I am a recently-certified (beginner) scuba diver and am looking for a safe, reputable dive operator in Southern Thailand. I would also like to go to one of the better dive spots -- less crowded, nice accomodations, clear water. I will be travelling in early - mid-December. Any recommendations?

If you are traveling in December then weather dictates where to go, so weatherwise Phuket area best. You can find plenty of dive operators on Phuket Gazette plus local news and dive information

When the site comes up 'unavailable' just click refresh ( always seems to come up unavailable at first hit )

http://www.phuketgazette.net

Phuket Gazette online has a section that lists local dive operators and their websites, would be a good start.

S.I.D.S. (Samui Intl Diving School) is a 5 star dive center. They are on Samui (obviously)... My son has experience with them and it was good.

In Krabi we went with Sea Fa divers. They were really nice and had a super-fast boat so you could easily get to places that seemed too far away.

Similan Islands....definitely. We were there in Feb and the water was warm and clear.