Welcome Phinik, my advice is before you move out to the countryside is rent a room in one of the nice residential hotels Bangkok for a while and take classes learning Thai, either at the Nisa language school or the Union Language school. Knowing some Thai is important for your independence and freedom to travel.
Bangkok is becoming an increasingly pleasant place to live especially outside of the hectic tourist spots. My favorite it the Rompo because they have a great swimming pool and great food nearby.
There's a JetMag Thai in Bangkok just for Americans. If you are former military you can receive APO/FPO mail there without the usual customs hassles.
Get a car or a bike and take side trips all around the country; north, south, east, west. Visit the islands off Ranong.
Take your time getting to know the folks you associate with, it takes about 3 years to really begin figuring things out here, don't be in any hurry to hook up with any women, keep yourself as baggage free as possible.
I've been living here nearly 9 years now. It's got it's up and downs, but mostly up I reckon. Most of it is about your own attitude.