Ex-Cop and His Wife Escape to Thailand – What They Found There Is Beyond Their Wildest Dreams!

After retiring from a 26-year career in law enforcement, Fred Jones and his wife made a life-changing decision. Leaving their Florida home, they relocated to Chiang Mai, Thailand, where life feels safer, simpler, and less expensive. Their new home, a $540-a-month two-bedroom house, has become a sanctuary, allowing them to escape the stress and high costs of the U.S.

The Seed of Change

Jones first entertained the idea of living abroad during a routine doctor’s visit in 2007. While waiting, he picked up *International Living* magazine, which introduced him to the concept of retirement overseas. “I had no idea that people were doing that. I just thought people vacationed, then came back to their 9-to-5s and kept on with their lives,” Jones said. This moment opened his eyes to the possibility of a more affordable lifestyle outside the U.S.

Originally, the couple planned to retire in Ecuador, but rising violence there made them reconsider. Instead, they recalled a memorable trip to Vietnam in 2018, where they fell in love with Southeast Asia. That trip ultimately led them to Chiang Mai.

A New Life in Chiang Mai

Just a month after Jones’ retirement in August 2023, he and his wife sold their home and packed up their belongings to move halfway around the world. They arrived in Chiang Mai, sight unseen, but ready to embrace their next chapter.

Chiang Mai is known for its beautiful temples, lively markets, and relatively low cost of living, making it a magnet for expats. After some research and guidance from expat groups on Facebook, Jones found his place. “If you look hard enough, there’s a road map out there for you to follow,” he shared, adding that his experience as a police officer helped him adapt to the unknown.

Settling In

One of the couple’s key decisions was to rent, rather than buy a home. Jones explained, “We’ll probably rent for the rest of our lives unless we find a special place that we want to call our home forever.” Their current house in Doi Saket, just outside Chiang Mai city, comes with air conditioning and even an oven, which is a rarity in Thai homes. Rent costs 18,000 Thai baht, or about $540 a month.

Their new neighborhood is peaceful, with the nearest neighbor about 25 yards away. They are also conveniently close to local markets, grocery stores, and coffee shops, making everyday life more comfortable. “It was comfortable. It felt like it was well-built,” Jones remarked about their home.

Building a Community

Despite not knowing anyone in Chiang Mai before moving, Jones and his wife quickly found a welcoming community, thanks to their friendly expat neighbors. They introduced them to “Sunday Coffee,” a weekly gathering of English-speaking expats from various countries, including France, New Zealand, and the U.S.

Jones was surprised at how easy it was to build friendships. “I never saw this coming. I thought it would be like me and my wife just doing things together for a very long time,” he admitted. Now, they regularly meet up for hikes and lunch with their new friends.

A Simpler, Cheaper Life

The cost of living in Chiang Mai has allowed Jones and his wife to live comfortably on a fraction of what they used to spend in the U.S. With a monthly budget of $2,100, their actual expenses often come in at around $1,800, which includes health insurance and occasional vacations. “We’re probably living on a third of what we would be spending in the United States right now,” Jones said.

Less Stress, More Freedom

One of the most significant changes Jones has experienced since moving to Thailand is a noticeable reduction in stress. “I never realized how hypervigilant I was all the time, even off-duty, until I moved here,” he confessed. The weight of years spent witnessing trauma during his law enforcement career in Florida melted away in Chiang Mai.

Low crime rates and strict gun laws in Thailand also contribute to his newfound sense of safety. For the first time in years, he feels comfortable enough to sit with his back to the door — a small but powerful indication of how much his stress levels have decreased.

Living on His Own Terms

For Jones, retirement in Chiang Mai has been about more than just saving money. It’s allowed him to live life on his own terms. With more time for hobbies, he’s recently picked up pickleball and enjoys motorbike rides with his wife to explore the countryside.

Now, instead of dreading Mondays, Jones looks forward to them. He’s even completed and self-published a book, something he likely never would have done while juggling the pressures of work. “It feels like things have slowed down for me, and it really feels good,” he said.

In Chiang Mai, Fred Jones has found a fresh start — one filled with less stress, more connection, and the freedom to savor every day.