Thai woman married to American says she no longer wants to live in US: ’The American Dream is dead’

A Thai woman married to an American has sparked widespread online discussion after explaining why she no longer wants to live in the United States, arguing that, from her perspective, "the American Dream is dead".

Her candid comments, posted in a viral social media clip and later discussed widely on Reddit, resonated with thousands of people debating the realities of life in the US compared with other parts of the world. While many disagreed with her conclusions, others said her experience reflected growing concerns about the cost of living, work-life balance and quality of life in the US.

Why she says the American Dream no longer exists

In the video, the woman said that before moving to the US, she believed it was a country where hard work naturally led to financial security and a better life. After living there, however, she said her expectations changed dramatically.

She said everyday life had become increasingly expensive, with housing, healthcare and other essential costs making it difficult for ordinary families to enjoy the lifestyle she had imagined. In her view, many people spend so much time working simply to cover basic expenses that they have little opportunity to enjoy life.

For her, this was a significant contrast with what she had expected before relocating. She argued that the traditional idea of the American Dream — that determination and hard work guarantee upward mobility — no longer feels attainable for many households.

Comparing life in Thailand and the United States

The woman also compared her experiences in the US with life in Thailand.

Although she acknowledged that every country has its own challenges, she said she personally felt happier with the lifestyle available in her home country. She pointed to factors including a slower pace of life, closer family ties and what she considers a better overall work-life balance.

She also suggested that some everyday expenses can be more manageable in Thailand, allowing people to enjoy leisure time without feeling under constant financial pressure.

Her comments reflected a personal opinion rather than a universal assessment. Still, they struck a chord with viewers who have questioned whether quality of life should be measured by income alone.

Online reactions divided

As expected, the discussion quickly spread across social media, with users expressing a wide range of views.

Some commenters agreed with her assessment, pointing to inflation, rising housing prices and increasing living costs as reasons many people feel financially stretched despite working full-time.

Others argued that the US still offers significant opportunities, particularly for people pursuing careers in specialised industries or entrepreneurship. They said experiences vary greatly depending on location, profession, education and personal circumstances.

Several people also noted that comparing two countries is rarely straightforward. Living standards, salaries, healthcare systems, taxation, culture and family support networks all influence an individual's overall experience.

Cost-of-living debate continues

The woman's remarks come amid ongoing discussion about affordability in the US.

In recent years, many Americans have expressed concern about rising rents, mortgage costs, healthcare expenses and grocery prices. These issues have fuelled broader debate over whether the financial security once associated with the American Dream has become increasingly difficult to achieve.

At the same time, many economists point out that the US continues to attract immigrants from around the world because of its diverse employment opportunities, strong higher education institutions and potential for career advancement.

The differing perspectives highlight how personal circumstances often shape opinions about where the best place to live may be.

Quality of life means different things to different people

One reason the video resonated so widely is that it touched on a broader question: what truly defines a good quality of life?

For some people, higher salaries and career opportunities outweigh the challenges of higher living costs. For others, spending more time with family, enjoying affordable day-to-day living and experiencing less work-related stress are equally, if not more, important.

The Thai woman's comments reflected her own priorities and experiences rather than making a definitive statement about life in the US. Her story illustrates how relocating to another country can sometimes challenge long-held expectations and lead people to reassess what matters most.

Personal perspective sparks global conversation

While opinions remain divided, the viral discussion highlights an increasingly common theme in conversations about international living: success cannot be measured solely by income or economic opportunity.

The Thai woman's experience serves as a reminder that happiness, financial stability and personal fulfilment are deeply personal concepts. What works well for one individual or family may not suit another.

As debate over the American Dream continues, her story has encouraged many people to reflect on what they value most — whether that is career progression, financial security, family life or overall wellbeing. Rather than offering a universal verdict on life in the US, her perspective adds another voice to an ongoing global conversation about balancing opportunity with quality of life.

Originally published on Fashiontimes UK