Fingers crossed - sooner or later, it will happen… the plan is a one-way-ticket to Thailand once the kids are out. Missus is Thai, and we are sufficiently set up there already with a house and everything needed for daily life.

Well, we’ve got an apartment here in Germany as well, full of stuff. When I think about the actual process of moving, I wonder if it’s worth shipping everything (or anything for that matter) or if it might be more trouble than it’s worth. Some nice furniture & art I would be happy to take to Thailand, but sending a container will probably cost more than I paid for it years ago (in China). Also the space in Thailand is not unlimited.

 

Well, I guess many of you currently residing in Thailand have been at this point before, and I would love to learn from your experience.

 

1 - Moving sooner or later? After you moved and things settled down, did you feel like you should have done this earlier? Keep working longer in Europe to receive a better pension, or move earlier to enjoy retirement longer?

 

2 - In case you own(ed) a house or apartment back in Europe, how did you handle this? Sold it? Rented out? Landlord and tenant law in Germany is a bitch—most power to the tenants. Renting out could be more trouble than it’s worth considering obligations, high taxes, etc.

 

3 - Did you ship your household to Thailand, and if yes, how did this work out?

 

Basically, when you made the move, what could have gone better if you had just known about it beforehand?

I arrived with 35 kilos and so far did not miss anything....

How old are you and your thai missus kids ? If we're talking years wait I wouldnt bother. Start a separate saving account or something along those lines. Keep putting money into it(along with the shipping costs) and use it to buy all new stuff when you arrive.

 

Maybe ship a few boxes of personal memory items etc.

I would just bring personal stuff.   I brought a lot of stuff, kitchen appliances, electronics, huge speakers (no furniture), and since working for airlines, didn't cost anything.  Glad that I did, but reality, if I had to pay shipping, then Hell NO.   Most wasn't even worth bringing for free.

 

Good Luck

Do like my German friend in Thailand. Spend money to ship everything especially power tools that are "not available in Thailand " and then spend money again to ship everything back to Germany 

Some airlines offer generous baggage allowance (2 x 23kg) even in economy class. I'm leaving Thailand at the end of next month and am struggling to fill the 2nd suitcase 🙂

 

Obviously large furniture items like sofas and wardrobes need to be shipped. From memory, I believe that partial / full containers can be shipped here tax free if you have the right visa. Maybe other BMs can provide further details 🤔

3 hours ago, blaze master said:

How old are you and your thai missus kids ? If we're talking years wait I wouldnt bother. Start a separate saving account or something along those lines. Keep putting money into it(along with the shipping costs) and use it to buy all new stuff when you arrive.

 

Maybe ship a few boxes of personal memory items etc.

 

Kids are 15 & 19, so it will be still a few years until both are independent. workwise another 12 years until official retirement age (but I don't intent to wait so long..) 

Most of the daily-use things are not worth to be shipped, easy and cheaply replaceable and mostly already on hand in Thailand. To send these items (to give to family and friends in Thailand)  would only make sense if I book a whole container anyway.

My concern is about some personal stuff, documents, some nice pieces of furniture and art, carved wood etc. I'm attached to and would like to have in Thailand during retirement years.

 

4 hours ago, mangkut70 said:

 

Fingers crossed - sooner or later, it will happen… the plan is a one-way-ticket to Thailand once the kids are out. Missus is Thai, and we are sufficiently set up there already with a house and everything needed for daily life.

Well, we’ve got an apartment here in Germany as well, full of stuff. When I think about the actual process of moving, I wonder if it’s worth shipping everything (or anything for that matter) or if it might be more trouble than it’s worth. Some nice furniture & art I would be happy to take to Thailand, but sending a container will probably cost more than I paid for it years ago (in China). Also the space in Thailand is not unlimited.

 

Well, I guess many of you currently residing in Thailand have been at this point before, and I would love to learn from your experience.

 

1 - Moving sooner or later? After you moved and things settled down, did you feel like you should have done this earlier? Keep working longer in Europe to receive a better pension, or move earlier to enjoy retirement longer?

 

2 - In case you own(ed) a house or apartment back in Europe, how did you handle this? Sold it? Rented out? Landlord and tenant law in Germany is a bitch—most power to the tenants. Renting out could be more trouble than it’s worth considering obligations, high taxes, etc.

 

3 - Did you ship your household to Thailand, and if yes, how did this work out?

