Well that is sadly the best thai food served in an elegant surroundings category had few choices. The winner was an easy choice, it is the restaurant in the Chedi hotel on the west bank of the ping river.

If any  new restaurateurs (or old) wish to offerup there menu and property for review and a free meal for me and three guest I will be happy to accept.   

The Chedi offered wonderful location alone the river edge. (like the British consulate didn't pick the plum locations back when - the sell of was a interesting play as well) The design is a little chic with open air or covered seating. The menu offers Thai and Indian dishes that are very well presented and prepared to a level unseen in Chiang Mai by myself . 

The whole property is a quiet zone so not the place for a large loud groups, like a 40th birthday party, or a wedding ( personal shoot) but there is no better place for a quiet dinner to pop the question or set the mood.  I personally have read reviews that complain it is not a family friendly hotel, well my family did dine there and it was polite and friendly but is not the place for running around or load children. So yes if your children are free spirited ( brats) best to try somewhere else.

The only sad part was the waiter staff , they had a "bit of a air". As well they clearly were under instruction to speak English, which was clearly over done, to the point a Thai guest had to ask one of the party to translate to Thai being the only one who's English was not good enough to understand everything said -being 5 years old and Thai it is understandable.