Where to get phone cards?
 

Will need to call back to the US every 1-2 days. Is buying a phone card the best deal. I am not going to deal with a cell phone. If so where and how much? Will be staying near the Grand Palace.

Also What about phuket?

You can buy a pre-paid card for the 1-2-Call system. They have shops at most shopping centers (and maybe the airport). You can buy re-fills at all 7-11 shops. The system works all over Thailand.

What is the normal rate?

it was either 6 or 7 baht

per minute