What are some recommended neighborhoods or communities for retirement living near Bangkok that allow for renting a house with a yard?

Avoid Pathum Thani! Awful place just North of the city.

I like Bangkok, but could not live there because of the traffic and pollution. It is just as bad in the suburbs, so I prefer to go for a few days now and again.

I think the other major cities would get boring very quickly, other than Chiang Mai (which has horrendous pollution levels several months a year). You could look at Bangsaen or Si Racha in Chonburi as they are just over an hour from Bkk. Bangsaen has quite a nice beach area, with restaurants, bars, shopping mall and hospitals etc. The type of housing you want is in abundance and you can go further down the coast to Pattaya for boat trips etc.

My wife and I own a house in Pattakanarn, which is around midway between Sukhumvit and Suvarnabhumi airport. To be honest I hate the area - very little English spoken (can’t even order a coffee in most places) and there’s just one pub. I can’t even order a cab as they inevitably call and as soon as they hear my voice they cancel 😂

Basically if you want to live in the outskirts of Bangkok you will need to learn a decent amount of Thai (not my forte to say the least), accept a very non Farang lifestyle, and endure horrendous pollution for much of the year.

We have kept the house but now live in Cherngtalay, Phuket which is the polar opposite and I’ve never been happier.

Hua Hin

Sukhumvit soi 4 is a really nice family neighborhood. Great "Plaza" to purchase life's basic necessities. Even has an international (British) school!

The pollution in some of the places suggested is overwhelming. Look at the coast between Rayong and Chantaburi or even Trat. The climate and the cost of living is much more reasonable

Hua Hin

Nonthaburi or if your dogs like beaches then hua hin in Prachuap khiri khan. You can look for moo bans ( houses in gated communities)

Try Chiang mai

If you’re looking for a neighborhood or community surrounding Bangkok that offers a quieter atmosphere and better air quality than central Bangkok, I would highly recommend considering Lad Krabang. It is located on the outskirts of the city and provides a peaceful environment for residing. Additionally, Lad Krabang is conveniently close to the airport, but be sure to avoid homes in the flight path of Suvarnabhumi to minimize noise disturbances.

In terms of transportation, Lad Krabang offers good access to various modes of transportation, making it easy to navigate and explore other parts of the city (e.g. Airport Link) Moreover, if you have pets, Lad Krabang boasts excellent veterinary services and dog hotels to cater to their needs. However, if your animals require specialized care, Thonglor International Pet Hospital is a reputable option to consider.

By choosing Lad Krabang, you can enjoy the benefits of renting or leasing a house with a yard, providing a familiar and comfortable environment for both you and your dogs. In addition to its favorable qualities, Lad Krabang also offers the advantage of being an affordable option for those considering retirement in Thailand. The cost of living in Lad Krabang is generally lower compared to the more central areas of Bangkok. Good luck and please let me know if you have additional questions.

Of course there's the suburbs or pretty much anywhere in Thailand with a house and a yard.