couple of great links from dirty dog. it is starting to look as though my first option of pattaya is the best option. I hear that there are nice cono/apartments available around 6000 thb, is this accurate?
I rent a house in Sattahip, Plutaluang close to the junction of the 3 and 331 near Utapo Airport. $5000 baht/month. Nice house about 10 years old with fenced yard 3 bedrooms. There are several others in area for rent. landlord is a Navy Captain.