A family who say they felt “trapped in the matrix of the 9 to 5” have ditched the UK for Asia. Amelia Wray, 31, and Billy Evans, 37, made the big decision because they felt they had limited time to spend with their children Archie, four, Annie, two, and Albert, one.

They visited Thailand in July for seven weeks to see if they would be “prepared” to move permanently. After falling “in love” with life there, they took the plunge and put their five-bed “dream” house on the market.

Now they have begun their new life using funds from the house sale, which was a quick process due to having a cash buyer. Donating to local charities, selling on Vinted and putting some items in storage for £160 per month, the family set off from Heathrow Airport on November 4.

Amelia says they will spend £1,250 per month funding their new way of life and £550 per month on accommodation. She estimates their spending back at home was £2,500 per month – £83 a day – double of what they are spending currently.

Amelia, a digital nomad from Wakefield, West Yorkshire, said: “It all happened really quickly for us. In July we set off to Thailand for a ‘dip your toes in first’ type of experience to see if it’s something we’d be prepared to do and sell the house for.

“On our return we put the house up for sale. The main reason we’re doing this is we were both feeling very trapped in the matrix of the nine-to-five.

“We felt like we only got one day a week as a family on a Sunday – it was just not cutting it. We wanted also to be able to show our kids they don’t need to follow what society tells you to do. Of course it’s a risk, but it’s also a risk if you stay in the same lane.”

In the UK, Amelia, a self-employed hairdresser, and Billy, who worked in telecommunications, were clocking up 108 hours every week at work between them. Now, they’re acquiring fresh expertise online while travelling, with Amelia retraining as a life coach and Billy set to embark on his next venture shortly afterwards.

Storing a selection of “sentimental” belongings back home, the family have packed just two rucksacks and two suitcases for their adventure. Their children will participate in “pop-up hubs” providing educational programmes whilst abroad, though will be home-educated as intended by their parents.

Amelia said: “Our first stop is Bangkok, as we’re wanting to spend a week there and go up to North Thailand like Chang Mai and come back down south to explore the islands. We’ll do about three months there and move on to other places in Southeast Asia. The kids are very excited.”

Amelia describes the response from friends and family as “a mixture”, explaining: “Most people are supportive and are all for it. Of course you get a handful of people who say, ‘are you crazy? Have you really thought about it?’

“A lot of people think we shouldn’t have sold the house. It’s a lot for our immediate family to process, as we’re not on the doorstep anymore.

“This city [Bangkok] never sleeps – it’s incredible you can do what you want any time of day. People have this perception that Thailand is for a certain type of men, but it’s so family oriented, the kids thrive here.

“It’s all so affordable. 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 have settled into their new existence in Asia and are preparing to visit their next destination, Hua Hin, on November 26 for Christmas and New Year.

With “no definite plan” the family will relocate from place to place and “go with the flow”.

The family’s UK costs

Food shop per week: £200

Mortgage: £1,200

Bills/utilities: £600

Family outings: minimum £200 per month

Total monthly spend: In excess of £2,500 with phone bills, car, insurance

The family’s Thailand costs

Accommodation: £550/650 including bills

Eating out: Still allow £150/200 a week to eat out nearly every meal (3 x a day)

Recreation activities: Low-cost/free activities like beaches, waterfalls, markets, temples, and social meets

Daily spend: £40

Total monthly spend: £1,250