 

Basically, when you made the move, what could have gone better if you had just known about it beforehand?

If you own an apartment in Germany and do not rent it out, you shall be claimed by the German taxman as a taxpayer. So sell it or rent it if you want to avoid German taxes by becoming a Thai tax resident ("Steuerausländer").

 

Shipping things to Thailand is not simple. You may end up having to pay extortionate import duties to the Thai treasury. I came to Thailand with a suitcase and have lived off a suitcase ever since. Admittedly with no wife, no kids, just myself.

I assume that between now and retirement you will be making numerous trips to Thailand for holidays etc. 

 

You could always bring a certain amount of items over each trip within normal baggage allowance rules if you will not require access to them whilst in Germany. You mentioned you have property in Thailand already so assume the items can be stored there?

 

Even some fairly bulky items can be packaged and checked in as your 'second item' with airlines like Eva who allow 2 X 23kg to be checked in. Must be other airlines with similar allowances. 

 

 

I know nothing about government ID documents in Europe.  If you have any that you want to retain, and that you can only renew there, plan your departure accordingly.  You don't want to arrive here, and then discover a short time later that you need to return to Germany to prevent something from expiring.

13 hours ago, mangkut70 said:

Well, I guess many of you currently residing in Thailand have been at this point before, and I would love to learn from your experience.

 

1 - Moving sooner or later? After you moved and things settled down, did you feel like you should have done this earlier? Keep working longer in Europe to receive a better pension, or move earlier to enjoy retirement longer?

 

2 - In case you own(ed) a house or apartment back in Europe, how did you handle this? Sold it? Rented out? Landlord and tenant law in Germany is a bitch—most power to the tenants. Renting out could be more trouble than it’s worth considering obligations, high taxes, etc.

 

3 - Did you ship your household to Thailand, and if yes, how did this work out?

 

Basically, when you made the move, what could have gone better if you had just known about it beforehand?

1. Move sooner, all the guys I know that waited died and lost out.

2. Don't know about German property.

3. Pointless paying to move stuff, scan all your photos, move with just one suitcase, buy new here.

from everything i've heard, its so not recommendable trying to ship things to LOS, its hassle at the port, 

i recommend sell or give it away

On 12/20/2025 at 12:02 PM, mordothailand said:

from everything i've heard, its so not recommendable trying to ship things to LOS, its hassle at the port, 

You haven't heard everything.

The ship my container arrived on docked about 5pm on a Friday afternoon. Container was in my yard about 8am the following morning.

It is up to each individual, but as far as I am concerned, moving the stuff was well worth it. I should add that I didn't pay the marine insurance which can effectively double the cost.

On 12/19/2025 at 8:41 PM, mangkut70 said:

 

Fingers crossed - sooner or later, it will happen… the plan is a one-way-ticket to Thailand once the kids are out. Missus is Thai, and we are sufficiently set up there already with a house and everything needed for daily life.

Well, we’ve got an apartment here in Germany as well, full of stuff. When I think about the actual process of moving, I wonder if it’s worth shipping everything (or anything for that matter) or if it might be more trouble than it’s worth. Some nice furniture & art I would be happy to take to Thailand, but sending a container will probably cost more than I paid for it years ago (in China). Also the space in Thailand is not unlimited.

 

Well, I guess many of you currently residing in Thailand have been at this point before, and I would love to learn from your experience.

 

1 - Moving sooner or later? After you moved and things settled down, did you feel like you should have done this earlier? Keep working longer in Europe to receive a better pension, or move earlier to enjoy retirement longer?

 

2 - In case you own(ed) a house or apartment back in Europe, how did you handle this? Sold it? Rented out? Landlord and tenant law in Germany is a bitch—most power to the tenants. Renting out could be more trouble than it’s worth considering obligations, high taxes, etc.

 

3 - Did you ship your household to Thailand, and if yes, how did this work out?

 

Basically, when you made the move, what could have gone better if you had just known about it beforehand?

Since your wife is a Thai National she is able to "repatriate" her personal household items.

We shipped just over a half container from NY listing "her" as the owner of all items..  and that included funiture ,lot's of cookware,cutlery,clothing,books,photos,paintings,...statues, lawn furniture, bicycles(2),golf clubs(3sets) and a multitude of hand tools and storage chests ..    hired a reputable "THAI" shipper from the US who handled everything  ..  and when the goods landed in Thailand they handled all the customs documentation and clearance. then delivered everything to the home....     easy as pie !

