Latest news with #LTR
Mercury
30-06-2025
- Business
- Mercury
ASX up on Wall Street highs; Tetratherix pops on debut
Don't miss out on the headlines from Stockhead. Followed categories will be added to My News. ASX lifts as Wall Street soars to new records Tetratherix jumps in biotech IPO debut Hardie, DroneShield rise; Execs exit LTR, Inghams The ASX opened Monday a touch stronger, up 0.3 % by lunchtime in the east as healthcare and bank stocks led the charge. On Friday, the S&P 500 and Nasdaq both clocked fresh record highs, with Nvidia edging ever closer to the US$4 trillion club. The big driver was the sense that Trump's tariff tantrum might not go nuclear. In an interview with Fox, Trump said he didn't reckon he'd need to extend the July 9 tariff deadline, implying that he believes countries are moving toward deals. That has calmed nerves and helped boost market appetite for a bit more risk. Asia picked up the vibe, too. This morning, the Nikkei jumped over 1.5%. Elsewhere, oil lost steam, with Brent dipping to below US$67 a barrel. Traders are bracing for another potential OPEC+ supply hike, the fourth in a row, with 411,000 barrels a day possibly hitting the market come Sunday's meeting. Over in the gold pits, the precious metal slipped again, on track for its first monthly fall this year. The easing Middle East fears have taken some shine off the haven play. Back on the ASX, Tetratherix (ASX:TTX) made its ASX debut this morning with a 15% pop in the first few minutes of trading. Backed by Xero founder Rod Drury, the biotech raised $25 million for its injectable "chewing gum', designed for tissue, bone and surgical work with FDA approval in its sights. It's the first biotech IPO since ReNerve (ASX:RNV) last November and a decent litmus test for investor appetite in the space. Source: Market Index In the large caps space, James Hardie (ASX:JHX) jumped 7% after Azek shareholders greenlit its $14 billion takeover, paving the way for Hardie to shift its primary listing to the NYSE. Liontown Resources (ASX:LTR) saw its CFO and COO both announce their departures, with successors lined up to take the reins in July and August. LTR shares fell 3.5%. And, Inghams (ASX:ING) officially waved goodbye to CEO Andrew Reeves on Friday, with Edward Alexander now steering the chook ship forward. Reeves will stick around until August to help with the handover. ASX SMALL CAP WINNERS Here are the best performing ASX small cap stocks for June 30 : Security Description Last % Volume MktCap TD1 Tali Digital Limited 0.002 100% 13,897,807 $4,095,156 WEL Winchester Energy 0.002 100% 165,600 $1,363,019 LSR Lodestar Minerals 0.009 50% 30,067,490 $1,910,543 ADD Adavale Resource Ltd 0.002 50% 8,325,802 $2,287,279 ADY Admiralty Resources. 0.006 50% 1,690,337 $10,517,918 EEL Enrg Elements Ltd 0.002 50% 854,101 $3,253,779 ALM Alma Metals Ltd 0.004 33% 387,947 $5,261,182 EMT Emetals Limited 0.004 33% 50,000 $2,550,000 FHS Freehill Mining Ltd. 0.004 33% 628,446 $10,241,561 GTR Gti Energy Ltd 0.004 33% 2,603,885 $8,996,849 LCL LCL Resources Ltd 0.008 33% 5,356,812 $7,195,543 M2R Miramar 0.004 33% 6,250,614 $2,990,470 MPR Mpower Group Limited 0.009 29% 4,162,897 $2,405,923 RPG Raptis Group Limited 0.066 27% 177,393 $18,235,612 RCM Rapid Critical 0.003 25% 500,000 $2,831,556 ROG Red Sky Energy. 0.005 25% 120,000 $21,688,909 VR1 Vection Technologies 0.036 24% 30,049,768 $51,255,235 GBZ GBM Rsources Ltd 0.016 23% 3,064,593 $18,406,194 LRK Lark Distilling Co. 0.840 23% 485,122 $72,333,777 PUA Peak Minerals Ltd 0.033 22% 42,337,208 $75,797,675 SDV Scidev Ltd 0.365 22% 112,163 $57,026,459 AS2 Askarimetalslimited 0.006 20% 3,057,649 $2,020,853 BNL Blue Star Helium Ltd 0.006 20% 187,807 $13,474,426 C7A Clara Resources 0.003 20% 513,147 $1,470,677 ICR Intelicare Holdings 0.006 20% 198,537 $2,430,941 Lodestar Minerals (ASX:LSR) is raising $2.2 million in a two-tranche placement. The raise includes loyalty options for existing shareholders and is backed by Oakley Capital, which also comes on board as lead manager. The first $475k is locked in, with the rest subject to shareholder approval. The cash will fund new drilling and fieldwork at its Darwin and Three Saints copper-gold projects in Chile and bankroll a hunt for more ground there. Adavale Resources (ASX:ADD) has locked in approval for a 10-hole, 2,200m RC drilling program at its London Victoria gold project in NSW, aiming to boost its current JORC resource of 107koz at 1.06g/t. It's the first proper drill campaign at the site in over 30 years, and it's targeting shallow mineralisation extensions and potential high-grade veins like those found at the nearby Koh-I-Nor mine. Drilling is set to kick off shortly. GTI Energy (ASX:GTR) has raised $4.5 million from a placement to back its next round of drilling at the Lo Herma uranium project. The raise was done