My wife and I expect to go to Thailand for 2 weeks in late October. We like top shelf places with minimal contact with other tourists and are not interested in budget travel. Perhaps a combo of Bangkok, beach and interior. What are THE places to go and things to do?

Unfortunately "top shelf" places are where the tourists. I would definitely spend a week in Bangkok and stay at the Oriental. Lots of people prefer other hotels, but I still think this is number one. It doesn't have tour groups and the personal service that I have always gotten is second to none. I tried one night at the Peninsula and while it is certain A-1 I felt it lacked the charm. But I'm known at the Oriental and not at the Peninsula, and in Thailand that can make a difference.

Perhaps the other week could be in northern Thailand. There are some very deluxe resorts there but it depends on what interests you. I'm not a beach person so can't speak for that.

Some folks on this forum have had problems at the Oriental-but I have not seen any reports of problems at the Penn.
We stayed at the Penn and its tops in our book!
Do a search on this forum and read all the comments then decide- Penn vs. Oriental.

I loved the Anantara in the Golden Triangle (far north of Thailand). I did a review of my stay in December, 2003. Bob also stayed there recently, so if you search for "Anantara" you'll get good reviews (just be aware there is an Anantara at Hua Hin as well).

top shelf hotel and touristy is one in the same. all I can think of is renting an executaive apartment for your days in bkk.

oh if you buy the thailand elite card for $25,000 life time membership you can have the conciersge and everyone in the program keep you bussy, well pampered and away from the the riff raff.

www.bookingbuddy.com is an OK place too help you look fares without having too jot down the same info 20 times on difrent ailine/consolidator sites.

www.smarterliving.com is a GREAT site too see what deals are being offerd... it's Freequent flyer section is also top notch.