On 12/19/2025 at 8:41 PM, mangkut70 said:

 

Fingers crossed - sooner or later, it will happen… the plan is a one-way-ticket to Thailand once the kids are out. Missus is Thai, and we are sufficiently set up there already with a house and everything needed for daily life.

Well, we’ve got an apartment here in Germany as well, full of stuff. When I think about the actual process of moving, I wonder if it’s worth shipping everything (or anything for that matter) or if it might be more trouble than it’s worth. Some nice furniture & art I would be happy to take to Thailand, but sending a container will probably cost more than I paid for it years ago (in China). Also the space in Thailand is not unlimited.

 

Well, I guess many of you currently residing in Thailand have been at this point before, and I would love to learn from your experience.

 

1 - Moving sooner or later? After you moved and things settled down, did you feel like you should have done this earlier? Keep working longer in Europe to receive a better pension, or move earlier to enjoy retirement longer?

 

2 - In case you own(ed) a house or apartment back in Europe, how did you handle this? Sold it? Rented out? Landlord and tenant law in Germany is a bitch—most power to the tenants. Renting out could be more trouble than it’s worth considering obligations, high taxes, etc.

 

3 - Did you ship your household to Thailand, and if yes, how did this work out?

 

Basically, when you made the move, what could have gone better if you had just known about it beforehand?

I would only bring personal items. Everything else can be purchased here at a very low price. You have to learn to downsize a bit in Thailand, learn to be happy with less. The children will have to attend private schools because the Thai schools are very poor means of education. I would hope you know buying a nes car comes with a huge tax added to it. If you thought a 25,000 dollar car would work for your family that car will cost you 40,000 dollars with that added import tax.  I would buy a used car with warranty not more than a year old. Private party purchase would be best, have the car checked completely before you buy, there are places that will do this for you. Stay away from car dealerships they are nothing but crooks. Hire a legal aide to handle your Immigration , otherwise it’s a nightmare. Make sure the kids are smart and have common sense, keep them away from the party scene. Thailand has a lot of corruption and if you have money you can get whatever you want. Which includes not taking responsibility for accidents even if they are your fault. Be aware that cars won’t stop for you even in a crosswalk with a light. And if you get hit many times the other per won’t take responsibility. So make sure your family doesn’t make mistakes on safety. There’s a lot to enjoy in Thailand but be smart and stay out of trouble and your life with be stress free.  Good Luck.

     My advice would be only ship what you treasure and what cannot be replaced.  When I moved here I brought way too many clothes.  I left some artwork behind in the condo I sold furnished and I wish now that I had brought more of my art and ditched most of the clothes.  

On point C):
The removal goods need to be shipped by your wife, name according to her passport to her address in Thailand (same name) with a packing list of content; all items need to be "used" and not "new". This works only, however, if your wife has been living outside Thailand for at least 18 months, otherwise she does not qualify for duty free removal goods. Excluded from such items are alcohol. 
If it is a big(get) shipment, i.e. a container load, then you might opt the fast track channel of THB 20'000/20 foot container or THB 40'000/40 foot container; there is no receipt of this fee though 😉 

On 12/19/2025 at 8:41 PM, mangkut70 said:

 

Fingers crossed - sooner or later, it will happen… the plan is a one-way-ticket to Thailand once the kids are out. Missus is Thai, and we are sufficiently set up there already with a house and everything needed for daily life.

Well, we’ve got an apartment here in Germany as well, full of stuff. When I think about the actual process of moving, I wonder if it’s worth shipping everything (or anything for that matter) or if it might be more trouble than it’s worth. Some nice furniture & art I would be happy to take to Thailand, but sending a container will probably cost more than I paid for it years ago (in China). Also the space in Thailand is not unlimited.

 

Well, I guess many of you currently residing in Thailand have been at this point before, and I would love to learn from your experience.

 

1 - Moving sooner or later? After you moved and things settled down, did you feel like you should have done this earlier? Keep working longer in Europe to receive a better pension, or move earlier to enjoy retirement longer?

 

2 - In case you own(ed) a house or apartment back in Europe, how did you handle this? Sold it? Rented out? Landlord and tenant law in Germany is a bitch—most power to the tenants. Renting out could be more trouble than it’s worth considering obligations, high taxes, etc.