at 0.0035 a share, a 16.7% premium to its last close, with strategic investor Snow Lake Energy leading the charge and set to take a 9.9% stake in GTI, plus a board seat if all goes through. The cash will go toward resource expansion, infill drilling, and fieldwork. ASX SMALL CAP LOSERS Here are the worst performing ASX small cap stocks for June 30 : Code Name Price % Change Volume Market Cap GMN Gold Mountain Ltd 0.001 -50% 1,560,215 $11,239,518 IS3 I Synergy Group Ltd 0.002 -50% 3,892,995 $2,002,920 VEN Vintage Energy 0.003 -40% 343,075 $10,434,568 L1M Lightning Minerals 0.040 -33% 1,076,495 $6,199,699 CCO The Calmer Co Int 0.002 -33% 142,635 $9,034,060 TKL Traka Resources 0.001 -33% 135,263 $3,188,685 TMK TMK Energy Limited 0.002 -33% 35,626,606 $30,667,149 FIN FIN Resources Ltd 0.003 -25% 557,800 $2,779,554 HLX Helix Resources 0.002 -25% 248,732 $6,728,387 SFG Seafarms Group Ltd 0.002 -25% 72,209 $9,673,198 SRN Surefire Rescs NL 0.002 -25% 190,144 $4,972,891 T3D 333D Limited 0.007 -22% 195 $1,585,651 SRL Sunrise 0.775 -22% 490,344 $109,125,223 UCM Uscom Limited 0.015 -21% 80,000 $4,759,063 AUK Aumake Limited 0.002 -20% 326,886 $7,558,397 PPG Pro-Pac Packaging 0.016 -20% 77,661 $3,633,754 SKK Stakk Limited 0.004 -20% 1,165,197 $10,375,398 SRJ SRJ Technologies 0.004 -20% 528,849 $3,027,890 EM2 Eagle Mountain 0.005 -17% 156,132 $6,810,224 MKL Mighty Kingdom Ltd 0.017 -15% 480,524 $10,326,928 OVT Ovanti Limited 0.006 -14% 21,838,756 $21,038,605 PLG Pearlgullironlimited 0.006 -14% 705,981 $1,431,793 SSH Sshgroupltd 0.120 -14% 30,823 $10,407,640 YAR Yari Minerals Ltd 0.013 -13% 2,283,074 $8,320,672 EQS Equitystorygroupltd 0.020 -13% 61,331 $3,836,869 IN CASE YOU MISSED IT Star Minerals (ASX:SMS) is attempting to grow its Tumblegum South project resource with the goal of bringing the project into production. Resolution Minerals (ASX:RML) has appointed Perpetua Resources veteran Austin Zinsser as its lead consulting geologist. Brightstar Resources (ASX:BTR) is shooting for gold with attractive DFS for Menzies and Laverton. LAST ORDERS Finder Energy (ASX:FDR) has opened a new office in Dili, Timor-Leste, to support operations at the KTJ project's Kuda Tasi and Jahal oil fields. Management says the office will be a strategic hub for planning, stakeholder engagement and day-to-day operations management as FDR pursues first oil at KTJ. West Wits Mining (ASX:WWI) has locked in a loan facility for US$50m to develop the Qala Shallows gold project in South Africa, covering 55% of project funding. The remaining capital expenditure will be supported by equity contributions and early operational revenue. At Stockhead, we tell it like it is. While Finder Energy and West Wits Mining are Stockhead advertisers, they did not sponsor this article. This article does not constitute financial product advice. You should consider obtaining independent advice before making any financial decisions. Originally published as Lunch Wrap: ASX up as Wall Street breaks records
Business Insider
23-05-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
The world's second biggest airport retail operator expands presence to 7th African country
Partnering with South African tourism company Tourvest, LTR aims to capitalize on Africa's growing airport travel market, building on its existing presence across West and East Africa. The company already operates in six African countries which includes Benin, Gambia, Gabon, Mauritania, Senegal and Tanzania. Forbes reports that the Paris-based Lagardère Travel Retail which operates a global network of 5,000 stores in more than 50 countries, generated $6.1 billion in sales last year for its media-to-retail parent, Lagardère Group. CEO Dag Rasmussen said in a statement, ' This collaboration i s fully aligned with our ambition to grow in the South African market and more broadly across the region, a strategic priority for us and an area full of promise.' 'It also reflects our DNA: forging strong partnerships with locally rooted players who understand and anticipate local expectations.' The strategic memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed with Tourvest will enable LTR to collaborate on retail, hospitality, and tourism development initiatives, starting in South Africa. The presence of South Africa's Deputy President Paul Mashatile added significant weight to the announcement. Africa's growing aviation retail market Africa's air travel retail sector is booming, driven by rising passenger traffic, airport expansions, and growing demand for duty-free and convenience shopping. As the continent's middle class expands and tourism flourishes, airports are becoming key destinations for retail brands. With the Africa and Middle East travel retail sector valued at over $3.5 billion, South Africa's market is estimated to be worth over $100 million, while African duty-free and travel retail sales are projected to reach $841 million in 2024 as per Forbes. Notably, Africa's airport shopping sector grew 7.6% last year, outpacing all other regions despite its challenges.
