Can anyone recommend a service apartment from Pattaya-Naklua road Soi 12 on down for someone trying to escape the Chiang Mai burning?

No not direct but I know there are a few in that area and not too much in rent, sorry not very helpful for you but I live in a house and are not on the market myself.

Perhaps come down and rent a cheap hotel room first for 2-4 days and then look around.

Good luck with it.

Hi

One that I know of is on soi 12, I viewed a room but quite some time ago, looked OK but decided to stay elsewhere.

It is a fair way down soi 12 away from the main naklua road, guess 10 minutes walk .

Family Mart or 7/11 very nearby, a few restaurants and a handful of bars nearby , generally a quiet location.

Noble Residence, from 5.5 K a month + bills.

http://nobleresidence.exteen.com/20100724/noble-residence-pataya

I know of a few on soi 27, nearer to the Dolphin Circle, various price ranges, from about 5 K - 16 K baht a month.

Good Luck