“A Search for a Better Life”: Economic Motivation of the German Relocation to Pattaya

Abstract

This study examined the experiences and motivation for migration of members of the German ethnic group relocating to Pattaya. The empirical data of this study was based on six months of ethnographic research study in Pattaya and 12 in-depth interviews with German migrants. This study found that economic consideration, a motivation that has been under-theorised in lifestyle migration literature, has played a vital role in the decision to relocate. Living in Pattaya, where living costs are relatively low when compared to those in Germany, enables these German citizens to maintain a relatively decent life with a dwindling income after retirement. However, findings also revealed that their life in Thailand is insecure due to lack of legal recognition of their residential, status while their relationship with the Thai state is superficially grounded, depending mostly on rates of monetary exchange.