An option that might be worthwhile considering (depending on whether you're looking for miles or not and can stand some time in cattle class) is to investigate the Cathay Pacific All Asia pass ( www.cathay-usa.com/offers/aap/subdefault.asp ) - at US$699 it would get you to every destination you have listed except for LA, Sydney and Phuket.

So you could purchase that, fly NYC-HKG (upgrade to Business class is listed at $1099 e/w), buy the add-on ticket for the HKG-SYD return leg (listed at $500), and the rest in Asia except Phuket is all taken care of. Something to consider anyway if you're more interested in the travel and the cost rather than clocking up miles - though it may be too much time in Economy given your stated interest in going Business class.

(edited to include Business class details)

[This message has been edited by GibSpmuh (edited 07-04-2003).]