Hua Hin online community update
HHAD enjoyed a record readership month in May topping 58,000 readers, more and more people are logging on to the forums to find out what is going on in Hua Hin. The figures were boosted by interest in the poorly promoted annual jazz festival and a number of heated property debates. We are constantly amazed at how many people were leaving it to the last minute to book their accommodation for the jazz festival only to find that most places were full.
Plenty of warnings are given to book ahead but the problem lies with the organizers who are always reluctant to release any information – including the actual dates of the event – until the last minute. Every year we are baffled by the complete lack of promotion and marketing for what has become Hua Hin’s largest annual event. It seems that Bangkok wants to keep it to themselves and keep Hua Hin in the dark.
Jazz Festival
The festival itself was a little disappointing this year compared to previous ones, the single stage was a long way down the beach from the toilet facilities and a lot of the beach was cordoned off for “VIP’s” leaving little room with the incoming tide near the stage. It seems that it suffers the same problems every year but no attempts are made to alleviate them. The music itself was also a little bland compared to previous events with many of the afternoon and early evening performers falling into what we would describe as the ‘elevator music’ category. Only three acts really stood out and these were Kenny Garrett and band who played some nice bluesy-jazz, T-Bone who got the crowd on their feet with their unique Thai style reggae-ska and Mike Stern and band who rocked the festival to a close on Saturday night. More jazz was performed in town the following week in what appeared to be Hua Hin’s efforts to keep up with the Bangkok organized and dominated main event on the 13th and 14th. Photos from the event can be found on www.jazzfestivalhuahin.com
Property Problems
These were the dominating topics on the board last month with hundreds logging in to read and comment on their real estate issues. A meeting was held between property developers, agents and a few consumers in an effort to form an association to raise standards, information and professionalism within the trade. The property industry in Hua Hin has been clouded recently due to underhanded tactics by a number of local developers and one or two less than honest ‘officials’. HHAD has agreed to assist in the endeavor by providing a private platform for the professionals to get together and discuss their issues.
There were plenty more restaurant reviews as the culinary critics get out and about. We also had a number of requests for food items that are unavailable in Hua Hin – there is hope that the new department store will come to the rescue – either that or Hua Hin Ham and Bacon will increase their already burgeoning selection!
As usual the ever popular “Ask the Expats” section had its requests for the bizarre and bemusing such as fancy dressoutfits, Japanese “Shojii” screens, VHS players, sidecars and cobblers. Whatever your question you’ll find an answer on HHAD!