We're ditching the UK for Thailand – we can't wait to leave this ‘miserable' life, all we do is work to pay bills
MAJOR MOVE We're ditching the UK for Thailand – we can't wait to leave this 'miserable' life, all we do is work to pay bills
A UK FAMILY have set their sights on Thailand after growing tired of the British lifestyle.
The Smiths cited the rising cost of living, crime, and the school system as their main motivations for ditching life in the Midlands.
Advertisement
2
TikTok user Dale Smith explained why his family are leaving the UK for a new life in Thailand
Credit: TikTok / @4go.traveling
Dale Smith told 1.9 million TikTok viewers about his family's upcoming move.
He explained that he found a variety of factors have made the UK "not a nice place to live any more".
The HGV driver and his wife Kim, 36, are moving with their children Noah, 10, and Molly, eight, in November.
They said they want to break away from their monotonous routine and start a new life abroad, embracing the "beautiful scenery" and "incredible food" Thailand has to offer.
Advertisement
Read More On Living Abroad
SEA YA I quit UK for 'Europe's Maldives'…childcare's free & bills are less than a KFC meal
"I feel like life is just flying by, you wake up on a Monday, you're fed up and you can't wait for the weekend – you're wishing the days away," Dale said.
He added that the cost of living is continuing to rise while the UK streets are now "a state".
Despite an increase in income following a change in work, Dale said all his extra money is "just going to bills".
He compared the never-ending cycle to "banging your head against a brick wall".
Advertisement
The couple's children are also excited for the move, eager to begin homeschooling life and leave the British school system.
Dale and Kim plan to focus on English and basic maths, as subjects their children enjoy such as history, video editing, and photography.
I fled the UK for sunny Dubai - life back home is miserable & no-one has any cash
The TikToker added that he hopes his children will "learn new languages and learn about new cultures".
He also pointed out that the "terrible" English weather is another push for the family to move abroad.
Advertisement
"England is just a miserable place and we're just tired," he told his audience.
The family plan to move across the globe with just "nothing but a bag of clothes" and use their savings to support them.
They are also in the process of selling their three-bedroom home, their 2015 Ford Focus, and most of their possessions.
How easy is it to move abroad?
Brexit means British citizens now have to apply for visas to move to countries within the EU. While some countries residency restrictions are easier than others, here's what you need to do at home before moving: Notify HMRC about your upcoming move.
Let your local authority know and provide a forwarding address.
Contact your mortgage and utility providers and bank before leaving.
If you have paid enough UK national insurance contributions, you can qualify for a state pension abroad - contact the International Pension Centre.
You can sign up to the Royal Mail's redirection service.
If you have outstanding student loans, contact the Student Loans Centre.
If you have children, give due notice to childcares and schools.
Dale added that he and Kim have been doing "loads" of research around visa applications, flights, and places they want to visit.
Advertisement
He revealed that the they will travel to Bangkok for one week before moving down the coast to Hua Hin.
The family will then stay at the scenic beachside district for a few months.
Dale has been posting the family's journey on TikTok and YouTube, under the handle @4go.traveling.
He described the upcoming new chapter as exciting but scary.
Advertisement
More on living abroad
Most expats surveyed claim living abroad is one of best decisions they've ever made.
And the five things one British expat misses the most about life at home.
Another family ditched the UK for Spain, and are loving the sun and relaxed culture.
One British couple described themselves as "burnt out zombies" before moving to Bali.