Herald Sun
21-05-2025
- Business
- Herald Sun
StockTake: LTR's new appointment rises to the occasion
Don't miss out on the headlines from Stockhead. Followed categories will be added to My News. LTR Pharma (ASX:LTP) appoints Associate Professor Darren Katz to its scientific advisory board to spearhead consultancy for Spontan, LTR's innovative nasal spray treatment for e rectile dysfunction. Katz is a prominent urologist and medical director of Men's Health Melbourne, and will advise on R&D along with clinical development activities for Spontan and Roxus, whilst engaging with key international opinion leaders to expanding LTR's prescriber networks. Watch the video to hear more. This video was developed in collaboration with LTR Pharma, a Stockhead advertiser at the time of publishing. This video does not constitute financial product advice. You should consider obtaining independent advice before making any financial. Originally published as StockTake: LTR's new appointment rises to the occasion Stockhead The appointment of industry trailblazer Ashok Parekh underscores the company's commitment to leveraging deep expertise as it advances its gold projects. Stockhead Waratah Minerals has mobilised a third drill rig to its Spur gold-copper project in NSW, fuelled by a recent placement.
Scottish Sun
24-04-2025
- Scottish Sun
I dumped stressful NHS job for new life in budget holiday paradise…rent is £150, a meal out is £2 & my garden is a beach
Gloomy weather, long hours and no money left at the end of each month… Beth felt completely overwhelmed before her huge move TROPIC WONDER I dumped stressful NHS job for new life in budget holiday paradise…rent is £150, a meal out is £2 & my garden is a beach Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) WALKING back from her daily shop Beth Maitland, 32, isn't worried about traffic jams, beeping horns or the cost-of-living crisis. She's more concerned about a local elephant trying to steal her bag of fruit. 16 Beth Maitland, 32, has no regrets about leaving the UK 16 Beth has been living in Thailand for the past twelve months 16 Thailand has become an increasingly popular destination for Brits looking to ditch our rainy weather Credit: Getty It's Beth's 'new normal' since fleeing Britain over twelve months ago to begin her new life in Thailand, where rent is a fifth of the price, a dinner out costs just two quid, her front garden is a beach and her backyard rice paddies overlooked by a mountain range. Thailand is routinely voted one of the top twelve destinations for Brit tourists where the pound goes a long way. It's estimated 55,000 Brits, from backpackers to retirees, have chosen to bail out of Britain, trading cold, gloomy weather for the tropical paradise and beaches known as the Land of Smiles. Relocations have soared by a staggering 255 per cent since 2018, driven by Thailand's Long-Term Residence or LTR visa which offers 10-year residency with tax exemption. Beth, a former NHS maternity support staffer moved from Plymouth, Devon to the island oasis of Koh Samui in southern Thailand in March last year. Talking exclusively to The Sun, Beth revealed: 'I rent a two-bedroom cottage in the jungle, there are rice fields on one side, jungle on the other and it's 15 minutes to the beach. From the roof I can check out the surf or plan a mountain hike in the other direction. "If I paid the price I was paying in the UK, which was £700 for a studio flat in Plymouth, I could get a four-bedroom house with five bathrooms, a pool and a garden on the island's outskirts with elephants as neighbours. 'The first month converting pounds to Thai currency - the Baht - was a nightmare and so was finding the perfect place to live. 'Now it's like I have lived here all my life. I am always shocked at how cheap food, accommodation and transport is compared to Britain. 'The cost of living is so cheap I eat out for lunch and dinner every day. I haven't had a ready meal since I moved here. Restaurant offers diners a bigger discount the SKINNIER they are 16 Beth can afford to eat out almost every night 16 Beth rents a cottage in the jungle with rice fields on one side and the beach just 15 mins away 'Everything except British food is cheaper. For the first time in a decade, I feel I have a positive future, can buy a home, and achieve my career goals." Millennial Beth grew up in Plymouth and loved surfing in the summer months when the weather was good enough. She spent the next seven years working twelve-hour shifts as a nursing home assistant in Exeter before spending six months backpacking in Australia and Asia. 