Well I can certainly say it's buzzing around Patong, as of just three weeks ago - But I suspect it always is.
Plenty of freelancers every night along Soi Bangla, particularly at the ends - surprisingly, I picked a Chinese girl up for 1000 baht who insisted on two 'shots' as she put it! I wouldn't bother walking down the beach looking for any though, waste of time.
I'd avoid the short time rooms if at all possible - they're certainly functional, but unpleasant otherwise...one I had, had a giant dustbin in the shower room full of water for cleaning yourself!
But the hotels around Bangla are cheap anyway.
Oh and if you really want to push the boat out, check out the bars around Kata beach. Not very many, but quality of girls is higher that Patong.
Have fun, I'm already planning my next trip...
