A family from West Yorkshire who felt "trapped in the matrix of the 9 to 5" has radically transformed their lives by selling their property and relocating to Southeast Asia, where they now live comfortably on just £40 per day.
The Breaking Point
Parents Amelia Wray, 31, and Billy Evans, 37, reached a pivotal moment earlier this year. Despite owning their five-bedroom "dream" home, they realised their demanding work schedules—totalling 108 hours per week between them—left precious little time with their young children: Archie, four, Annie, two, and Albert, one.
"We felt like we only got one day a week as a family on a Sunday – it was just not cutting it," Amelia explained. This realisation sparked their decision to seek a different lifestyle, one that prioritised family time and experiences over conventional success.
The Trial Run and Big Decision
In July 2025, the family embarked on a seven-week trial in Thailand to test the waters. They completely fell in love with the lifestyle and culture, confirming their desire for a permanent change.
Upon their return to the UK, they made the monumental decision to sell their Wakefield home. The sale proceeded rapidly thanks to a cash buyer, providing the capital needed to fund their new adventure. After donating to local charities, selling items on Vinted, and placing sentimental belongings in storage for £160 monthly, the family was ready to depart.
On 4th November 2025, they left Heathrow Airport with just two backpacks and two suitcases, embarking on their new life.
A New Financial Reality
The financial contrast between their old and new lives is stark. In the UK, their monthly expenditure exceeded £2,500, with a £1,200 mortgage, £200 weekly food shop, and £600 in bills.
In Thailand, their monthly costs have halved to approximately £1,250. This includes £550-£650 for accommodation with bills and a generous £150-£200 weekly budget for eating out nearly every meal.
"It's all so affordable," Amelia said. "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."
The family enjoys low-cost recreational activities like visiting beaches, waterfalls, markets, and temples, maintaining their £40 daily budget.
Embracing the Unknown
Now comfortably settled in Asia, the family is acquiring new skills online while travelling. Amelia is retraining as a life coach, while Billy prepares for his next venture.
Their children will be primarily homeschooled, with educational support from "pop-up hubs" offering activities while abroad.
The family's first stop is Bangkok, with plans to explore Chiang Mai and southern islands before moving to other Southeast Asian destinations. They plan to spend Christmas and New Year in Hua Hin, adopting a "go with the flow" approach with no definite long-term plan.
While reactions from friends and family were mixed, with some questioning their decision to sell the house, most have been supportive of their bold lifestyle change.
"Of course it's a risk," Amelia acknowledged, "but it's also a risk if you stay in the same lane."
