WITH the cost of living crisis and grey weather, many Brits are leaving the UK behind for sunnier – and cheaper – destinations.
One single mum, who has three kids under the age of seven, revealed why she has ditched Britain to live in a tropical paradise where they have a ‘better quality of life.’
TikTok user @thatworldtravelfamily wrote: “UK to Thailand… but why?”
She shared how five weeks ago her family left on a one-way ticket and she has already been affirmed that they made the “right choice.”
The first reason is that she didn’t love the UK schooling system for her children.
She explained: “Schooling in the UK is failing. For both neurodivergent children and non nd children in my opinion and experience with my kids.
“It’s really sad as I was taught in these schools but clearly 25yrs+ ago makes a huge impact.
“Thailand has so many more options for traditional schooling which seem child focused but also support home educating families too.”
The next reason was for “safety” and said that was one of the driving forces in her decision to leave.
The single mum added: “Feel safe to raise your child and walk down the street is something I never thought I’d have to think twice about in the UK but in Thailand I can be out at the markets or walking to 7-eleven at 9pm and it’s safe.”
The mum also said the food quality is better in Thailand and more affordable.
She shared: “I really started to feel like the food in the UK was altered and opted for organic but costs added up.
“Fruit and veg feels more fresher in Thailand and so widely available: the fruit stalls will always be one of our favourites, cheap and healthy snacks we can buy everyday.”
Having access to “wholesome food” that is affordable outside the house means she can cook less.
Now she enjoys £1.29 dinners that taste like “home cooked meals”.
The mum said kids have access to a huge amount of affordable activities, including cafes, farms, animal cafes, soft plays, arcades, and play parks – which is ideal given she has three kids to entertain.
Of course, the weather played a big part in her decision to leave too.
She shared: “You forget how much time is spent indoors in the UK and it’s exhausting, especially in these BER months and when you home educate.
“Our afternoon/evenings can now be by the pool or out and about rather than HAVING to be inside.”
Finally the cost has meant the mum feels she can “live and not just survive” for the rest of their lives.
She concluded: “Cost of living has become ridiculous. My rent alone in the UK is more than all my house bills combined in Thailand, and I know it’s different economies but the cost of breathing in the UK is crazy which in turn has of course meant crimes rates, theft increasing.”
People were quick to comment on her life, with one saying: “Don’t blame you at all. Well done for escaping the rigged system!”
Another added: “This is what I want to do.”
How easy is it to move abroad to the EU?
BREXIT means British citizens now have to apply for visas to move to countries within the EU. While some countries residency restrictions are easier than others, here’s what you need to do at home before moving:
- Notify HMRC about your upcoming move.
- Let your local authority know and provide a forwarding address.
- Contact your mortgage and utility providers and bank before leaving.
- If you have paid enough UK national insurance contributions, you can qualify for a state pension abroad – contact the International Pension Centre.
- You can sign up to the Royal Mail’s redirection service.
- If you have outstanding student loans, contact the Student Loans Centre.
- If you have children, give due notice to childcares and schools.