 

3 - Did you ship your household to Thailand, and if yes, how did this work out?

 

Basically, when you made the move, what could have gone better if you had just known about it beforehand?

I've heard and seen friends and Expat think and actual what you are thinking never have seen or heard it go well. 

Start downsizing put whatever money away it will give you peace of mind. 

I've gone to many Expat auction houses and seen them on sale they sit for years and years on consignment.

I currently helping one guy here with his life he says he loves music shipped over his system had a special room for it sound proof etc, stupid F, electrical not comparable I had it priced told it is worth around a million baht I had it placed in consignment! A year later 

11 minutes ago, thailand49 said:

I've heard and seen friends and Expat think and actual what you are thinking never have seen or heard it go well. 

Start downsizing put whatever money away it will give you peace of mind. 

I've gone to many Expat auction houses and seen them on sale they sit for years and years on consignment.

I currently helping one guy here with his life he says he loves music shipped over his system had a special room for it sound proof etc, stupid F, electrical not comparable I had it priced told it is worth around a million baht I had it placed in consignment! A year later 

Why didn't he just buy a transformer/converter for his system ?

On 12/19/2025 at 8:41 PM, mangkut70 said:

 

Fingers crossed - sooner or later, it will happen… the plan is a one-way-ticket to Thailand once the kids are out. Missus is Thai, and we are sufficiently set up there already with a house and everything needed for daily life.

Well, we’ve got an apartment here in Germany as well, full of stuff. When I think about the actual process of moving, I wonder if it’s worth shipping everything (or anything for that matter) or if it might be more trouble than it’s worth. Some nice furniture & art I would be happy to take to Thailand, but sending a container will probably cost more than I paid for it years ago (in China). Also the space in Thailand is not unlimited.

 

Well, I guess many of you currently residing in Thailand have been at this point before, and I would love to learn from your experience.

 

1 - Moving sooner or later? After you moved and things settled down, did you feel like you should have done this earlier? Keep working longer in Europe to receive a better pension, or move earlier to enjoy retirement longer?

 

2 - In case you own(ed) a house or apartment back in Europe, how did you handle this? Sold it? Rented out? Landlord and tenant law in Germany is a bitch—most power to the tenants. Renting out could be more trouble than it’s worth considering obligations, high taxes, etc.

 

3 - Did you ship your household to Thailand, and if yes, how did this work out?

 

Basically, when you made the move, what could have gone better if you had just known about it beforehand?

 

1. Next to impossible to give good advice without knowing your age, your current financial and medical condition, life expectancy and just as important, how well-thought out and viable your activity plan is regarding what you will do in retirement in Thailand.

 

2. Somewhat depends on your degree of confidence that you will not return to Germany ever once you leave. There is a strong school of thought on this forum that retaining ownership of real property back home is advisable for the security it provides should you decide to repatriate down the road (i.e., Thailand not your cup of tea, change in marital status, return to home country for medical, family, financial reasons).

 

3. I shipped just personal items (no furniture). I somewhat regret not shipping a few living room and bedroom furniture items, which can do wonders in terms of making you feel at home. Don't forget a few wall decorations either. Good quality or comfortable furniture (for Western size guy) is not that easy to find over here. You need to make detailed inventory and value of what is in each box otherwise customs will probably guesstimate, probably on the high side. Don't recommend shipping leather furniture as subject to mold/mildew. Also, don't recommend shipping electronics, as if they have to go through voltage step-down/up converter can be hard on the circuitry and getting foreign model electronics repaired here could be next to impossible: exception computers/i-phones.

 

On 12/19/2025 at 8:41 PM, mangkut70 said:

 

Fingers crossed - sooner or later, it will happen… the plan is a one-way-ticket to Thailand once the kids are out. Missus is Thai, and we are sufficiently set up there already with a house and everything needed for daily life.

Well, we’ve got an apartment here in Germany as well, full of stuff. When I think about the actual process of moving, I wonder if it’s worth shipping everything (or anything for that matter) or if it might be more trouble than it’s worth. Some nice furniture & art I would be happy to take to Thailand, but sending a container will probably cost more than I paid for it years ago (in China). Also the space in Thailand is not unlimited.

 

Well, I guess many of you currently residing in Thailand have been at this point before, and I would love to learn from your experience.