'I felt inspired by the Asian culture but thought I'd never be able to work or move there. 'I came back home in December 2019 to miserable winter weather and started work as an NHS maternity support staffer." Brighter future When Covid hit, Beth says she found herself re-examining her life. 'Working during lockdown for the NHS was a privilege but it took its toll. I lost friends and patients." 16 The cost of living crisis made Beth question if her future would be in Britain 16 Beth and her friends slowly felt the goals they had in their twenties no longer felt achievable 16 After backpacking around Australia and Asia Beth returned to the UK in 2019 - and to miserable winter weather Credit: PA When the cost-of-living crisis hit Beth felt overwhelmed by work and a feeling her future wouldn't be the one she wanted if she stayed in Britain. 'After rent and bills were paid, I was saving no money at all. When I hit 30, I knew if I didn't act, I'd been in the same place with no savings when I hit 40. I couldn't let history repeat. 'The government wasn't offering young people like me hope. My friends could only buy a house if their parents helped. 'Other friends were marrying and having children admitting that they felt the goals they wanted for their twenties were no longer possible." It was when two of her close friends left to become digital nomads in Thailand and Bali in January 2024 Beth was inspired to act, realising she had a choice - commit to miserable weather, rising prices and a job in the NHS which wasn't offering career development, or take a gamble, pursue a new career and move to Asia herself. 'Many of my work colleagues were shocked," she says. "They couldn't comprehend moving overseas, let alone to Thailand. 'It was terrifying and exciting for me but having friends living and working there already kept me going." Beth isn't the only millennial making the life-changing decision to flee to a new country instead of settling down and concentrating on their career here. I sometimes think I have a career and life whiplash at the speed and dramatic change which occurred Beth The Currencies Direct's British Expat Report 2024 revealed nearly 40 per cent of Brits are considering moving overseas due to the cost of living while a fifth, like Beth, feel a fresh start in another culture would be beneficial for their wellbeing and mental health. And it's the young who are leading the great British brain drain, and more than a third of people under 24 are planning to leave Britain in the next five years. Dramatic change After a tip from a friend based in Thailand, Beth applied online as a full-time travel manager running group tours. Just two Zoom interviews later and she was offered the job and within two months was living and working in Thailand. Beth says even she was shocked by how quickly her life changed. 'I sometimes think I have a career and life whiplash at the speed and dramatic change which occurred." She explains: 'I used to work part-time at holiday camps during my teenage years. As a maternity support worker, I was good at helping people before, during and after labour with all ranges of problems. 16 Beth oversees organised tours for holidaymakers 16 Beth could afford a four bedroom house on the island's outskirts for the same price she'd pay for a studio flat in Plymouth Now two weeks of every month Beth travels with 30 holiday makers, overseeing their organised tour of Thailand's islands and regional areas. 'Imagine running a creche on wheels for people of all ages and from all different countries on their first overseas holiday. I love it," she says. 'There is never a dull moment. People want to know if we are there yet, where the meet up point is, what the Wi-Fi code is, if they need sunblock, can they borrow a charger and when we are stopping for food. Or the loo. 'I must be a mother, nurse and organiser. I tell people making kittens and squirrels walk in a straight line is often easier." Beth then gets two weeks off and either spends time at her rented cottage or using it as a base to travel to other Asian countries. She pays £150 a month rent for the two-bedroom countryside cottage which includes her water, electricity and air conditioning, as well as use of communal pool and gym. 'There are ten cottages and it's full of long-term Brits based here. My phone bill is £20 a month and I share it with a friend." Beth says she now rarely cooks because the price of food at local restaurants and roadside food carts is so cheap. My diet has improved dramatically. I haven't had a microwave meal since I moved here. It's fresh fruit and vegetables every day Beth 'I have fruit or cereal for breakfast. I eat lunch and dinner out. It costs £2 for lunch or £3 for dinner. I usually grab stir fry, curry, Thai soup or rice dishes as well as a dessert, usually a sorbet, fruit platter or ice-cream. 