H Crick,
Do yourself a favour and contact raam@kiteboardingasia.com He isa friend of mine and has kite centres in Hua Hin, Koh Samui, Phuket and another location I can't remember (I think Pattaya).
They have been running KBA for about 6 years and know all the ins and outs of kiteboarding in Thailand. You will definately need a big kite, like 16 or 18 depending on body weight and board. Thailand is not usually windy but they do get the occassional breeze above 20knots. You just have to remember that the breeze is 33 degrees and the water is about 30 so there is little differential in temp creating a convectional effect.
Tropical breeze also has significantly less power, especially in humid and warm places like Thailand. Expect to use a kite size bigger than you normally would for a given windspeed. I'd check with the lads to see if they can rent you a big Crossbow or something.
Have fun and enjoy the food and as Lofty says, if it has an adams apple, be very suss!
. Say Hi to the boys from KBA for me.
