BANGKOK, Thailand – Expats living in Thailand are increasingly choosing to stay in the Southeast Asian nation rather than return to Germany, citing a better quality of life and financial advantages, especially for retirees.
Many long-term expatriates in Thailand report being consistently asked if they plan to return to Germany. Their answer, solidified over years, is a resounding no. This decision isn’t based on Thailand’s perfection, but rather on a perceived decline in living standards in Germany.
This article offers a sober assessment of what Thailand provides and what Germany, according to these individuals, no longer delivers for men over 55 who have established their lives abroad.
What 1,300 Euros in Pension Means in Germany
The average pension for insured individuals in Germany in 2025 stood at approximately 1,100 Euros per month, with men receiving an average of 1,346 Euros. In 2026, the poverty line for single individuals in Germany is set at around 1,380 Euros net. This means those with an average pension are statistically at or below the poverty threshold.
Living costs in Germany are substantial; a one-room apartment in a medium-sized city can easily cost between 700 to 900 Euros in rent, including utilities. This financial pressure significantly impacts the daily lives of retirees.
The Same Pension in Thailand: A World of Difference
Receiving the same 1,300 Euro pension in Thailand offers a vastly different reality. It can afford a furnished condominium with amenities like a pool, gym, and security in popular areas such as Pattaya-Jomtien or Chiang Mai’s Nimman district. Meals at local markets are inexpensive, costing between 50 to 80 Baht, and a massage can be enjoyed for around 200 Baht.
This allows for a rich social life without the constant stress of managing every dollar. In contrast, such a pension would place someone in a precarious financial situation in German cities like Munich, Frankfurt, or Hamburg, likely requiring social assistance.
The Weather Is Not Just a Cliché
The appeal of the weather is more than a superficial perk; it profoundly impacts well-being. Germany’s months of grey skies, high heating costs, and bone-chilling cold can affect both physical and mental health. Many expats report significant improvements in chronic conditions like arthritis, back pain, and circulatory issues after moving to Thailand.
While Thailand experiences rain, it remains warm, with sunshine often appearing in the afternoons. Even during the rainy season, the cold is not a factor. For those who are flexible, destinations like Koh Samui can offer sunny weather when other regions experience downpours, providing a level of climate freedom Germany cannot match.
Healthcare: A Quietly Held Truth
The prevailing narrative suggests German healthcare is superior, but current realities challenge this. Obtaining an appointment with a specialist in Germany can take months, and hospital stays often involve shared rooms with multiple patients. Post-operative care can be a bureaucratic maze of paperwork.
Private healthcare in Germany offers faster access but comes at a significant cost, on top of already high health insurance premiums. However, private clinics in Bangkok, Pattaya, and Chiang Mai offer international-standard care with often Europe- or US-trained doctors, short waiting times, and hotel-like private rooms.
A cardiology consultation in these Thai cities costs a fraction of the German price. A comprehensive health insurance plan for Thailand, offering 3,000,000 Baht in coverage, can be cost-effective, particularly for those proactively managing their health.
Loneliness Is a Bigger Problem in Germany
For individuals living alone in Germany, especially after 65, loneliness can be a significant issue. Neighborly interactions are minimal, community club activities are declining, and friends may pass away or move away. Children lead their own lives, leaving many seniors isolated.
The German government has recognized loneliness as a societal health problem and has published strategy papers, but their impact is questionable. In contrast, Thailand offers a more connected social environment for expats. Cities like Pattaya, Hua Hin, and Chiang Mai foster active expatriate networks with regular meetups, sports groups, and a generally more social atmosphere.
Thai partners often bring extended families that function as integrated units. After two decades of living in Thailand, many expats report having a robust social network that has developed organically, a rarity in German retirement communities.
What Irritates in Thailand — And Why It’s Still Enough
No honest account would omit the frustrations of living in Thailand. Bureaucracy can be contradictory, and authorities may request documents they themselves do not issue. Banks might freeze accounts without warning, and visa extensions require annual effort and energy.
However, when these irritations are weighed against the daily realities of German life—including inefficient authorities, an eroding social system, high energy costs, housing shortages, and a challenging political climate—the conclusion for many is clear.
The decision to stay in Thailand is not because the country is perfect, but because the comparison ultimately favors it.
The Question That Truly Matters in the End
For those seriously contemplating a return to Germany, a critical question must be answered: Where exactly? Into which city, which apartment, which social circle? With what health insurance, what monthly budget, and surrounded by whom?
The answers to these questions rarely paint a brighter picture than their current situation. In most cases, the prospective reality is decidedly less favorable.
Thailand has its problems, but it also offers something that Germany in 2026 may no longer provide for many: a life that feels like living. This is not a sentiment that can be easily argued away.