'My diet has improved dramatically. I haven't had a microwave meal since I moved here. It's fresh fruit and vegetables every day." Cheap living Grocery shopping isn't the weekly trek to the supermarket like it is in Britain. 'I go to the local markets and buy bags of fruit and fresh meat if I plan to cook, which isn't often. "A pint of milk costs the equivalent of 56p, a large loaf of white bread is around 90p, a dozen eggs are 90p, a half a kilo of red meat is £7, chicken is just £1.85 a kilo. Cheese is the most expensive item costing £7 to £8 for half a kilo." Beth admits she does miss her British staples and those that are available come at a price. 'HP sauce costs £6 a bottle, Heinz Baked Beans are an eye watering £4.50 while a Lindt chocolate bar sets you back a fiver," she says. 16 Beth can grab all her essential groceries for around the equivalent of a fiver 16 Thailand is ranked as the 114th most expensive country in the world, making it an attractive option for people like Beth 16 Beth was also impressed by the quality of healthcare in the country 'I usually grab bread, milk, some cheese and a huge bag of vegetables and fruit for a fiver. Fortunately, good quality tea bags only cost £1 for a box here." Beth says wine is expensive costing £12 to £15 a bottle but local beers cost £1-£1.20 for a half litre bottle and cocktails are between £2 and £3.50, depending on the spirits you choose. 'If you go to a five-star hotel you will pay more. "Gym membership is £22 a month and a trip to a foreign cinema is £5.60 if you are missing home. 'I had to hunt down a good cafe for a cappuccino and it costs £1.70 for a catch up with my mates. I was paying £5.60 for a posh coffee at Starbucks in the UK, I can't believe it." Beth says she doesn't need a car and uses the local car or bike service called 'Grab', which is similar to Uber, to book travel online. 'A bike, which means I am a pillion passenger, is 50p and a taxi is around 78p a mile. The standard of health care is better than Britain Beth 'When I first moved here, I refused to use the motorbike 'cab' - now it's second nature. "If you do own or rent a car it costs 96p a litre to fill up the tank. A new Toyota Corolla sedan costs on average £19k new." Beth says if you have children private preschool starts at £275 a month per child and the private international primary school begins at £4,500 a year. 'I was stunned by the brilliant quality of healthcare available here in Thailand. When there was no delay to see a dentist or doctor I was gobsmacked. 'The standard of health care is better than Britain." Beth recently paid £50 to see a dental hygienist and £150 for a tooth extraction and filling. Back home I'd either be forced to wait one or two years to get an NHS dentist or pay more than £500 plus for the dental work. Dinner splurges According to financial website Britain is ranked as the 11th most expensive country in the world while Thailand is the 114th most expensive. Beth told us: "The cost of living is a lot cheaper - from shopping, to petrol, accommodation to food. 16 Most of her clothes shopping is done at the local market 16 Marijuana legalisation has made Thailand even more popular among backpackers 16 Living in Thailand has helped Beth feel calmer and less stressed "If my friends and I went out for a splurge dinner, that costs us around a tenner for food and drinks all night plus the cab home." Beth usually buys her clothes at the local market but if she wants a retail hit H&M have stores in Thailand. 'If it gets hot, I peel off a layer. It can get cold during the equivalent of the winter months, and I pop on a sweater. 'It's the wet season that causes problems but you learn to keep umbrellas handy." According to Beth, Thailand is now extra popular on the backpacking must-visit list with marijuana being legalised. I feel calmer, more centred, and less stressed living here than I did in Britain Beth 'Holiday makers are often shocked that pot cafes exist and pot is legally sold here," she said. Many of my thirty-something friends are moving here because Thailand is well known for its amazing spiritual and mental health clinics and holidays. 'It's a very spiritual country. For people in their thirties moving here often means setting up wellbeing businesses or mediation and other fitness styled retreats. 'I feel calmer, more centred, and less stressed living here than I did in Britain," she said. 'Everyone is meditating or trying a new yoga or healthy living trend. 