Advertisement
Another family left the UK for Cyprus and say they work half as much while still affording a home.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Extra.ie
an hour ago
- Extra.ie
'Can you eat it?' -- Liam Neeson discovers Labubus
Liam Neeson reacting to 'Labubus' and 'Lafufus' was not something many people would have predicted earlier this year, but here we are. The Irish actor has been doing the rounds promoting 'The Naked Gun' reboot he stars alongside Pamela Anderson. While appearing on 'INTERROBAIT' for Metro Entertainment, Liam was 'interrogated' on his co-star, the movie itself, his previous films and naturally – Labubus. Labubus took TikTok by storm this year. Pic: Ying Tang/NurPhoto/REX/Shutterstock For those out of the loop, Labubus are collectable furry companions that are likely spotted dangling from keychains and bags. Created by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung, Labubu is just one character in The Monster series, a collection of blind-box toys sold by Chinese toy company PopMart. However, this year TikTok discovered the 'ugly cute' little monsters, and they took off on a global scale. Host Zac Haniff presented the Naked Gun star with an image of a Labubu and asked him if he knew what it was. Liam replied: 'Haven't a clue. Seriously, I don't know.' Zac stated that it was a Labubu, and the actor remained baffled. Liam guessed: 'It's a fluffy doll or can you eat it?' The host explained that the creator of Labubus is now a billionaire due to the worldwide hoarding of the little monsters and that they nearly got banned in the UK due to people fighting over them. Pamela Anderson as Beth and Liam Neeson as Frank in The Naked Gun. Pic: Paramount Pictures When Zac revealed that he owns a pink one, Liam remarked: 'Doesn't surprise me. Never heard of them, no.' The host then revealed another page with a picture of a 'Lafufu'. The 73-year-old actor guessed that it could be 'an early drawing of E.T.' and Zac explained that it is a Labubu without any hair. Liam added: 'And without the genitals.' Social media users have thoroughly enjoyed watching the Taken star attempt to understand what the viral characters are#. One user commented: 'I can't believe you made Liam Neeson look at a lafufu.' Liam Neeson reacts to being shown a Labubu for the first time: 'Okay…it's a fluffy doll or can you eat it?'
The Irish Sun
2 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
I tried the viral ‘53 method' to banish my ‘chins' without going under the knife and the results were astonishing
Writer Sarah Morton, a mum of two, is fed up with her double chin. Can a viral Tiktok hack get rid of it? JAW & ORDER I tried the viral '53 method' to banish my 'chins' without going under the knife and the results were astonishing SITTING in a crowded pub with a group of my journalism colleagues, I could feel my eyes starting to well up. 'Did you hear me?' a booming voice demanded. 'I said, take it on the chins.' Advertisement 6 Before applying the hack - Sarah confesses she is self-conscious over her chin and jowls Credit: Lorna Roach 6 Journalist Sarah Morton, applying the '53' make-up hack that TikTokkers claim will sculpt her jaw - without surgery Credit: Lorna Roach 6 Sarah is impressed - clever contouring gives the illusion of a facelift, making jowls fade and cheekbones pop like a real-life filter Credit: Lorna Roach A sozzled male colleague of mine who I barely knew had made a joke about my biggest insecurity in front of a group of ten people. I instinctively raised my hand to my jaw to cover my jowls. I felt embarrassed and annoyed that tears started to fall, but I couldn't stop them. I'd been ridiculed for the thing I hated most about my appearance. Fast forward several years and I've never forgotten that comment. Advertisement I'm now a 42-year-old mum, with a toddler and a new born and arguably, bigger things to worry about. But, despite many fad diets such as the 'no sugar' diet and the 5:2, personal trainers and expensive gym classes that have seen me slim down to a size 8 at my smallest, those 'chins' have remained - as have my deep insecurities. So, imagine my delight when I heard about the '53' method, a supposedly easy way to get a snatched jawline, using nothing but makeup. It's already gone viral on TikTok, with almost 30m videos uploaded to the site with the hashtag #53method featuring people trying it out and offering tips on how to do it. Advertisement In theory it seems easy enough - in order to 'sculpt' the face, you apply concealer in the shape of a '5' to each cheek, and contour in the shape of a '3' next to it. Blend, pout and enjoy a chiselled jawline. Sounds simple, but full disclosure: I've never, ever contoured before. Hailey Bieber contours her cheekbones with a 'bronzing wand' that is also a self-tanner - get her sculpted glow for $28 Up until about three years