Thailand forum

When you mention beach resorts that often means you have a good budget for expensive hotels, etc. When you ask for hotel suggestions also mention your price range. Don't skip Bangkok. Sukhumvit Road, near Nana Skytrain stop, is one place you can find hotels in all price ranges. You can also use the Skytrain rail service too in this area. Nightlife and Indian restaurants in this area.
Rail Service: http://www.urbanrail.net/as/bang/bangkok.htm

For Bangkok if shopping is going to be heavy on your schedule you might also consider a hotel in the Pratunam area too. Lots of wholesalers and shippers in this area. The Airport Rail Link also has stops in this area. It is possible to take the cheap train from the airport to Pratunam and walk to a hotel. Or, take the Rail Link to Phaya Thai and connect with the Skytrain. The Skytrain can take you close to hotels in the Sukhumvit and Siam areas.

You always see Indian tourists wandering around Pattaya all the time. Hotels are cheaper than Bangkok. Local transportation is only 10 baht. Beach is no good for swimming, diving, snorkeling but okay for walking, nightlife, restaurants and malls. If you want to actually swim at a beach choose another beach area. But if a crappy beach is okay and hotel pool sufficient for you Pattaya will be okay. Lots of nightlife in Pattaya. Also Indian Restaurants. Get a hotel on or near Pattaya Sai Song so you can walk to most things or at least use cheap 10 baht transportation.
Map: http://www.thaiwaysmagazine.com/pattaya_map/pattaya_map_pattaya.html

Bus from Ekamai bus terminal, Sukhumvit Road, off a Skytrain stop, is only 113 baht for the 2 hour ride. Or, take a taxi for around 1000 baht.
http://www.pattayabus.com/en/route_schedule.htm

OK.