If a Thai man and his Thai wife are living and working legally in the UK with the necessary work permits etc. what paperwork/visa/insurance/whatever would they need to visit Germany as tourists?

They will both need Schengen visas to visit Germany. If Germany is the only Schengen zone destination on their itinerary then they will need to apply at the German Embassy in London (23 Belgrave Square). They will need travel insurance with a minimum GBP 20,000 cover for medical treatment/hospitalisation.

You used to be able to do postal applications however I think they may well need to apply in person. But it will also depend on what visas they both currently hold.They could have to return to Thailand to apply but please check.

Edited October 9, 201114 yr by ThaiVisaExpress

Thanks for the info.

You used to be able to do postal applications however I think they may well need to apply in person. But it will also depend on what visas they both currently hold.They could have to return to Thailand to apply but please check.

Postal applications are permitted in limited circumstances:

"You may apply by post:

1. If you are a spouse of an EU or German national or
2. If you have had a Schengen visa from the German Embassy in London issued within the past 12 months or
3. If you have had at least 2 used Schengen visa from any Schengen Embassy issued within the past 24 months or
4. If you have had a one-year or multiple-year Schengen visa within the last 24 months and have used it."

As the OP states that the applicants are "living and working legally in the UK", then they will be in possession of temporary entry clearance permitting employment, FLR or ILR. Any of these allows them to apply at the German Embassy in London rather than having to return to Thailand.

Edited October 10, 201114 yr by KamnanT