 

1 - Moving sooner or later? After you moved and things settled down, did you feel like you should have done this earlier? Keep working longer in Europe to receive a better pension, or move earlier to enjoy retirement longer?

 

2 - In case you own(ed) a house or apartment back in Europe, how did you handle this? Sold it? Rented out? Landlord and tenant law in Germany is a bitch—most power to the tenants. Renting out could be more trouble than it’s worth considering obligations, high taxes, etc.

 

3 - Did you ship your household to Thailand, and if yes, how did this work out?

 

Basically, when you made the move, what could have gone better if you had just known about it beforehand?

I posted elsewhere but yo may find useful. The said if they had it to do over again, they would not have brought household furniture (if I reachll correctly). I retired to Chiang Mai 14 years ago. 4 X 36"x36"x36" crates. Two were books. Two, personal clothing, personal memory effects (since have donated one crate of books, dress clothes and memory effects sent back to Sons. Simplify, simplify, simplify ... /you have already "cased the joint" by earlier visits? Essential ... good luck.

 

Recommend watching: 

"I am sitting here watching, "Why this American Couple Retired in Bangkok, "Thailand" on Youtube by Sam Tyler. The couple has above my income level, by far, but I do find their experiences reflection valid after my living here for 14 years ....

Personally, I prefer a smaller city but ... you may enjoy watching and reflecting. Reasons vary but there are substantial American Expat communities around the globe that find life in retirement far more amenable in other countries ... sad to reflect upon."

On 12/20/2025 at 12:59 AM, mangkut70 said:

 

Kids are 15 & 19, so it will be still a few years until both are independent. workwise another 12 years until official retirement age (but I don't intent to wait so long..) 

Most of the daily-use things are not worth to be shipped, easy and cheaply replaceable and mostly already on hand in Thailand. To send these items (to give to family and friends in Thailand)  would only make sense if I book a whole container anyway.

My concern is about some personal stuff, documents, some nice pieces of furniture and art, carved wood etc. I'm attached to and would like to have in Thailand during retirement years.

 

We have several Germans here as their is a German school nearby.

3 hours ago, pchansmorn said:

I would only bring personal items. Everything else can be purchased here at a very low price. You have to learn to downsize a bit in Thailand, learn to be happy with less. The children will have to attend private schools because the Thai schools are very poor means of education. I would hope you know buying a nes car comes with a huge tax added to it. If you thought a 25,000 dollar car would work for your family that car will cost you 40,000 dollars with that added import tax.  I would buy a used car with warranty not more than a year old. Private party purchase would be best, have the car checked completely before you buy, there are places that will do this for you. Stay away from car dealerships they are nothing but crooks. Hire a legal aide to handle your Immigration , otherwise it’s a nightmare. Make sure the kids are smart and have common sense, keep them away from the party scene. Thailand has a lot of corruption and if you have money you can get whatever you want. Which includes not taking responsibility for accidents even if they are your fault. Be aware that cars won’t stop for you even in a crosswalk with a light. And if you get hit many times the other per won’t take responsibility. So make sure your family doesn’t make mistakes on safety. There’s a lot to enjoy in Thailand but be smart and stay out of trouble and your life with be stress free.  Good Luck.

With the recent flooding I would stay clear of any used cars There was over 30,000 cars damaged in the flooding some of them completely submerged

As for pricing on new cars it really depends what type of car and where it was built

Generally cars built in Europe are expensive due to high import duties and other taxes  can range from 187% to 328% depending on engine size, 

https://thethaiger.com/guides/automotive/why-are-cars-so-expensive-in-thailand

Pickup trucks and electric cars will be cheaper in Thailand compared to Germany

For example Ford wildtrak double cab truck in Germany costs in the region of 68,000 Euros approx B2.5 million

same pickup new in Thailand would cost 50% less 34,000 euros or B1.2 million

Same applies for electric cars

Top of the range BYD Seal German prices high due to import tarriffs for Chinese EV's into Europe around 54,000 Euros approx B2.0 million same car thailand 55% less at B899,000

3 hours ago, pchansmorn said:

If you thought a 25,000 dollar car would work for your family that car will cost you 40,000 dollars with that added import tax.  I would buy a used car with warranty not more than a year old. Private party purchase would be best, have the car checked completely before you buy, there are places that will do this for you. Stay away from car dealerships they are nothing but crooks

Damn that was a huge unhinged rant that shows you know little to nothing about Thailand. Get a  grip.. Added import tax on a $25,000 dollar car. WTF??🤣

On 12/19/2025 at 9:43 PM, Halfaboy said:

I arrived with 35 kilos and so far did not miss anything....