'It's a way many Brits not only embrace a new way of living, but a new career counselling or operating healing centres others move here to set up online businesses." The World's 50 Best Beaches The World's Best Beaches consulted more than 750 judges including travel journalists, influencers, and beach ambassadors to rank the beaches. Lucky Bay, Australia Source D'Argent, Seychelles Hidden, Philippines Whitehaven, Australia One Foot, Cook Islands Trunk, US Virgin Islands Honopu, Hawaii Reynisfjara Beach, Iceland Navagio Beach, Greece Balandra, Mexico Cala Goloritze, Italy Pipe Creek, Bahamas Pink, Indonesia Grace, Turks & Caicos Gardner, Ecuador Mcway, California Turquoise, Australia Le Morne, Mauritius Sancho, Brazil Seven Mile, Cayman Islands Lanikai, Hawaii Maya, Thailand Moro, Spain Kelingking, Indonesia Meads, Anguilla Flamenco, Puerto Rico Arena, Dominican Republic Little Hellfire, Australia Lazio, Seychelles Vaeroy, Norway Horseshoe, Bermuda Myrtos, Greece Hidden, Mexico Grand Anse, Grenada Xpu Ha, Mexico San Josef, Canada Matira, French Polynesia Capriccioli, Italy Pasjaca, Croatia Boulders, South Africa Salines, Martinique Champagne, Vanuatu Marinha, Portugal Balos, Greece Achmelvich, Scotland Kaputas, Turkey Radhangar, India Varadero, Cuba Piha, New Zealand Pink Sand, Bahamas Beth loves her new career path and says she is saving to buy a property on Koh Samui. 'You can spend £70k for a basic three-bedroom apartment with four bathrooms, a communal pool and a countryside view. 'When you consider that wouldn't get me a static caravan in Britain it's a brilliant option." Beth admits she misses her family and friends. 'I was homesick for the first six weeks. I try to come back to Britain once or twice a year. 'Once you make a few friends, join the various social media groups for expats and get yourself into a routine it becomes a new normal. 'I have hope again. I thought I would never feel this way. It turns out sun, surf and wrangling tourists is the perfect tonic.'
The Sun
24-04-2025
- The Sun
I dumped stressful NHS job for new life in budget holiday paradise…rent is £150, a meal out is £2 & my garden is a beach
WALKING back from her daily shop Beth Maitland, 32, isn't worried about traffic jams, beeping horns or the cost-of-living crisis. She's more concerned about a local elephant trying to steal her bag of fruit. 16 It's Beth's 'new normal' since fleeing Britain over twelve months ago to begin her new life in Thailand, where rent is a fifth of the price, a dinner out costs just two quid, her front garden is a beach and her backyard rice paddies overlooked by a mountain range. Thailand is routinely voted one of the top twelve destinations for Brit tourists where the pound goes a long way. It's estimated 55,000 Brits, from backpackers to retirees, have chosen to bail out of Britain, trading cold, gloomy weather for the tropical paradise and beaches known as the Land of Smiles. Relocations have soared by a staggering 255 per cent since 2018, driven by Thailand's Long-Term Residence or LTR visa which offers 10-year residency with tax exemption. Beth, a former NHS maternity support staffer moved from Plymouth, Devon to the island oasis of Koh Samui in southern Thailand in March last year. Talking exclusively to The Sun, Beth revealed: 'I rent a two-bedroom cottage in the jungle, there are rice fields on one side, jungle on the other and it's 15 minutes to the beach. From the roof I can check out the surf or plan a mountain hike in the other direction. "If I paid the price I was paying in the UK, which was £700 for a studio flat in Plymouth, I could get a four-bedroom house with five bathrooms, a pool and a garden on the island's outskirts with elephants as neighbours. 'The first month converting pounds to Thai currency - the Baht - was a nightmare and so was finding the perfect place to live. 'Now it's like I have lived here all my life. I am always shocked at how cheap food, accommodation and transport is compared to Britain. 'The cost of living is so cheap I eat out for lunch and dinner every day. I haven't had a ready meal since I moved here. Restaurant offers diners a bigger discount the SKINNIER they are 16 16 'Everything except British food is cheaper. For the first time in a decade, I feel I have a positive future, can buy a home, and achieve my career goals." Millennial Beth grew up in Plymouth and loved surfing in the summer months when the weather was good enough. She spent the next seven years working twelve-hour shifts as a nursing home assistant in Exeter before spending six months backpacking in Australia and Asia. 'I felt inspired by the Asian culture but thought I'd never be able to work or move there. 'I came back home in December 2019 to miserable winter weather and started work as an NHS maternity support staffer." Brighter future When Covid hit, Beth says she found herself re-examining her life. 'Working during lockdown for the NHS was a privilege but it took its toll. I lost friends and patients." 16 16 16 When the cost-of-living crisis hit Beth felt overwhelmed by work and a feeling her future wouldn't be the one she wanted if she stayed in Britain. 