Exploring and meeting new people in Phuket

Hey, I arrive in Phuket on 4th August.. staying in a hotel near Kata beach until 11th.. and then I have no fixed plans until I return to the UK on 27th August. I'm hoping to come to teach either English or Business Studies from next August for a year or two. I'm traveling alone, so it would be great to meet up with people to chat, have lunch and dinners out, sightseeing and/or to explore the nightlife. ???