Now that we’re deep into the low and wet season more and more Hua Hin expats and visitors are turning to the internet for both information and entertainment. HHAD forums continued to grow during July and August with the addition of new sections and plenty of new members.
Crime continued to be a hot topic with more break-ins reported, possibly linked to the downturn in the economy and the rising cost of living. A number of foreigners have also been attacked while traveling home after dark by teenage gangs on scooters. We always advise caution when traveling late at night in areas out of town where inebriated patrons can often be encountered. In general though Hua Hin is a very safe place to live aside from the occasional soi dog!
Accommodation hunters now have a wider selection to choose from with the addition of the G House Hotel, Baan Leeya Resort and SeaJays Resort to our listings. All is quiet this time of year in town which makes it a great time to visit if you want to avoid the hustle and bustle of high season. The beaches are empty and the bars and restaurants are quiet, the only constant that remains hectic in Hua Hin is the traffic!
A new venue called Sunset Boulevard has opened up in Khao Takiab offering wifi internet, pool and cold beers and a sunset view over the temples and hills. Pizza lovers will be impressed with the addition of Stefano’s to the list of restaurants offering decent Italian and Thai food in Hua Hin. Food has been at the top of our topics list for quite some time now with the opening of Villa Market, a new Tesco Lotus in Pranburi, and rumours of a Big C south of town. Never before have Huahinians had so much choice in the culinary department.
The property pundits have been quiet this month with the main discussion being about current prices. The supply seems to be far greater than the demand at the moment with more houses still being built. Many are wondering if the prices of property in Hua Hin are ever going to fall, this looks unlikely as the town is still a very desirable place to be located, many owners are not bothered whether they sell their house or not and the current political and economic climate in Thailand is bound to improve at some time … we hope.
On the events front we’ve seen the Hua Hin Regatta, the month long Golf Festival and are now looking forward to Hua Hin Bike Week which will be held in the coming months … watch this space.
Plenty of ‘life in Thailand’ topics were discussed last month including relationships and finances, life in the town or city, the origins of corruption and expat longevity or general staying power. As ever there have been more stories of problems and difficulties at Hua Hin immigration, the lack of consistency with the ever-shifting regulations seems to be the cause of most of them. Some got their visas extended with a breeze and others faced a tornado of trouble as different bureaus interpret different rules in different ways … confused? We are!
Ask the expats had plenty of requests for the weird and wonderful ranging from oversized shoes to skateboards to water pump repair men to accordion players! Whatever your question you’ll find an answer on the Hua Hin Forum.