Helen,
your holiday can be as long or as short as you like. 3 nights Bangkok 11 on the beach no problem or what ever combination or number of centres you wish to make. Your flights are going to be scheduled to Bangkok either direct non-stop to Thailand or via some gateway like the Middle East where you might change planes.

Many spend a few nights in Bangkok before hitting the beaches to relax, which will involve a land transfer to resorts like Pattaya or Hua Hin, or flights to resort areas like Koh Samui, Phuket or Krabi. Have a look at some of the specialist long haul operators like Kuoni, Premier (good for hotel ratings) for ideas of durations and destinations. You can of course just do the beach, but its a pity to miss out on Bangkok and other parts of Thailand.

Eats wise you will find all the hotels will do western as well as Thai and other types of food. Many resturants will do Western food on the menu as well as Thai so no one needs to miss out.

In our summer your probably best looking at Hua Hin or Koh Samui. Pattaya is an option but its a very lively resort.

Thanks for that sunbear. We would like a couple of days in Bankok. When you say lively - how lively? Are we talking San Antonio, Malia, Laganas etc? We're not fuddy duddys but we do like to sleep after 1am. as we like to make the most of the sunshine the following days. That doesn't mean that we don't mind an occasional night partying!