Roshni Ward, 30, and Louis Hunt, 33, said they felt unsafe in the UK due to crime rates and were tired of the British weather
A British couple, feeling “burnt out” due to a “poor work-life balance”, decided to relocate to Thailand and found themselves saving £1,000 a month on rent, with water bills amounting to a mere £2.76. Roshni Ward, 30, and her fiancé Louis Hunt, 33, began contemplating a move overseas after growing disillusioned with life in the UK.
They cited concerns about crime rates and dissatisfaction with the British weather as reasons for their decision. The pair, who previously shared a flat in Rye, East Sussex, were working 11-hour days and often doing overtime.
In search of a “slower pace of life”, they made the move to Chiang Mai, Thailand, in September.
The couple quickly fell for the relaxed lifestyle, friendly locals, warm 30C climate, and beautiful architecture. Their rent now stands at just £300, which includes access to a gym and pool, while water bills are only £2.76, taxis cost £1.50, and takeaways are £2.
This results in savings of over £1,000 a month compared to their previous rent of £1,350 in the UK, reports Wales Online.
Roshni, who is now a content creator, said: “We always wanted to move abroad and had toyed with the idea of it. The UK didn’t feel safe and a poor work-life balance meant we were too burnt out to enjoy life.
“Since moving, we love the slower pace of life, as well as the weather, the rich culture and the welcoming locals. And the cost of everything is so much lower, which was a shock to the system – in a good way! If we can help it, we won’t come back to the UK.”
After returning from a holiday in Thailand in December 2024, Roshni and Louis seriously started contemplating an international move. Roshni, who was working full-time as a corporate team leader in broadband sales, often found herself doing overtime on weekends, leaving her with little time to unwind.
Louis, a full-time carpenter, had gruelling 11-hour days, including commuting, which left him physically drained.
Roshni expressed: “There was a poor work-life balance. When we got to the weekend, we were so burnt out that we didn’t want to do anything.”
They also felt unsafe in the UK, particularly Roshni, due to the high crime rates. They recalled feeling much safer during their holiday in Thailand.
So, as soon as their tenancy ended at their rental house in Rye, they began searching for rental homes in Thailand and relocated to Chiang Mai on September 3.
Both Roshni and Louis quit their jobs in the UK, with Roshni transitioning into a full-time content creator and Louis becoming an online fitness coach. According to Roshni, the locals were incredibly welcoming, always ready to lend a hand when needed.
The city boasts a large community of international expats, providing ample opportunities to socialise and meet new people. The couple love exploring beautiful temples, elephant sanctuaries, Thai restaurants, and waterfalls.
Roshni stated: “There’s something for everyone in Chiang Mai.”
One of the most noticeable differences they’ve discovered compared to the UK is the significantly lower cost of living. As both are working remotely with international clients, they continue to earn UK salaries.
Their condominium, just a ten-minute drive from the city centre and boasting amenities like a gym, swimming pool and co-working space, costs a mere £300 per month in rent. This is a stark contrast to their previous flat in the UK which set them back £1,350 each month.
Their water bill in Thailand is a paltry £2.76, compared to a hefty £76 back in the UK, and a 20-minute taxi ride only sets them back £1.50.
Their electricity bills amount to just £44, a far cry from the staggering £300 they used to pay in the UK. Due to the affordability of taxis, the couple have forgone owning a car or bike, saving them additional expenses on petrol and maintenance.
They revealed that takeaways can cost as little as £1.50 to £2, and a full meal with drinks at a restaurant comes to around £8, a meal that would easily cost over £60 in the UK. She added that pints of beer are “no more than £2”.
The only item they’ve found to be pricier in Thailand than in the UK is Bisto gravy granules, costing around £5 due to import charges. Despite the significant savings, they say what they cherish most about Thailand is the relaxed lifestyle and rich culture.
Roshni explained: “In the mornings we can get lie-ins, go to the gym, have a swim and then start work. In the UK, everyone starts early and is asleep by 11pm, here, you could finish work at 10pm and everything is still open. Louis has some UK clients – he can have a business call at 11pm and we can still go out for a meal after.”
The couple adore the culture – exploring stunning temples, visiting elephant sanctuaries and going on tours – alongside the welcoming and friendly locals.
She added: “Anyone will stop and help you if you need it. In the UK, if someone foreign came up to you asking for help, most people wouldn’t stop.”
Despite only recently arriving in Thailand, they’re so smitten with their new life that returning to Britain seems unthinkable.
Roshni revealed: “We would like to stay permanently. We’d be more open to starting a family here than in the UK because it’s so much safer. We’ve just fallen in love.”
Costs: UK vs Thailand
Monthly rent: £1,350 vs £300
Monthly water bills: £76 vs £2.76
Monthly electric: £300 vs £44
Monthly transport: £95 for car costs vs £30 for taxis
Meal out: £60 vs £8
Pint of lager: £5.50 vs £2
Looking for more from MyLondon? Subscribe to our daily newsletters here for the latest and greatest updates from across London.
