and difficulty rejoining the workforce after a long absence abroad.

 

What you're hearing from me and others who have expressed dubiousness isn't jealousy. Its the voice of people who have seen others (and perhaps experienced themselves) what can happen when planning and discipline are in short supply. 

6 hours ago, JamesPhuket10 said:

 

I just spent 5.5 months in England earlier this year, I was surprised at the cost of everything.

 

I had a meal in a standard restaurant with a friend, we both had a main meal, I had some beer, the friend does not drink, she had two cokes, £110 which is about 4700 baht.

 

A pint of beer in a pub £7.50 , 320 baht, a pint of beer at my local in Phuket, 90 baht

 

A litre of Vodka, 900 baht, Thailand 420 baht.

 

Taxi to the airport £67, 2900 baht, same ride in Phuket to the airport 700 baht.

 

Cigarettes (I don't smoke) 640 baht, Thailand 150 baht for international brands.

 

I sold a five bed house in UK South East in 2021, 34 million baht, three bed detached on a secure estate in Phuket, 6 million baht.

 

The UK house is now on the market  againfor 37 million baht.

 

I bought a flat thirty minutes from London by train to rent out as an extra source of income, two beds, two bathrooms 14 million baht, rent 73,000 baht a month.

 

I will not detail the council tax, NI, income tax, VAT 20% the price of cars, trains tickets etc.

 

The price of goods and basics in the UK have risen 27% since 2019.

 

People drive much bigger cars in Phuket on average than the UK because they are dirt cheap compared to the UK.

 

One litre petrol UK 57 baht, Thailand 33 baht.

 

I can buy a 1kg bag of frozen mushrooms from Makro for 100 baht

 

I buy NZ, Australian beef in Makro, 320 baht a kg. Very good quality.

 

A large bunch of bananas from Makro, 15 to 20 bananas costs 85 baht, in the UK 220.

 

The prices quoted are for Phuket, it must be even cheaper in a village at the back of beyond in Thailand.

 

2019 was nearly seven years ago, go and have a look now.

 

I am not sure where you got your prices comparison from as it is way out as if we farangs are getting income from the UK for example, it makes Thailand dirt cheap to live in. 

 

 

 

SHOCK HORROR - prices are more expensive in a western country. 

 

However, that doesn't mean Thailand is cheap. Alcohol for one i have found cheaper in Europe. The falling pound because of racist British people and Brexit is making things more expensive. 

 

In Europe these days there is more of a love and culture to make your own food for health reasons and passion. If you actually look at the what they put into takeaway food here (MSG for one), leaving food overnight and just reheated, the quality of the meats it's not always healthy - the food standards are below that of Europe. 

 

So making your own food can be quite cheap in the UK. Have a meal in a decent Thai restaurant is not cheap either. 

 

If you want to do budget in the Uk you have the usual chain stores, independent cafes, Bakeries like Greggs, etc

 

These youtubers read up the guide books on what works - and the main thing is to give the viewer the idea they want to swap places with you, and be where you are. So you fill it up with nonsense and lies. If you eat raw chicken in dishwasher water, you still have to make an orgasm face. etc etc

3 minutes ago, DonniePeverley said:

 

 

 

 

  British people and Brexit is making things more expensive. 

 

 

 

 

The scars run very deep with some sad Remainers.

6 minutes ago, hotandsticky said:

 

 

The scars run very deep with some sad Remainers.

 

 

Nothing was achieved with Brexit. It's been an epic failure. Made everything more expensive and destroyed the pound. If you are a foreigner in Thailand you've seen your beloved pound fall from over 50 to 1 baht, to barely hanging onto 40 these days (go see how much it's fallen this week as more payments are made to exit the EU). 

 

Farage  the main cause of Brexit and abject failure, now racists believe he will be the saviour. ROFLMAO 

 

The pound will sink even further when he gets into power. That's the last thing the council estate racists in Pattaya need, but they are educated to such a low level they cannot recognise this. 

 

P.S. NAME ME A SINGLE ACHIEVEMENT OF BREXIT

2 minutes ago, DonniePeverley said:

 

 

 

 

P.S. NAME ME A SINGLE ACHIEVEMENT OF BREXIT

 

 

EXTRACTION FROM BRUSSELS.   

 

 

 

 

2 hours ago, hotandsticky said:

 

 

The scars run very deep with some sad Remainers.

 

 

 

On 10/31/2025 at 4:57 PM, snoop1130 said:

Picture courtesy of Manchester Evening News

 

A British couple, Roshni Ward and Louis Hunt, have relocated to Chiang Mai, Thailand, leaving behind the high costs and hectic lifestyle of East Sussex, UK. Fed up with demanding work hours and rising crime, the couple sought a more balanced and affordable life. Their move in September has led to significantly reduced living expenses, with their flat rent dropping from £1,350 to £300 per month.

 

While in Thailand, Ward now works as a content creator and Hunt manages an online fitness business. The cost of living, a major motivation for their move, has been a pleasant surprise with monthly expenses drastically lower. Electricity bills are around £44, and a typical taxi ride costs just £1.50. Dining out is also considerably cheaper, with a meal for two, including drinks, often under £8.

 

The couple were initially attracted to Thailand during a holiday, appreciating its vibrant culture and friendly locals. They have embraced a slower lifestyle where their days start with leisurely mornings before work. Ward feels significantly safer in Thailand, particularly in comparison to the UK, where crime was a concern.

