Beach resorts?
 

Years ago I went to Koh Samui and rented a bungalow on the beach for $5.00/night. It looks like prices are now $100 and up for beach hotels. Can anyone recommend a nice, quiet (but not dead) beach where I can get a place on the beach at an affordable price?

first again this: yes, since eternal times they use BAHT in Thaild-and you did not even take the tiny trouble to say what type of that $ was meant. Some people think thats close to imperialism of that side.
You make the same mistake as som many who believe that all things are on the web: they are not, certaily not in Thaild. Were those 150 bt shacks bookable on the web? They still are not-though most likely they cost a few baht more now too. A simple bekpek aimed travel guidebook like lonelyplanet or so has the info. or travellers fora aimed at those people, again LP/thorntree, or travelfish etc. Bypass the midclass sites for anxious people, like TA=tripadvisor or fodors. Able to read other languages? in that case a whealth of info will open, on French or german same-style fora.
In short: as this forum is so dedicated as its name says, most of these places are of the BYOB=bring your own boy type. But the lesser known, and thus more away from creature comforts like airports, AC- buses and regular big ferries, will have what you want-though seaside prices are very much seasonal. Koh=island, and Lipe, PangAn and even lesser knwon parts of Samui will still offer what U want-though 2-300 bt. seems to be the absolute minmum for a bamboo hut, perhaps even no electric, shower outside and no beachside. Most of those places have an enormous variety of rooms/huts to choose from. The beach itself is always free in Thaild, only the walk to there is longer.
If a nearby suplly of rental boys is wanted-then one cannot beat Pattaya-ample rooms, bare but with AC and a small fridge and maybe even a Thai TV-from 3/400/nt-again some distance away from beach.

Sorry, I did not specify that it was about $5.00/US that I paid. It was in 1992. The exchange rate for Thai Baht has changed many times over the years, and even if I remembered what I paid in Baht, it would not be relevant today. Also, please understand that when I am looking at websites, prices are quoted in dollars. So lighten up with the "imperialistic" shit. I really don't need a lecture.

Thanks for your suggestion for places to look. I am not interested in renting boys. Sex would be great if it happened, but that is not what I was looking for.

Samet still offers a good option, with lots of young local gay guys around on weekends. You won't find any bungalows for $5 anymore, but there are still places that are inexpensive.