'After rent and bills were paid, I was saving no money at all. When I hit 30, I knew if I didn't act, I'd been in the same place with no savings when I hit 40. I couldn't let history repeat. 'The government wasn't offering young people like me hope. My friends could only buy a house if their parents helped. 'Other friends were marrying and having children admitting that they felt the goals they wanted for their twenties were no longer possible." It was when two of her close friends left to become digital nomads in Thailand and Bali in January 2024 Beth was inspired to act, realising she had a choice - commit to miserable weather, rising prices and a job in the NHS which wasn't offering career development, or take a gamble, pursue a new career and move to Asia herself. 'Many of my work colleagues were shocked," she says. "They couldn't comprehend moving overseas, let alone to Thailand. 'It was terrifying and exciting for me but having friends living and working there already kept me going." Beth isn't the only millennial making the life-changing decision to flee to a new country instead of settling down and concentrating on their career here. I sometimes think I have a career and life whiplash at the speed and dramatic change which occurred Beth The Currencies Direct's British Expat Report 2024 revealed nearly 40 per cent of Brits are considering moving overseas due to the cost of living while a fifth, like Beth, feel a fresh start in another culture would be beneficial for their wellbeing and mental health. And it's the young who are leading the great British brain drain, and more than a third of people under 24 are planning to leave Britain in the next five years. Dramatic change After a tip from a friend based in Thailand, Beth applied online as a full-time travel manager running group tours. Just two Zoom interviews later and she was offered the job and within two months was living and working in Thailand. Beth says even she was shocked by how quickly her life changed. 'I sometimes think I have a career and life whiplash at the speed and dramatic change which occurred." She explains: 'I used to work part-time at holiday camps during my teenage years. As a maternity support worker, I was good at helping people before, during and after labour with all ranges of problems. 16 16 Now two weeks of every month Beth travels with 30 holiday makers, overseeing their organised tour of Thailand's islands and regional areas. 'Imagine running a creche on wheels for people of all ages and from all different countries on their first overseas holiday. I love it," she says. 'There is never a dull moment. People want to know if we are there yet, where the meet up point is, what the Wi-Fi code is, if they need sunblock, can they borrow a charger and when we are stopping for food. Or the loo. 'I must be a mother, nurse and organiser. I tell people making kittens and squirrels walk in a straight line is often easier." Beth then gets two weeks off and either spends time at her rented cottage or using it as a base to travel to other Asian countries. She pays £150 a month rent for the two-bedroom countryside cottage which includes her water, electricity and air conditioning, as well as use of communal pool and gym. 'There are ten cottages and it's full of long-term Brits based here. My phone bill is £20 a month and I share it with a friend." Beth says she now rarely cooks because the price of food at local restaurants and roadside food carts is so cheap. My diet has improved dramatically. I haven't had a microwave meal since I moved here. It's fresh fruit and vegetables every day Beth 'I have fruit or cereal for breakfast. I eat lunch and dinner out. It costs £2 for lunch or £3 for dinner. I usually grab stir fry, curry, Thai soup or rice dishes as well as a dessert, usually a sorbet, fruit platter or ice-cream. ' My diet has improved dramatically. I haven't had a microwave meal since I moved here. It's fresh fruit and vegetables every day." Cheap living Grocery shopping isn't the weekly trek to the supermarket like it is in Britain. 'I go to the local markets and buy bags of fruit and fresh meat if I plan to cook, which isn't often. "A pint of milk costs the equivalent of 56p, a large loaf of white bread is around 90p, a dozen eggs are 90p, a half a kilo of red meat is £7, chicken is just £1.85 a kilo. Cheese is the most expensive item costing £7 to £8 for half a kilo." Beth admits she does miss her British staples and those that are available come at a price. 'HP sauce costs £6 a bottle, Heinz Baked Beans are an eye watering £4.50 while a Lindt chocolate bar sets you back a fiver," she says. 16 16 16 'I usually grab bread, milk, some cheese and a huge bag of vegetables and fruit for a fiver. Fortunately, good quality tea bags only cost £1 for a box here." Beth says wine is expensive costing £12 to £15 a bottle but local beers cost £1-£1.20 for a half litre bottle and cocktails are between £2 and £3.50, depending on the spirits you choose. 