ago I didn't even use a brush to apply my foundation, I'd slather it onto my face with my fingers before puffing some loose powder on top and hoping for the best. It was only when Instagram started sneaking makeup tips into my feed that I was finally 'influenced' into buying a brush. Advertisement Clearly my algorithm was trying to tell me something. And now, as I continue to age like a corked wine, social media is at it again. With statistics indicating that 56 per cent of women with a double chin would contemplate surgery, and a whopping 36 per cent of people would avoid being photographed because of it, it seems like as good a time as any to log into TikTok and learn the art of contouring. It's long overdue. For years I'd be terrified of someone snapping a candid photo when I wasn't looking, as I would never look nice unless I was front facing, chin tilted to a perfect angle. Advertisement Frankly, it's exhausting. I thought about a thread lift, an invasive surgical method that would involve using threads to pull back the skin and create a mini face lift, but figured I'd prioritise having kids before I did anything too drastic. I even contemplated Kim Kardashian's recently launched SKIMS 'shapewear for the face' - a mask that retails at £52 and promises you a 'sculpted jawline'. However, I was slightly put off when Dr Rosh, a respected aesthetics practitioner, called the product 'an utter load of rubbish', which would have 'zero benefit.' Advertisement Since having my children, Sophie, three, and Marnie, four months, I've been surviving on Diet Coke and air as I juggle night feeds and toddler classes with my job as a writer. I don't think the fizz has helped my face. It means the spare 'gullet' beneath my pointy chin is hanging lower and seems saggier than ever. 6 Sarah used to be terrified of someone snapping a candid photo when she wasn't looking and couldn't tilt her chin to the perfect angle Credit: Supplied Without ditching my fave drink, how on earth could a simple makeup hack change that? Was the 53 method the answer to my prayers? Or was it really too good to be true? Advertisement The main draw of the method is its simplicity. I've watched various contouring videos and aside from the fact it appears to use up a hell of a lot of product, at no doubt huge expense, the whole operation looks complicated and time consuming. Some videos show the entire process done and dusted in under a minute. Which, as someone who likes to be ready in five, is very appealing. I give it a go using two products: Mac's full coverage foundation and Anastasia Beverly Hills contour palette. Top beauty trends for 2025 Hayley Walker, Beauty Expert at Justmylook spoke exclusively to Fabulous about the big beauty trends for 2025. Haircare Hair gloss treatments are a must-have as beauty enthusiasts love the salon-quality shine and enhanced colour delivered by the trending treatment. Hair glosses are multifunctional, as they nourish the hair while offering a vibrant, healthy-looking finish, combining 2025's core trends. This treatment is perfect for those seeking an affordable, at-home glow-up. 2025 will focus on skin repairing and texture-enhancing treatments. Skincare Rejuran treatment, a celebrity-endorsed procedure, will see a rise in demand this year as many seek to enhance their skin's appearance. The procedure entails injecting polynucleotides derived from salmon DNA to enhance skin texture and elasticity. 'Rejuvenation is expected to dominate 2025 skincare trends as many seek to achieve a flawless, youthful complexion. Skincare will also include back-to-basic products for a simplified routine. Ginseng cleansing oil and panthenol cream are among the trending products for 2025. The cleansing oil is excellent for dissolving make-up and impurities without clogging pores and is enriched with nourishing properties to leave the skin feeling and looking refreshed and radiant. Make-up Make-up trends will follow suit to achieve youthful and radiant looks. Under-eye brighteners will be sought-after products for delivering coverage while enhancing natural radiance. This beauty tool will complement natural beauty while improving and brightening dull skin. Make-up looks will be bigger and bolder in 2025 with cluster lashes expected to surge this year. These lashes bring the glam to glamorous looks as they deliver dramatic volume to enhance everyday or special occasion looks. Peel-off lip stains circulated the beauty industry in 2024 and are expected to dominate in 2025. The growing popularity of this product is due to its ability to provide long-lasting, transfer-proof colour to lips, enhancing a natural aesthetic. Additionally, cherry-coded aesthetics are expected to be everywhere this year as the deep, rich hue can be achieved using peel-off lip stains or bold lip looks for a dramatic effect. Nails 2025 will be another year of