Online community update
More busy times on the forums last month as low season in Hua Hin slowly starts to come to an end. Accommodation hunters will be delighted to see our range of places to stay expand with the inclusion of Markwin Lodge, Chada Guesthouse, Hua Hin Avenue, Baan Nilawan and house and condo rentals by Room by Room. A new website with easy online booking has been launched at Hua Hin Accommodation , the forum also makes a great place to ask for recommendations and reviews of Hua Hin hotels before making your booking. As high season approaches the internet will be the key tool for securing online bookings.
More local topics involved discussions on crime levels and police in Hua Hin and although there were a couple of negative comments Hua Hin still remains to be one of the safest places in Southeast Asia to live or visit. A new local news website at Hua Hin News also highlights some of the top stories in the town, focusing on news for foreigners; it covered the opening of the new Sheraton Resort and updates on property and real estate news.
Another busy month on the real estate section as this is rapidly becoming one of the forum’s most popular topics of discussion. A “wishlist” of things to look out for when purchasing from a new development was provided by one member with experience in the field followed by a number of subsequent questions from concerned buyers. For those with swimming pools we have two essential services for equipment and pool maintenance at GDL Poolshop and Pool Care Hua Hin.
Another HHAD beach party is planned for the 29th of September. These events are a great way to meet like minded expats and visitors. Over the last 4 years many people have got to know each other through online “handles”, our little events give them a chance to meet face to face!
On the subject of events a new organization has been setup offering activities and workshops for groups of children between ages 3 and 14 in Hua Hin. With creative and educational themes they offer some great party packages and workshops to keep kids occupied for an afternoon. More information can be found on Hua Hin kids workshops.
For those on the road there were reports on diving and snorkeling in Bangsaphan, the Tiger Temple in Kanchanaburi and a little known animal park in Hua Hin. The Hua Hin Blog has more details on these places. Hua Hin travel agents came under the spotlight with a number of recommendations, mostly for the same one. HHAD will soon be teaming up with leading travel and tour operators to offer a number or trips and tours around the area.
Many rumours were flying around regarding a possible clampdown on dependents for retirement visas, effectively doubling the financial requirements for married couples. With anti-foreigner sentiment running high at the moment these visa clampdowns are occurring at a frightening frequency, we cannot confirm or deny the situation, only offer a platform for Hua Hin expats to share their immigration stories, which often vary in terms of success with visa extensions. We all hope that democratic elections are held on the planned date of December 23 and we finally get a government that is a little more “farang friendly”!
Find out more on the Hua Hin Forum