In the UK, Sally Seaton had a stable job and savings, yet rent consumed most of her income. Each month, her savings dwindled due to rising living costs. At 28 years old, she remained unable to move out of her parents' home into her own apartment. "Renting and saving for a house deposit in the UK is nearly impossible on an average salary," Sally stated.

Despite her job, she could not cover all bills or live the life she desired. Sally began to feel she was merely existing, not truly living. She yearned for freedom and financial independence, realizing the UK could not provide either.

Sally working at her rented apartment in Bangkok, which costs 500 USD a month. *Photo: BI*

In 2024, Sally traveled across Thailand, drawn to its cuisine, pace of life, and living costs. Thailand remained a constant thought. Realizing she could no longer live comfortably in the UK, Sally decided on a new path: she quit her job, became a freelancer, and moved to Bangkok, the capital, a city she saw as "full of opportunities" with costs 50% lower than in her home country.

In Thailand, she could enjoy hot, fresh meals for 1 USD. Searching for rentals in Bangkok, Sally was surprised to find a modern one-bedroom apartment, complete with a gym and pool, for about 400 USD a month. In the UK, a similar apartment would cost three times as much, approximately 1,200 USD, consuming 30% of a salary.

In 6/2025, Sally bought a one-way ticket to Bangkok. The affordable lifestyle in this Southeast Asian country made her feel more comfortable and happier.

Currently, she undertakes writing projects to support herself. After 8 months in Thailand, Sally's client orders grew. Her income remains lower than in the UK, but she lives comfortably thanks to the cheaper cost of living. She now resides in her own apartment, costing 500 USD a month, and has access to a shared workspace within the building. Monthly electricity is 40 USD, and her water bill is 2 USD.

Luxuries in the UK are now part of Sally's daily life in Bangkok. She buys fresh fruit at local markets and hires a cleaner weekly for 6 USD an hour. She does not cook, opting instead to eat out daily without budgeting or considering skipping meals to save money. Low transportation costs contribute to Sally's satisfaction with life in Thailand; a train ride or bicycle rental costs from 1 USD.

Since moving to Thailand, she has embraced what Thais call "sabai sabai" — a relaxed, stress-free lifestyle.

"For the first time in years, I feel satisfied, financially free, and happy," she said.

By Anh Minh (via BI)