The OP says they already have a well established residence in Thailand. Anything not in the established residence is readily available in Thailand, probably close by.

 

Check your own thinking - do I want anything more?

 

Sell the stuff in Germany, make your own policy re how many kilos (e.g. 'not over 35 kilos') to bring with you and that type of items to include. Perhaps check air fares and check-in luggage allowances (for 2 people) and make that your maximum kgs to 'send to Thailand'. 

I arrived in Thailand with hand luggage. I sent some musical instruments from Europe via a delivery service, which was inexpensive and included customs clearance and pickup at the company's warehouse in Thailand! Delivery took three months. Today I own two houses and two cars! I bought furniture and household items here! Good quality, cheaper, and hassle-free than shipping by container.

I bought 50kg of clothes, books and tools. Most of the clothes have not been worn (too hot here). So I could have reduced that to 40kg

On 12/19/2025 at 2:41 PM, mangkut70 said:

3 - Did you ship your household to Thailand, and if yes, how did this work out?

I shipped a 20-feet container from Denmark to Thailand, delivered on my "door". Total casts can be in the area around 200,000-250,000 baht, depending of where to be delivered and if anything need to be declared and duty paid and vat paid (often the customs want some; overtime payment might help, talk to the shipping agent doing the custom clearence).

 

My Danish shipping agent advised to me to take a full container instead of individual parcels; and also only "total loss" insurance, as partly damaged was expensive and difficult to get refunded.

 

Think wise about what you need to ship; a lot can be bought from new in Thailand. The reason I chose a shipment was due to some larger vintage musical instruments, a fairly huge book-collection and some family paintings. I hardly moved any furniture, I instead bought new stuff here. I didn't fill up the container, they use air-ballons for stabilising the empty space.

 

You'll need a quite detailed packing list and a fair valuation of the stuff, for custom clearance.

 

You need to get it done within 6 month after moving to here; i.e. your long-term visa entry. It might be easier if it's done in your Thai wife's name (I didn't have that option, as I'm not married – can only afford a girlfriend...).

 

For me, it went very well and smooth custom clearence, as I on my agents advise paid a bit for custom's overtime. The Danish shipper send the container c.i.f. Bangkok and a local agent took care of everything from there down to a southern island. I however had to be present with my passport in Bangkok the day of custom slearence.Things might have changed since; so, it's worth having more than one quote, and also from an international door-to-door moving company.

2 hours ago, scotty1286 said:

Why didn't he just buy a transformer/converter for his system ?

From my understanding he has one but there were problems with them which cause him to just stop instead of taking a chance. Honestly the system is huge the stands for speakers are heavy the speaks stand 5 feet each. The fairy also shipped 50 cases of old CD's said they are worth money, shoes, leather fur collar jackets 🤣

Hi @mangkut70

Reading between the lines, I think you already know the right answers regarding shipping things.  I moved here two years ago and bought quite a bit of stuff with me.  No really big stuff, e.g. furniture, but I did bring three bikes and a kayak because they had sentimental value and I wasn't ready to part with them.  I also brought my hi-fi for the same reason.  I've never regretted bringing the things I did but I know I would have pined for them if I hadn't.  I had no issues with the shipping and paid very little in import duties.

You mention wanting to enjoy some of your things in retirement so you've clearly got the answer on those things.  As your wife is Thai you already appreciate that many items, e.g. kitchen and household things, can be replaced at great prices in Thailand so you don't need to bring those things.

My house in England has been adopted by my son.  He pays me 'rent'.  When he's paid 'rent' for about 25 years (or sooner if he increases the monthly 'rent'), the house will be his.

Regarding waiting for a full pension or leaving earlier, my first consideration would be your health, i.e. will you still have good health to enjoy your new life once you arrive?  Secondly, as the cost of living is substantially lower than we Europeans are used to you have some flexibility to live on less than you would need in Germany but obviously give yourself a decent safety buffer in case the exchange rate turns against you, etc.  Also your healthcare in Thailand is probably going to be self-funded so your buffer should ideally allow for this too.

I hope this helps.