Can anyone give me a pointer to shops in the area (Hua Hin, Cha-Am. Pranburi) that stock and sell blockboard sheets?

These are (usually) about 2m x 1.5m sheets around 22mm thick bonded timber strips with a thickish (3mm) veneer on both sides much used to make carcases for cabinets of built-in units.

Also, I have an old wet and dry vacuum cleaner requiring a new suction hose and have tried many shops without success for a replacement that is not special to this model. Anyone point out a shop that stocks hoses amongst their hardware?

With thanks....

you could try the big thaiwatsuda building store between cha am and hua hin

Thanks for that, I have passed it many times en-route to BKK but not really noticed it!