'If you go to a five-star hotel you will pay more. "Gym membership is £22 a month and a trip to a foreign cinema is £5.60 if you are missing home. 'I had to hunt down a good cafe for a cappuccino and it costs £1.70 for a catch up with my mates. I was paying £5.60 for a posh coffee at Starbucks in the UK, I can't believe it." Beth says she doesn't need a car and uses the local car or bike service called 'Grab', which is similar to Uber, to book travel online. 'A bike, which means I am a pillion passenger, is 50p and a taxi is around 78p a mile. 'When I first moved here, I refused to use the motorbike 'cab' - now it's second nature. "If you do own or rent a car it costs 96p a litre to fill up the tank. A new Toyota Corolla sedan costs on average £19k new." Beth says if you have children private preschool starts at £275 a month per child and the private international primary school begins at £4,500 a year. 'I was stunned by the brilliant quality of healthcare available here in Thailand. When there was no delay to see a dentist or doctor I was gobsmacked. 'The standard of health care is better than Britain." Beth recently paid £50 to see a dental hygienist and £150 for a tooth extraction and filling. Back home I'd either be forced to wait one or two years to get an NHS dentist or pay more than £500 plus for the dental work. Dinner splurges According to financial website Britain is ranked as the 11th most expensive country in the world while Thailand is the 114th most expensive. Beth told us: "The cost of living is a lot cheaper - from shopping, to petrol, accommodation to food. 16 16 16 "If my friends and I went out for a splurge dinner, that costs us around a tenner for food and drinks all night plus the cab home." Beth usually buys her clothes at the local market but if she wants a retail hit H&M have stores in Thailand. 'If it gets hot, I peel off a layer. It can get cold during the equivalent of the winter months, and I pop on a sweater. 'It's the wet season that causes problems but you learn to keep umbrellas handy." According to Beth, Thailand is now extra popular on the backpacking must-visit list with marijuana being legalised. 'Holiday makers are often shocked that pot cafes exist and pot is legally sold here," she said. Many of my thirty-something friends are moving here because Thailand is well known for its amazing spiritual and mental health clinics and holidays. 'It's a very spiritual country. For people in their thirties moving here often means setting up wellbeing businesses or mediation and other fitness styled retreats. 'I feel calmer, more centred, and less stressed living here than I did in Britain," she said. 'Everyone is meditating or trying a new yoga or healthy living trend. 'It's a way many Brits not only embrace a new way of living, but a new career counselling or operating healing centres others move here to set up online businesses." The World's 50 Best Beaches The World's Best Beaches consulted more than 750 judges including travel journalists, influencers, and beach ambassadors to rank the beaches. Lucky Bay, Australia Source D'Argent, Seychelles Hidden, Philippines Whitehaven, Australia One Foot, Cook Islands Trunk, US Virgin Islands Honopu, Hawaii Reynisfjara Beach, Iceland Navagio Beach, Greece Balandra, Mexico Cala Goloritze, Italy Pipe Creek, Bahamas Pink, Indonesia Grace, Turks & Caicos Gardner, Ecuador Mcway, California Turquoise, Australia Le Morne, Mauritius Sancho, Brazil Seven Mile, Cayman Islands Lanikai, Hawaii Maya, Thailand Moro, Spain Kelingking, Indonesia Meads, Anguilla Flamenco, Puerto Rico Arena, Dominican Republic Little Hellfire, Australia Lazio, Seychelles Vaeroy, Norway Horseshoe, Bermuda Myrtos, Greece Hidden, Mexico Grand Anse, Grenada Xpu Ha, Mexico San Josef, Canada Matira, French Polynesia Capriccioli, Italy Pasjaca, Croatia Boulders, South Africa Salines, Martinique Champagne, Vanuatu Marinha, Portugal Balos, Greece Achmelvich, Scotland Kaputas, Turkey Radhangar, India Varadero, Cuba Piha, New Zealand Pink Sand, Bahamas Beth loves her new career path and says she is saving to buy a property on Koh Samui. 'You can spend £70k for a basic three-bedroom apartment with four bathrooms, a communal pool and a countryside view. 'When you consider that wouldn't get me a static caravan in Britain it's a brilliant option." Beth admits she misses her family and friends. 'I was homesick for the first six weeks. I try to come back to Britain once or twice a year. 'Once you make a few friends, join the various social media groups for expats and get yourself into a routine it becomes a new normal. 'I have hope again. I thought I would never feel this way. It turns out sun, surf and wrangling tourists is the perfect tonic.'
