I'm looking to charter a boat for 12 people on January 1, between 12pm and sunset (or whatever). Just some snorkeling and trips to empty islands and such. We can bring our own snacks and drinks if needed.

I'm used to doing this in smaller groups and using longtail boats for like 2000THB. Since this is an older, non-backpacking crowd, something nicer would be good. However, I'm getting quotes of 65000THB+ when I thought it'd be around 1000-2000 per person (~24000THB total). I know Phuket will have a zero-to-infinity price range, but I can't seem to find anything in my desired range online.

Can anyone recommend a company? Or do you think this can and should all be handled once touching down in Phuket?

Did you check Nikorn Marine?

You could try 'Coral Seekers'.

http://www.coralseekers.com/

I presume you mean 12AM to sunset, as seen from below PM does not start until

1 second after 12AM.

Or you could of course be wishing to hire a boat from midnight to sunset, then that

would probably be quite cheap at THB 65,000.

http://wwp.greenwichmeantime.com/info/noon.htm

A.M. and P.M. What is Noon and Midnight?

A.M. and P.M. start immediately after Midnight and Noon (Midday) respectively.

This means that 00:00 A.M. or 00:00 P.M. (or 12:00 A.M. and 12:00 P.M.) have no meaning.

Every day starts precisely at midnight and A.M. starts immediately after that point in time e.g. 00:00:01 A.M. (see also leap seconds)

To avoid confusion timetables, when scheduling around midnight, prefer to use either 23:59 or 00:01 to avoid confusion as to which day is being referred to.

It is after Noon that P.M. starts e.g. 00:00:01 PM (12:00:01)

bring your own life jackets

www.epic-charters.com

Simon is the lad that runs it, nice guy. He shouldbe able to cut a deal for you

Go and have a look for a day tour fishing boat at Ao Makam Bay. Last time we took one for 12h with 10 people, soft drinks, fishing, fish and fruits included.

Payed 6.500 bath for all. Good boat with a funny crew. Relaxing party.

Or if you need it more luxurious then take the Le Meridien Boat. Great service. Price was roughly 40.000 bath.