I am moving to Thailand at the end of this month. I am in the software business, but also want to start exporting some Thai products.

I need to be in an area where I can get at least DSL type internet connection and need not travel more than say 2 hours to an international airport as I travel all around Asia for my business.

I would prefer NOT to live in the city, but would like a house(bungalow) in the suburbs. Also be reasonably close the sea. Have decided it is time to get a life and enjoy weekends on the beach, have a massage at least once a week, good food, etc.

Plan to have a car and driver but need to be conveniently located for general shopping. Also would like to be in an area where we might make both expat and local friends and they wont have to drive hours to visit us.

Have spent much time in Bangkok and Pattaya over the years.

Any comments/suggestions would be welcome.

Any comments/suggestions would be welcome.

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First two places that come to mind after reading your post are Hua Hin/Cha Am or Chiang Mai. I think both of these places meet most of your requirements and both are very liveable.

Bang Saen is an option angmo, close to everything and not so angmo touristy more popular with locals.

Bang Saen is an option angmo, close to everything and not so angmo touristy more popular with locals.

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Sounds interesting, but where will I find it on the map?

Try this website.

http://www.clickthai.de/Map/index.html

and then go south east.

I am moving to Thailand at the end of this month. I am in the software business, but also want to start exporting some Thai products.

I need to be in an area where I can get at least DSL type internet connection and need not travel more than say 2 hours to an international airport as I travel all around Asia for my business.

I would prefer NOT to live in the city, but would like a house(bungalow) in the suburbs. Also be reasonably close the sea. Have decided it is time to get a life and enjoy weekends on the beach, have a massage at least once a week, good food, etc.

Plan to have a car and driver but need to be conveniently located for general shopping. Also would like to be in an area where we might make both expat and local friends and they wont have to drive hours to visit us.

Have spent much time in Bangkok and Pattaya over the years.

Any comments/suggestions would be welcome.

Phuket!

I am moving to Thailand at the end of this month. I am in the software business, but also want to start exporting some Thai products.

I need to be in an area where I can get at least DSL type internet connection and need not travel more than say 2 hours to an international airport as I travel all around Asia for my business.

I would prefer NOT to live in the city, but would like a house(bungalow) in the suburbs. Also be reasonably close the sea. Have decided it is time to get a life and enjoy weekends on the beach, have a massage at least once a week, good food, etc.

Plan to have a car and driver but need to be conveniently located for general shopping. Also would like to be in an area where we might make both expat and local friends and they wont have to drive hours to visit us.

Have spent much time in Bangkok and Pattaya over the years.

Any comments/suggestions would be welcome.

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Phuket!

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Or even Samui - Approx a 90min flight to BKK Int'l Aiport.

There's a big Tesco Lotus near Chaweng and Samui is so easy to get around that you could do away with the driver thus covering the extra cost (although you don't seem to be short of a bob or two!) of flights to / from the mainland.

Great Maps thanks..

Try this website.

http://www.clickthai.de/Map/index.html

and then go south east.

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I have to echo Harminica and others: Phuket!

Can't find an easier international airport to get in and out of - and where else can you park your car at an airport for a buck a day?

My opinion is that the island is changing daily and dramatically - for the better. And moving upscale - which means more services and conveniences.

Samui is nice, but just needs to grow up a bit. Phuket has good quality international hospitals and medical care - gradually improving infrastructure - upscale dining - and just about everything you could want.

But then again - I am biased.

You can always check out my website for more info - though it is still a bit new and rough around the edges - but then again it is meant to be a personal look at the island - not a commercial portal. It's at http://www.PhuketDelight.com or try the ThaiVisa "Top Site List" at the top of the page.