If you arrive on a long haul flight:

You really should arrive a few days prior to starting a course; this will enable you to get over any jet lag and get acclimatized to Thailand and its cuisineJ.

If You need a Visa to Thailand:

Most citizens of other countries can easily get a 2-months tourist visa at any Thai Embassy or consulate. This visa is extendable for a further 1-month, once You are inside Thailand. The School will be more than happy to provide You with an Introduction letter, addressed to the Thai embassy in Your country of origin, if You feel this will help You to obtain a visa. Today, most citizens of other countries can also get Visa-on-arrival, valid for 15 - 30 days, provided You can show a return or onward ticket. You will also need at least 6 months remaining validity of Your Passport, plus the intended length of stay. Call Your nearest Thai Embassy or Consulate for more information. (A tip: get a multiple-entry visa if You want to visit near-by countries).

The Thai Government has an excellent web-site, with everything you need to know about visas:

http://www.mfa.go.th/embassy/americaN1.htm

What to bring:

Light summer clothes, (unless You are here during the winter, and plan to go up North, to the mountainous region, then You should bring a sweater). Comfortable shoes, preferably Kitchen Clogs, as you will stand on your feet quite a while each day J Swimming gear; scuba tanks can be easily rented, about 45 minutes drive south. International Driving License is an absolute must, if You want to drive on Your own. (Please also note that a car licence is NOT valid for motorcycles and vice versa). Car rental fees range from USD 40, per day for a Renegade Jeep (NOTE: only 3rd party insurance), to USD 100.- for a chauffeur driven Limousine or Mini-Van (Fully Insured). Motorcycles range from USD 10.- for a 100cc to USD 100.- for a Harley Davidson (with USD 600.- deposit); the School  can help You to arrange any kind of transportation.

Golf clubs; there are many world-class courses in the vicinity of Bang Saen , more than 40 J

Most visitors, especially from Europe, don't bother buying "Duty-free" alcohol or cigarettes, as these items are very cheap here, for example a carton of imported cigarettes is around $16and a decent Scotch half of that; premium brands run to about $24

What You should take with You, if You are into the habit, are wines and cigars, as they are VERY expensive here. A large Cohiba (Cuban Cigar) runs to almost $30-35. The cheapest drinkable wines here are about $12 +++. Alcohol and cigarettes, on the other hand, are very cheap, US$ 10.- for a decent Scotch, and around US$ 16-18 for a carton of Imported Cigarettes.