Originally Posted by
veggie_lover
I don't understand why 3-star hotels are averaging $100-$200/ night for late november? In the USA I rarely pay more than $50/night using sites like hotwire.com .
But here I am going to a third world country and paying almost triple 
If you think Thailand is a third world country then you really have not been to a third world country. Yes there are deprived areas in Thailand but nothing compared to countries which are third world.
Phuket is the main luxury resort island in Thailand although Koh Samui is rapidly catching up. Phuket is not a budget island although a good search should come up with a $50 hotel. As others have mentioned november to february is also high season in Phuket.