Wherever you choose in Bangkok, make sure it's close to an MRT or a BTS station, or both e.g. Sukhumvit MRT is on the same intersection as Asok BTS. Don't go so low budget you don't get a fridge or kettle in your room. Some rooms you will need a 3 metre charging cable because of them not having bedside power sockets, and make sure your adaptor plug has a nice stable design because some power sockets in older hotels are fairly loose-fitting and plugs fall out of the socket. Consider Jomtien rather than central Pattaya; it's a better beach, more relaxed atmosphere, closer to the Airporter bus terminal, and you can still easily access central Pattaya if you want to. Just don't go further south than walking distance from Thanon Chaiyapreuk or east of Jomtien Second Road if you want to use the Songtheows ('baht buses') which cost 10 baht per ride. My regular Jomtien choice is Villa Navin. Remember that any taxi or tuk-tuk service you hail will charge at least twice the fare quoted on Bolt and Grab

@Mark *********

More like a subtle mistake rightfully pointed out

"good command over English". Really?

late 50's? Check, but I believe foreigners can't work past the normal Thai retirement age of 60