Jasmine Scarr, a 34-year-old former HR worker from Darlington, England, has relocated with her family to a beachside villa on the island of Koh Chang in Thailand, embracing a markedly different lifestyle at a fraction of the cost of their previous life in the UK. Alongside her husband Ross, 38, who works in the mining industry, and their three children—Jayden, seven; Jenson, six; and Mali, two—the family now lives in a four-bedroom villa with a private pool for approximately £670 per month, including bills.
The decision to move was driven by a long-held aspiration to live in Thailand, initially sparked by Jasmine’s teenage travels in Asia. Despite purchasing what they considered a “forever home” in County Durham in late 2023, the couple recognized the opportunity for a better life following a family holiday in Thailand in May 2023. They sold their UK house for £356,000, sold most possessions, and obtained Digital Nomad Visas for the family at a cost of £1,500 before making the move.
Their new home is situated within a resort directly on the beach and includes amenities such as a children’s play area and access to local outdoor activities. The family has integrated into the local community, with their sons attending a Thai village school part-time to improve their language skills, while their youngest daughter attends a nursery nearby. Jasmine also homeschools the children using educational materials aligned with the UK National Curriculum. The time difference allows Jasmine to continue working remotely, supported by employers who accommodated the family’s relocation.
Daily life in Thailand offers the family affordable living, with meals costing around £3 and local beers priced at £2. The family typically eats out for lunch and dinner at local establishments, sampling Thai cuisine and spending less than £12 for all five members. Jasmine notes the cost of personal care services is also significantly lower; for example, a manicure and pedicure combined cost £14, while haircuts with blow-dries are around £5.
Despite leaving behind the UK, the family has not sacrificed quality of life. Jasmine describes Koh Chang as a large island with a strong sense of community and access to outdoor activities such as hiking and beachside living. The children actively participate in local sports and social opportunities. Weekly video calls help maintain connections with relatives in the UK, although the family acknowledges the emotional challenge of distance.
The family’s move reflects a broader trend, as an estimated 50,000 UK nationals now reside in Thailand long-term—a number that has increased by 255 percent since 2018, supported by changes in visa policies and the rise of remote working.
Looking ahead, Jasmine plans to extend their stay beyond the initial five-year visa through renewals and hopes to explore local business opportunities. The family also intends to travel more extensively within the region, eyeing destinations such as Disneyland Tokyo for upcoming holidays. For them, the relocation has offered a lifestyle of greater freedom, outdoor living, and cultural immersion, which they say has transformed their family life and made Thailand feel like home.