Diving in Thailand

Hi

I'm in Bangkok at the minute but want to go south soon to do some scuba diving. Have never done it before so would like to do a recognised PADI course with a reputable dive school.

Does anyone have any experience of diving in Thailand?
Any recommendations of dive schools?
Any recommendations for dive areas?

Thanks of your help.

Koa Tao is the mecca for cheap Thai diving. Its a nice kick back island too. Dont just look for PADI in fact SSI the other school is a better deal. I think I did SSI for my open water and then PADI for advanced.

Out of Bangkok you can jump on a bus with an inclusive ferry ticket and be in Koa Tao the next day.

I can recommend a couple of places there, or you can just get there and figure it out.

Head to Koh Tao, and once you're there you can find yourself a cheap certified dive school. Don't worry about not being able to book one as you can always do it on the spot when you are there and find it amazing how many options you have in the island.