 

In addition to financial benefits, the couple is enjoying the local culture and communities. They have taken pleasure in exploring temples, waterfalls, and elephant sanctuaries, finding the environment welcoming and the expat community supportive. They are already considering starting a family, viewing Thailand as a safer, more relaxed environment.

 

Ward and Hunt do not plan to return to the UK, citing the desirable mix of affordability, safety, and lifestyle in Thailand as reasons to settle there long-term. This decision underscores the growing appeal of Southeast Asia for those seeking an enhanced quality of life at a lower cost.

 

Key Takeaways

• Roshni Ward and Louis Hunt moved to Chiang Mai seeking affordability and better work-life balance.
• Monthly rent reduced from £1,350 in the UK to £300 in Thailand, with overall cheaper expenses.
• They enjoy the slower pace, cultural experiences, and community in Thailand.

 

Related Stories:

Dream Crushed: British Expats ’ Thai Retirement Nightmare

Grab Targets Thailand's Expats with New Perks and Features

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-10-31

 

 

 

You can live here very affordable, depending on how you budget yourself.  If you have a lot of income, you can afford to live high on the hog, but if you are restricted by income, you can still live comfortably, but your choice.  I get 72,000 a month from my pension, pau 7000 a month for rent and utilities, not a palace, but a nice apartment, restaurant and bar on site.  Comfortable for me, and not trying to spend  like a stupid farang, showing off.

 

It all depends on LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION and LIFESTYLE 

 

"""7000 a month for rent and utilities, not a palace, but a nice apartment, ...... """

 

WE ( married to Thai ) pay under 8000bt  a month for rent, utilities, WiFi, cable, mobile and live in a 2BR ( originally unfurnished ) house fenced yard 4 sides, veggie, herb and flower  gardens, 2 banana 1 mango tree, gated community.

 

4 major stores, restaurants, 7-11, Immigration, new strip mall, mom & pop stores,  average time to go 15 minutes or less. Furnished the house for under 30000bt - what most landlords want for deposit on a house ( my deposit 4500 ).  Rent has NOT increased in 4 years.

 

Takes TIME to find the LOCATION best suited to / for your needs.

7 hours ago, rattlesnake said:

 

They are doing harm in the sense that they are perpetuating the myth of 'packing up and leaving for sunny shores' without a plan or actual job, which a lot of youngsters in the failing UK will want to emulate, whilst ignoring the plethora of obstacles and intricacies involved with such a move.

 

The most tired and yet incessantly repeated cliché is that all you need to do is 'be on YouTube' and make videos. I have seen – or heard of – a lot of people doing it and ending up back in their home countries within a year after squandering about £10-15k in savings or loans – that's a lot of money for young people in a contracted economy.

 

They should call it what they used to call it, which is a gap year or simply a holiday. But that would be less 'clickbaity' for the outlets such as The Mail Online which are spreading this fiction.

 

The myth of a failing UK is the biggest myth.

 

It is still the 5th largest economy on the world, anybody with any skills, education and common sense already knows the UK is where to make money when you are young over places like Thailand.

 

There has always been losers in the UK no matter what the state of the economy is, they are the ones making all the noises while those that have got on are getting on quietly.

 

I know as I have two kids doing really well in the UK in professional jobs, they do not sit around watching YouTube etc all day long, they are too busy.

 

Only idiots would believe in paradise stories. 

 

 

5 hours ago, DonniePeverley said:

 

 

SHOCK HORROR - prices are more expensive in a western country. 

 

However, that doesn't mean Thailand is cheap. Alcohol for one i have found cheaper in Europe. The falling pound because of racist British people and Brexit is making things more expensive. 

 

In Europe these days there is more of a love and culture to make your own food for health reasons and passion. If you actually look at the what they put into takeaway food here (MSG for one), leaving food overnight and just reheated, the quality of the meats it's not always healthy - the food standards are below that of Europe. 

 

So making your own food can be quite cheap in the UK. Have a meal in a decent Thai restaurant is not cheap either. 

 

If you want to do budget in the Uk you have the usual chain stores, independent cafes, Bakeries like Greggs, etc

 

These youtubers read up the guide books on what works - and the main thing is to give the viewer the idea they want to swap places with you, and be where you are. So you fill it up with nonsense and lies. If you eat raw chicken in dishwasher water, you still have to make an orgasm face. etc etc

 

Why the sarcasm over my comment about house prices, I was replying to another comment by someone so I listed the reasons why they were wrong when they said it is more expensive to live in Thailand than the UK, then you hijacked my comment.

 

My list of prices are genuine, I was in England for five months earlier this year, only a fool would believed it is cheaper to live in England than Thailand.

 

Cooking and eating at home in Thailand is also much cheaper than cooking and eating at home in the UK.

 

Who would want to live on Greggs food?

 

Thailand is cheaper in every way.

 

What is it with your mad comments?

1 minute ago, rattlesnake said:

 

Well we agree then. Your two kids are nothing like the protagonists of this story.

 

As are most kids, that is why the 'world is still spinning' and will carry on doing so.

 

20 hours ago, MarkBR said:

Have you lived in Glasgow?  It has its problem but is still a great city to live in.

Yes I have and was even chased up a main road by four IC3 males while walking home about 11pm and minding my own business. Good job I was a very fast runner in these days. I cannot imagine that ever happening in Bangkok or Pattaya.

On 11/2/2025 at 4:56 PM, BritManToo said:

Health insurance isn't a necessity.

I pay 16,000bht a year for my 14yo son to attend the Chinese and English special class in government school.

Is math and science taught in English?