Phuket live-aboard recommendations

[Taco]

I'm only considsering a trip to Phuket. What months are the best to see the whale sharks? How well a chance is their to see then? Most every trip,
50% of the time, etc. My main reason to dive this area would be the whale sharks. How long a trip and what area in particular do you recommend? I am looking for a photo / video friendly boat that will not break the bank. Any recommendations here? I mean if I make the trip how much more time should I allow and what should I not miss in visiting
Thailand? Thank you, Dale

[moma_man]

I wish which I were. I was repeating what we were told by the photo pro on the Ocean Rover. That is, they're is now a commercial market for whale shark meat and it is sold under the product name "white tofu." Taiwanese fisherman are doing the harvest.

[moma_man]

When I was in Thailand about eighteen motnhs ago, we were told which whale sharks had become quite rare on the west coast due to harvesting of them by
Taiwanese longingly fishing operations which sold the meat as "white tofu." The folks on Ocean Rover told us which they rarely consecutively see whale sharks anymore.

There is a higher probability of sightin whale sharks on the east cost but the rest of the diving their isn't particularly good.

[Taco]

"white tofu." Your pulling my leg right ? Dale