countless, show-stopping nail trends. Goddess Nails and Aura Nails deserve an honourable mention as these designs channel an ethereal, celestial aesthetic for bold, self-expressing nails. I've now watched many 53 videos for research, to try and perfect the technique but on my first try with actual makeup I find it quite difficult. I have to keep practicing the shape with a clean brush and then I have to ensure I use enough product. It turns out you need a fair bit of it to make it work. Luckily, I have makeup artist Lisa Sloneem on hand to help me and with some gentle guidance from her, I'm finally done. My face feels heavy and I worry that in daylight I'm going to look like a clown. I'm not used to wearing so much product. But that's beside the point, I want to see if this really will give me the 'snatched' jawline it promised. Advertisement And the answer is… it really does. There's no doubt that when done right, the 53 method can give you the illusion of a firmer jaw. The trusty jowls are still there, but I must confess they aren't as noticeable. The colour on my cheekbones seems to make my whole face more angular, the contouring has worked as a mini facelift, it makes it look like everything is pulled up towards my eyes. It's incredibly clever. I look like I've been airbrushed. 6 First up, it's Mac's full coverage foundation Credit: MAC Cosmetics 6 And Anastasia Beverly Hills contour palette Credit: Boots Advertisement That said, I'm not sure I'd be inclined to do this daily. Yes, once you get the hang of it it's not that difficult to master. But you use a lot of product and it takes a lot longer than the speedily edited TikTok vids would have you believe. Lisa agrees. 'It's not as straightforward as you'd think, it takes a lot more blending and a lot more time,' she says. 'In terms of the positioning of the 5 and the 3, it's a good hack. The numbers highlight the face in the perfect way to lift the face, so it's great for beginners but you need to take time to blend properly.' I get home to show my partner Jamie, who seems fascinated by the artistry. 'Your face is a different colour,' he muses, helpfully. However, he doesn't mention my chins – or lack of - which was my main aim for trying this. Advertisement As one of three people, along with our daughters, who look at my face the most, he is used to me, and it's clear that the method hasn't made a big enough difference for him to comment. Maybe if there was a big night out or a family photoshoot or something similar, I'd dig out the foundation and contour again. But as a regular solution for the jowls, it's not worth the effort to do daily. I'd better start saving for that thread lift.
The Irish Sun
2 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
I asked my girlfriend to send nude pics to my male pal – but now I fear I've pushed her into his arms
I feel sick, and so angry with myself - I'm sure they're heading for an affair, and don't know what to do DEAR DEIDRE I asked my girlfriend to send nude pics to my male pal – but now I fear I've pushed her into his arms DEAR DEIDRE: I ENCOURAGED my girlfriend to send nude pics to my male pal and it has turned out to be a foolish mistake. Now I fear I've pushed her into his arms and I'm scared I'm going to lose her. My partner has an awesome body which she loves to show off — and I can't get enough of it. She has an hourglass figure with long legs and a tiny waist like Jessica Rabbit. Knowing how much her body turns me on, she sometimes sends me naked snaps when we're not together to get me in the mood for sex when I come home, or just to tease and entertain me. We've been in a relationship for eight years and are in our mid-thirties. Recently, I told her it didn't seem fair that only I was able to appreciate her incredible figure. I said it was a shame nobody else could see the photos she sent me, and would she mind if I shared them with my friend? She wasn't sure at first but, with a little persuasion, she agreed. I gave her my pal's number and told her to send pics to him directly. He told me he was impressed. A few days ago, I then caught her giggling over her phone. When I asked what was funny, she blushed, and said my friend had sent her some pics of his own. They were of his penis. I felt insanely jealous — he's very well endowed, far bigger than me. Spotting the signs your partner is cheating I then got hold of her phone while she was in the shower and discovered she has started sending him pictures — and even videos — that she hasn't sent me. I feel sick and so angry with myself. I'm sure they're heading for an affair but I don't know what to do. DEIDRE SAYS: Your jealousy is quite understandable but you didn't think through the possible consequences of your request. Now, unfortunately, things have taken an unwelcome turn and you feel out in the cold. But what's going on between them isn't entirely