A British man who left the UK due to rising living costs says he now lives comfortably in Chiang Mai, Thailand, on just GBP800 a month, compared with more than GBP3,000 a month previously. Robert Hoadley, 45, from Portsmouth, relocated in 2025 and says the move has given him greater financial freedom, improved work-life balance and a healthier lifestyle.

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Robert spent years working in construction before deciding to leave the UK. He said he had become frustrated by working long hours simply to cover increasing expenses and felt he had little freedom to enjoy life. After deciding he did not want to wait until retirement to pursue a different lifestyle, he sold everything he owned and moved more than 6,000 miles away to Thailand.

Now based in Chiang Mai, Robert works online as a content creator, producing material about the cost of living and relocating abroad. He is developing multiple online income streams that allow him to work remotely. His social media platform, Sea Turkey Adventures, has attracted more than 6,000 followers, with some videos receiving over 200,000 views.

Robert says daily life in Thailand is significantly less stressful. He highlighted lower living costs, affordable leisure activities and a wider range of lifestyle options, including gyms, cafes, swimming pools and outdoor pursuits. He also noted that pints can cost as little as GBP2, although he says he now drinks less than he did in the UK and focuses more on health, fitness and routine.

According to Robert, one of the biggest benefits is the reduced financial pressure. He said many people underestimate how far money can stretch abroad and believes Thailand offers good food, friendly people, a strong expatriate community and a high quality of life at a fraction of UK costs. He added that the warmer climate and more relaxed pace of life have also contributed to his overall happiness.

Despite the positives, Robert acknowledges there are aspects of Britain he still misses. He cited friends and family, traditional pub culture, certain foods and what he described as the UK’s distinctive sense of humour and sarcasm. He said those qualities are difficult to replace, even though he is satisfied with his decision to move overseas.

The Mirror reported that as he continues building his online business and audience, Robert says he remains committed to his new life in Thailand. His experience reflects a growing interest among some Britons in seeking lower living costs and different lifestyles abroad while maintaining remote sources of income.

Pictures courtesy of The Mirror

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Mirror 13 June 2026

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He's living the absolute dream on £800 a month... right up until Burning Season hits, and he has to spend his entire budget on air purifiers and inhalers.

What type of Visa would he be using then?

Me and my wife live comfortably on Bht 35000 per month here in Phitsanulok. House & cars are paid for. We do not frequent bars as the nearest one is 30 km away. Most food bought in local market. Air-con only when over 30 outside. Also pay 7000 per month for son's College.

I’m just wondering how sustainable this really is long term.

Content creators will face quite a few challenges in the future.

The typical mistake is leaving your country and cutting the string completely, with no real return plan.

Hopefully he has thought that part through.

Good luck to him

Awesome! Just another Brit that goes out in the papers with something other found out long time ago.

9 minutes ago, Hummin said:

Content creators will face quite a few challenges in the future.

Again Hummin! Please tell me how you know that? What are you basing you senseless reply on this time?