British couple moved across the globe to escape 'burnt out' life in the UK - and now only pay £300 for rent
A British couple who moved to Thailand after becoming 'burnt out' by life in the UK said they save £1k per month in rent, with water bills costing just over £2.
Roshni Ward and Louis Hunt began debating a move abroad after becoming fed up with the UK.
They said they felt unsafe due to growing crime rates and were tired of the British weather.
The couple, who previously lived in Rye, East Sussex, worked 11-hour days and sought a 'slower pace of life', leading them to move to Chiang Mai, Thailand, in September.
They both instantly fell in love with the chilled-out lifestyle, friendly locals, 30+ degree climate and beautiful architecture.
On top of that, their rent costs just £300, including a gym and pool, alongside £2.76 water bills, £1.50 taxis and £2 takeaways.
This saves them more than £1,000 a month compared to their £1,350 UK rent.
Roshni said: 'We always wanted to move abroad and had toyed with the idea of it.
Roshni Ward and Louis Hunt moved to Thailand after becoming 'burnt out' by life in the UK
The couple, who previously lived in Rye, East Sussex, worked 11-hour days and sought a 'slower pace of life', leading them to move to Chiang Mai, Thailand, in September
'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.'
Roshni and Louis, both in their 30s, began seriously discussing an international move after returning from a holiday in Thailand in December 2024.
Roshni said: '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 as a woman, due to rising crime levels, and remembered from their December holiday that they felt far safer in Thailand.
As soon as their tenancy on their rental house ran out, they began looking at rental homes in Thailand and moved to Chiang Mai on September 3.
The couple said they love visiting beautiful temples, elephant sanctuaries, Thai restaurants and waterfalls
One of the most striking differences to the UK they've found has been the low living costs
Roshni and Louis both left their UK jobs - with Roshni becoming a full-time content creator and Louis becoming an online fitness coach.
She said the locals are all extremely welcoming and everyone is willing to help you out if you're in need.
There is a large community of international expats, meaning lots of opportunities to meet new people and socialise.
And the couple love visiting beautiful temples, elephant sanctuaries, Thai restaurants and waterfalls.
One of the most striking differences to the UK they've found has been the low living costs.
As the couple are both working remote roles with international clients, they still receive UK wages.
Because taxis are so cheap, the pair don't even own a car or bike, saving them further money on fuel and repairs.
The only thing they've managed to find which is more expensive in Thailand than the UK is Bisto gravy granules, which cost around £5 due to being imported.
Despite the savings, they say what they love most about Thailand is the slower pace and incredible culture.
Roshni said: '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.'
Roshni and Louis began seriously discussing an international move after returning from a holiday in Thailand in December 2024
As the couple are both working remote roles with international clients, they still receive UK wages
They love the culture - being able to visit beautiful temples, elephant sanctuaries and tours - as well as the peaceful and kind locals.
Roshni said: '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.'
While they've only been in Thailand a short time, they love it so much that they can't imagine returning to the UK.
Roshni said: '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.'
