Is your rent draining your soul? Wait until you see how a British man lives in Thailand for less than your monthly takeaway bill!

Meet Simon, a retired psychiatric nurse from London, who traded the grey skies and high bills of the UK for the sun-soaked serenity of Nonthaburi, just outside buzzing Bangkok. Forget Dubai’s glitter or Spain’s coastal charm—Simon’s move was all about one thing: stretching his pounds further in Southeast Asia. His story, featured in an AI generated newscast about cost of living in Thailand, has gone viral, leaving thousands on TikTok rethinking their own life choices.

Taking to TikTok as @skyhighthaisi, Simon broke down his budget in a video that’s racked up over 270,000 likes. He asked the burning question: ‘So everyone online says Thailand is cheap. But how cheap is it really in 2025?’ The answer? Mind-blowing. Simon pays just 8,000 baht (about £170) per month for his one-bedroom condo—pool, sauna, gym, and all the peaceful vibes you could want. Back in London, that might not even get you a parking spot, let alone a full-service apartment!

The savings don’t stop there. Utilities—often a source of dread in the UK—barely dent Simon’s wallet. He shells out around £21 for Wi-Fi, £26 for electricity, and just over a pound for water each month. Even eating out is a steal; three meals a day at local Thai restaurants cost him a jaw-dropping 150 baht, or roughly £3. Sure, craving Western food like steak or pizza bumps up his expenses, but Simon knows how to keep his lifestyle balanced without breaking the bank.

When it comes to living well, Simon doesn’t hold back. Fresh coffee at a café? Just 50p. Three local beers on a night out? £5.50 in total. He regularly indulges in massages, saunas, and even affordable haircuts—all for less than the price of a London sandwich. Visa costs are manageable too: £44 a year for the retirement visa and a one-off £348 fee for an agent to handle the paperwork.

Simon estimates his total monthly expenses hover between 35,000 and 45,000 baht (£750–£950), a sum that seems almost impossible for expats elsewhere. He sums it up wisely: ‘Is it cheaper than the UK? Absolutely. But it’s about lifestyle and choices.’ Thousands have praised Simon’s honesty, with comments rolling in about how his transparency shatters expat stereotypes. One viewer wrote, 'This is the most honest and straightforward video I've seen on living costs in Thailand.' Another remarked, 'Finally someone who doesn't overspend and then complain.' For some, it’s paradise for pennies; for others, it exposes just how much people back home are shelling out for the basics.

So, in the AI generated newscast about cost of living in Thailand, Simon’s story isn’t just a viral sensation—it’s a wake-up call, packed with real numbers and lived experiences. If you’ve ever dreamed of sipping Thai coffee poolside while your friends in the UK worry about heating bills, this might just be your sign.