clear. Perhaps she's upset with you for wanting to share her photos and this is how she's getting her own back. Maybe she thinks it's what you want. Alternatively, as you fear, she may now have fallen for your friend. Whatever the situation, if you want to save your relationship, you need to tell her how you feel and ask her to be honest with you. My support pack, Looking After Your Relationship, should help you both. Get in touch with Deidre Every problem gets a personal reply, usually within 24 hours weekdays. Send an email to deardeidre@ You can also send a private message on the DearDeidreOfficial Facebook page. I'M AFRAID TO REVEAL OUR MIXED-RACE AGE-GAP LOVE DEAR DEIDRE: THE woman I'm having sex with is older than me and from a different culture. I'm worried people will judge me. I'm 25, white British, and she's 38, black African. We met at a church group where we were both volunteering last year. I thought she was drop-dead gorgeous but never dreamt anything could happen. Then we bumped into each other on the train and she asked if I wanted to go for a drink. We did, and when I walked her home, I kissed her goodbye. There was so much chemistry between us. She asked me to come in and we had mind-blowing sex. Since then, we've been seeing each other regularly, having lots of sex and amazing conversations too, but I haven't told anyone. I think they'll call me her toy boy, or call her a cougar, or make derogatory comments on her skin colour. What should I do? DEIDRE SAYS:Your relationship is nobody else's business and you have no obligation to go public. If anyone judges you, it's either because they are jealous or racist. Age-gap relationships and those with people from different backgrounds do have their challenges because you have different life experiences and are at different stages, but they can work. Enjoy getting to know this woman. Your feelings may grow or fizzle out. See my support pack, Age Gaps, Do They Matter?, for more information. HIS LONG LUNCHES HAVE ME WORRIED DEAR DEIDRE: WHEN I secretly turned on my husband's phone tracker, I opened a can of worms. I thought it would be fun to see what he got up to each day, but now I am convinced he's having an affair because he has lied about where he goes for lunch. I feel so upset but can't tell him why without giving away the fact I've tracked him. We've been married for ten years and are in our early forties. I followed his movements for a week – and for three days in a row he went to a cafe near his office and stayed for an hour. When he came home, I asked what he'd had for lunch. He told me he'd bought a sandwich at Boots the first day, and had something in the canteen on the others. I know that's not true. He must be meeting another woman at the cafe. DEIDRE SAYS: Tracking someone secretly is a bit like reading their diary. It rarely ends well. Your husband may not be cheating. It's possible he lied about the cafe because he doesn't want you to know he's spending extra money on lunch. But the fact you tracked him suggests a pre-existing trust issue, even if you weren't conscious of it. Talk to him, explain you're not feeling completely secure in the relationship, and ask for reassurance. My support pack, Looking After Your Relationship, has tips. GROOMING KIDS IN HER HOT TUB DEAR DEIDRE: I WAS horrified to see the middle-aged woman next door in her hot tub with a young boy. It seemed totally inappropriate and I'm worried the child is being groomed. One evening, a few weeks ago, I looked out of my bedroom window and saw that my neighbour was in her hot tub. With her was a child, who looked around 11 or 12. She must be in her late fifties, doesn't have children and is a bit of a loner. I'm 46 and live with my husband and daughter. I don't know if the boy is related to her but it made me feel very uncomfortable. A few nights later, I saw them together in the hot tub again. This time my gut told me something perverse or evil was going on. I spoke to another neighbour who said she had also become aware of this and was worried about it. She said she'd seen other children going to the house too, at other times. I think I need to report this to someone but I'm not sure who to speak to. I'm not certain a crime is happening and have just my instincts. I don't want to get anyone into trouble if there's an innocent explanation. What should I do? DEIDRE SAYS: What you describe does sound extremely concerning and you're right to want to tell someone. You could contact the police or social services but it would be wise to get some advice first. Don't confront this woman yourself. Call the NSPCC free on 0808 800 5000 to explain your concerns. You can also contact the Stop It Now helpline which helps prevent child abuse ( 0808 1000 900). My support pack, Worried A Child's At Risk, has more guidance on what to do if you're that worried abuse is taking place.
