A family of five from West Yorkshire has made a life-altering decision, swapping the daily grind of the UK for a sun-drenched existence in Thailand, all while living on a remarkably tight daily budget.
Amelia Wray, 31, and Billy Evans, 37, from Wakefield, sold their five-bedroom dream home and moved to Southeast Asia with their three young children: Archie, four, Annie, two, and Albert, one. The catalyst for this dramatic change was a feeling of being trapped in what they describe as the "matrix of the 9 to 5," craving more quality time together as a family.
The Leap of Faith
In July 2025, the family embarked on a seven-week trial trip to Thailand to test the waters. They fell in love with the lifestyle and, upon their return, immediately put their house on the market. A swift sale to a cash buyer provided the financial springboard for their adventure.
Before departing from Heathrow Airport on 4 November 2025, they meticulously prepared by donating to local charities, selling items on Vinted, and placing some sentimental belongings into storage at a cost of £160 per month.
Amelia, a self-employed hairdresser, and Billy, who worked in telecommunications, were previously working a combined 108 hours every week. "We felt like we only got one day a week as a family on a Sunday – it was just not cutting it," Amelia explained.
A New Financial Reality
The family's financial outlook has transformed. In the UK, their monthly outgoings exceeded £2,500, or roughly £83 a day. This included a £200 weekly food shop, a £1,200 mortgage, and £600 in utilities.
In Thailand, their projected monthly spend is just £1,250, equating to a daily budget of £40. This covers accommodation costing between £550 and £650 including bills, and a generous £150-£200 per week for eating out nearly every meal. Recreation revolves around low-cost or free activities like beaches, waterfalls, and markets.
"We feel we can give them more of our time and be more present because it's more affordable to live a good life out here really," Amelia said, dispelling the notion that Thailand is only for a certain type of traveller. "It's so family oriented, the kids thrive here."
Embracing an Uncharted Future
Now fully acclimatised, the family is embracing their new nomadic lifestyle. They are currently in Bangkok and plan to explore Chiang Mai and the southern islands before moving on to other parts of Southeast Asia.
Their children will be home-educated by Amelia and Billy, with support from "pop up hubs" that provide educational activities. The parents are also using this opportunity for career reinvention; Amelia is retraining as a life coach online, and Billy plans to follow with his own project.
With "no definite plan" and a philosophy of "going with the flow," the family's next stop is Hua Hin, where they will celebrate Christmas and New Year. As Amelia puts it, "Of course it's a risk but it's also a risk if you stay in the same lane."
