We're ditching the UK for Thailand – we can't wait to leave this ‘miserable' life, all we do is work to pay bills

Scottish Sun

a day ago

Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
A UK FAMILY have set their sights on Thailand after growing tired of the British lifestyle.
The Smiths cited the rising cost of living, crime, and the school system as their main motivations for ditching life in the Midlands.
Sign up for Scottish Sun
newsletter
Sign up
2
TikTok user Dale Smith explained why his family are leaving the UK for a new life in Thailand
Credit: TikTok / @4go.traveling
Dale Smith told 1.9 million TikTok viewers about his family's upcoming move.
He explained that he found a variety of factors have made the UK "not a nice place to live any more".
The HGV driver and his wife Kim, 36, are moving with their children Noah, 10, and Molly, eight, in November.
They said they want to break away from their monotonous routine and start a new life abroad, embracing the "beautiful scenery" and "incredible food" Thailand has to offer.
"I feel like life is just flying by, you wake up on a Monday, you're fed up and you can't wait for the weekend – you're wishing the days away," Dale said.
He added that the cost of living is continuing to rise while the UK streets are now "a state".
Despite an increase in income following a change in work, Dale said all his extra money is "just going to bills".
He compared the never-ending cycle to "banging your head against a brick wall".
The couple's children are also excited for the move, eager to begin homeschooling life and leave the British school system.
Dale and Kim plan to focus on English and basic maths, as subjects their children enjoy such as history, video editing, and photography.
I fled the UK for sunny Dubai - life back home is miserable & no-one has any cash
The TikToker added that he hopes his children will "learn new languages and learn about new cultures".
He also pointed out that the "terrible" English weather is another push for the family to move abroad.
"England is just a miserable place and we're just tired," he told his audience.
The family plan to move across the globe with just "nothing but a bag of clothes" and use their savings to support them.
They are also in the process of selling their three-bedroom home, their 2015 Ford Focus, and most of their possessions.
How easy is it to move abroad?
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.
Dale added that he and Kim have been doing "loads" of research around visa applications, flights, and places they want to visit.
He revealed that the they will travel to Bangkok for one week before moving down the coast to Hua Hin.
The family will then stay at the scenic beachside district for a few months.
Dale has been posting the family's journey on TikTok and YouTube, under the handle @4go.traveling.
He described the upcoming new chapter as exciting but scary.
More on living abroad
Most expats surveyed claim living abroad is one of best decisions they've ever made.
And the five things one British expat misses the most about life at home.
Another family ditched the UK for Spain, and are loving the sun and relaxed culture.
One British couple described themselves as "burnt out zombies" before moving to Bali.
Another family left the UK for Cyprus and say they work half as much while still affording a home.