She Moved to Phuket As a Single Mom and Says Her Son Is Thriving

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Cheska Hull, 40, a British reality TV star and PR professional who relocated to Phuket. Her words have been edited for length and clarity.

My move to Phuket was about choosing a fabulous place to live while continuing my freelance career.

I feel like I’ve been part of the island’s community for years. I’d visit annually for a couple of weeks at a time, maintain friendships, and get to know local business owners.

Every trip had me dreaming about potential jobs and interesting opportunities. I’m a PR specialist who has always worked in the luxury sector, across food, beverage, and hospitality. In London, I specialized in private members’ clubs.

That work also led me into radio and television, where I starred in the reality show “Made in Chelsea” for nearly four years. It helped me understand the evolving world of influencers and celebrities. Having lived on both sides of the PR and fame spectrum, I gained a deep understanding of that industry.

I happened to be born in Thailand

My parents lived in Phuket in the 1980s, when my dad was head of Standard Chartered Bank for Phuket, which is why I was born here. We moved back to England when I was young.

Being born in Thailand didn’t simplify moving back as an expat. I still had to go through all the same steps as everyone else.

Initially, I came on a DTV digital nomad visa while freelancing for my UK clients. I told all of them, “I want to live in Thailand. That’s my dream.”

I wanted the best of both worlds.

There were a few reasons for the move

I’ve always been drawn to the famous Thai “sabai sabai” — take-it-easy — lifestyle. But when it comes to business, I’m driven. I could never just move to Phuket and not work.

Even between projects, I was constantly networking, talking to people, and pushing for collaborations with brands I’d worked with before. Now, I get to do what I’ve always loved in a place I love.

My son was also at the right age for a big change. As a single mom, the stress came from knowing how significant the move was and wondering, “Have I made the right decision?” My main priority in life is his happiness.

If he hadn’t been happy, I don’t think we would have stayed. But he’s 8, and he was able to fit in quickly — learning some Thai at school and thriving.

There was another catalyst, too. At the time, I was engaged to be married and realized that wasn’t the path for me anymore. Once I called off the wedding, the door felt wide open.

Nothing was holding me back.

Finding my career groove in Thailand

Browsing jobs in Phuket started as a guilty pleasure. Through meeting people and networking, someone told me about a new opening at Anantara, a hotel I already knew well. It seemed perfect. And so now, as cluster director of public relations, I have a work permit.

I’ve had to quickly learn Thai workplace customs, like addressing colleagues respectfully using “khun” before names or navigating the widespread use of nicknames. It’s about understanding a different culture and being respectful within it.

One of my favorite rituals happens every Friday during my team’s morning meeting. We go outside to a huge tree in front of the hotel with two spirit houses. We all take incense, make a prayer, and privately speak to the spirits. It’s so different and unique, I find it special.

It’s a meaningful part of their culture that I’ve come to love. I can’t imagine trying to get everyone in London to do that, they’d laugh.

Thailand is my long-term plan

There haven’t been many hard parts to settling in. The main challenge of living on a small, seasonal island like Phuket is traffic. You get used to a calm pace, and then suddenly there’s a massive influx of people. But that comes with the territory in hospitality and tourism, which is ultimately what we want here.

My move to Thailand is long-term. Looking back, there was an element of risk. I came with a bit of an “Eat, Pray, Love” vision. I knew I loved it here and wanted it to work, but I also told myself, “If it doesn’t, you can just go back.”

For me, the quality of life, the people, the food, the weather — just about everything about Phuket — makes it a place I want to call home forever. Island life simply couldn’t be better right now.

Do you have a story to share about living abroad? Contact the editor at akarplus@businessinsider.com.