Sure- let me think about it for a bit and maybe take some pics of some of the beads..later. Have not been to the "Beaches" but have been to BKK, Chiang Mai, Mae Hong Son on the border of Burma, and a few other small villages and towns.

My friend writes/wrote for Lonely Planet and lives in BKK and CM so we were lucky to get the insiders tour, eat real Thai food, and travel to more out of the way places. I think I was there 10 days. Saw lots of beads, wonderful textiles, ate lots of great food, and absolutely loved staying in the guest houses here and there. Met many wonderful people too! I also loved experiencing the Buddhist religion and how it flows naturally with everyday life from seeing the community feed the Monks in the morning, hearing their chanting waft through the streets, and daily reminders such as Spirit houses (to honor the spirits of that property- even if it is a Bank now- simplified explanation-), little roadside shrines, and huge old remote Buddha's that the community cares for every day.

Also when you visit the many different Tribal peoples you see that Beads are also a part of everyday life, and the natural beauty of the people wearing traditional textiles and heirloom beads is breathtaking to say the least. I'll try to dig up some trading pictures, though I'm afraid my Ex has that photo album but I'll check. Somewhere in one of the LP Thailand books is a photo of me trading with the Lisu for handmade textiles. I'm sure it's been longer than I can recall exactly.

Anyone who has ever been I think will always yearn to return.