Moving to Thailand with Family: Amélie’s Story of Reinvention, Motherhood, and a New Life in Phuket

Leaving everything behind to start over elsewhere.
How many times have we dreamed of walking away from our routine, moving across the world, and rewriting our story in a place where time moves slower and the sea is just steps from home? Amélie actually did it. At 42, after a successful career in politics and academia in France, she chose to follow a voice louder than all her certainties—the one calling her toward a life that felt more authentic, more free… more hers.

In this heartfelt interview, Amélie shares how Amélie in Thailand was born, what it really means to uproot a family, and how trading comfort for courage led her to a simpler, richer life in Phuket. From her bold leap of faith to the everyday realities of expat living, this is a story of reinvention, motherhood, and the pursuit of meaning—far from the clichés.

1) Hi Amèlie, nice to meet you. Can you share your background with our readers?

My name is Amélie, I’m 42 years old. I’ve been in a relationship for 22 years, and I’m the mother of two teenagers: Alice, 13, and Vincent, who’s almost 16. My background is as rich as it is varied: after completing a preparatory program for Sciences Po, I worked as a parliamentary attaché for 10 years. I then transitioned into teaching, working at a communications school where I lectured undergraduate and postgraduate students on topics such as social media, communication strategy, and political communication.

In 2016, I launched my blog La Maison des Filles, which eventually led me into social media with a desire to share, connect, and promote content that is useful, authentic, and accessible. In 2024, I published Amélie in Thailand, a book in which I recount my expatriation journey and the reasons behind my decision to leave everything behind and pursue a different life.

Today, I’m a trainer, blogger, expatriation consultant, author… and I also trade—because yes, women absolutely have a place in this still male-dominated world, and I’m proud to prove that every day.

I now live in Phuket, where I’ve found the serenity, clarity, and freedom I was looking for. A simpler, more aligned life, where I can focus on what truly matters: sharing, inspiring, and supporting those who also want to think outside the box.

2) What motivated you to move from France to Phuket, Thailand?

My move to Phuket was a well-thought-out decision, motivated by several deep and meaningful reasons. Above all, it was a choice for my children. I wanted to offer them a different future—one that is freer, more open, and far from an overly rigid educational system that often imposes a fixed life path with little room for dreams or personal ambition. I wanted them to grow up in an environment where curiosity, adventure, and self-discovery are valued.

There were also more practical reasons. In France, I no longer felt safe, particularly regarding healthcare. The system is deteriorating, inequalities are widening, and overall quality of life continues to decline. I needed to find more meaning and a lifestyle aligned with my values. Phuket offered that breath of fresh air, that gentler pace of life, and a return to what truly matters.

It was also a personal journey. I needed a fresh start—to reconnect with my family after going through complicated periods in my relationships with my parents and sisters. I wanted to turn the page and create a life that felt more aligned with who I am. Phuket gave me the opportunity to rebuild something healthy, simple, and fulfilling.

Today, I’m so glad I made the leap. This change has transformed me, and I have absolutely no regrets.

3) What inspired you to create the “Amélie in Thailand” platform, and what are your main objectives with it?

Originally, my social media presence was under the name Amélie – La Maison des Filles. I shared my everyday life as a woman and mother with a supportive and engaged community. When I decided to move abroad, things naturally evolved. I kept my community, but my world changed. Amélie in Thailand was born from that transition: a new beginning, a new life in Phuket… and so many new stories to tell.

This platform is both a personal journal and a space for conversation. I share my life with sincerity and a touch of humor. I talk about daily life, offer practical information, helpful tips, and useful advice for those traveling or moving to Thailand. One of my goals is also to change how people view Phuket—to show that it’s much more than just a tourist destination and that a peaceful life is possible here, far from the clichés.

It’s also a place where I showcase my professional activities—training, trading, writing—and demonstrate that it’s absolutely possible to combine freedom, meaningful work, and personal growth. Ultimately, Amélie in Thailand is an invitation to dream, to be inspired, and maybe—even to dare to change everything.

4) Through your website, you offer eBooks to help travelers plan their trips to various Thai destinations. What motivated you to create these resources, and how do they enhance the travel experience?

Initially, I created these eBooks for myself—to document my discoveries, gather my favorite spots, and preserve special memories. But I quickly realized they could be useful to others. Many travelers arrive in Thailand following very conventional routes, often filled with tourist traps or activities that lack authenticity.

With my eBooks, I offer a different approach: one that’s more local, more genuine, more mindful. I share tried-and-tested addresses, hidden gems, and practical advice for a more unique experience—far from the usual cookie-cutter itineraries. My goal is to help people step off the beaten path, better understand Thai culture, and enjoy a truly meaningful journey.

