I went to Phuket mid year in 2004 and stayed in Patong Beach. Didn't take surf or kite gear thinking I could hire over there. I had no problems hiring a surfboard but they hardly knew what kitesurfing was, let alone hiring the gear out.
Things may have changed by now. I was suprised the waves were ok when the tide fills in though. Nothing huge but fun.
My 2cents worth.
Garth

was there two weeks over new years... very strange weather patterns, we had more or less a nw monsoon style thing going for a few days... windiest ive ever seen it at that time of year but id still want a 16 :(