These guides are also designed to save time, avoid common mistakes, and give peace of mind to those who may be hesitant. They are the product of my lived experience, my love for Thailand… and my desire to support each traveler with sincerity and care.

5) How has your experience as a mother influenced your perspective on expatriate life and your approach to exploring Thailand?

Being a mother is the most important role in my life. Every decision I make, including moving abroad, revolves around my children’s well-being. If I had sensed that they were unhappy, isolated, or struggling here, I wouldn’t have hesitated to return to France. But the reality is quite the opposite—they’re thriving, happy, and growing up in an environment that’s good for them.

Thailand offers an exceptional quality of life: we live by the sea, in a little corner of paradise. Their school is outstanding—multicultural, with modern teaching methods, genuine kindness, and classmates from all over the world. It’s incredibly enriching. They learn as much through daily life as they do at school.

My perspective on Thailand is deeply connected to this family experience. I discover this country through their eyes too, adjusting to their needs and pace. Expat life isn’t just about moving; it’s a family project. And today, I’m proud to give them this open, free, and extraordinary childhood.

6) What challenges have you encountered as a French expatriate in Thailand, and how have you addressed them?

To be honest, we haven’t faced any major challenges because we were well-prepared, informed, and—most importantly—truly motivated. The only real difficulty was the bureaucracy: visas, driver’s licenses, paperwork of all kinds… It’s not impossible to manage, but it does require some discipline, patience, and sometimes professional support to get it all done properly.

Strangely enough, the biggest challenge I didn’t expect was… food! Grocery shopping here, with my very French tastes, was harder than I anticipated. Some products are unavailable, others are extremely expensive, or not quite what we’re used to. After weeks of struggling with unfamiliar ingredients, I decided on a much simpler solution: I hired a Thai chef. She cooks local dishes for us but also adapts them to our European preferences. It’s been a real game-changer in our daily lives—and a wonderful cultural experience too!

7) How do you use your blog and social media to connect with others interested in Thai culture and travel?

I simply share my everyday life, discoveries, and tips—without filters. Many people naturally reach out to me: they ask questions, express curiosity about my lifestyle here, or seek advice for their own travel or expat plans in Thailand. I’m always happy to engage with them. I try to respond with kindness, offer useful information, and help people see Thailand in a different light—away from the usual tourist clichés. My goal isn’t to “sell dreams” but to show a life that’s simple, gentle, and sincere.

8) Could you share a memorable experience from your time in Thailand that deeply impacted you?

What struck me most was realizing just how vast the cultural and structural differences are between France and Thailand. Things here are much less standardized. A very tangible example: in France, it’s unthinkable for a child not to be strapped into an approved car seat with an Isofix system that costs €500. In Thailand, it’s the complete opposite—kids ride on motorcycles without helmets, or in the back of pickup trucks, and no one bats an eye.

That contrast really made me reflect on our Western lifestyle. Are we too strict? Have we gone too far in our need for control? Here, I’m discovering a different way of living—freer, more flexible—not necessarily better or worse, just different. It taught me to take a step back from our European norms, to gain perspective, and to explore new ways of parenting, consuming, and managing my time. That shift, though sometimes disorienting, has changed how I see the world—and that may be the greatest gift of all that expatriation has given me.

9) What advice would you give to those considering moving to Thailand with family?

The most important thing is that the decision is made thoughtfully, as a family, and not on a whim. Moving to Thailand can be a truly extraordinary experience—if you’re well-prepared. It’s essential to involve your children from the very beginning: explain everything, listen to their concerns, and reassure them. They are at the heart of this transition, so they must feel included.

I also recommend staying realistic and optimistic, and thinking through all the practical aspects before making the move. Many families, for example, overlook the importance of health insurance—here, you pay for everything out of pocket, and without coverage, medical expenses can become a serious issue.

Another critical factor: budgeting. Contrary to popular belief, life in Thailand can be expensive, especially if you want to maintain a certain level of comfort or enroll your children in international schools.

Lastly, plan ahead for every step: housing, schooling, visas, healthcare, lifestyle. A successful relocation is one that’s carefully prepared. When everything is in place, the adventure can be truly magical.

Thank You, Amèlie!

We sincerely thank Amélie for taking the time to share her story with us.
Her journey is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to redefine what happiness means—and that sometimes, the boldest choices lead to the most fulfilling lives.

If you’ve been inspired by her words and want to follow her adventures, tips, and reflections on life in Thailand, you can find her here:
📸 Instagram: @amelie_in_thailand
📘 Facebook: Amélie in Thailand
🌍 Website: www.amelie-in-thailand.com

Give her a follow—you might just find the inspiration you didn’t know you were looking for.