HHAD would like to thank all of our readers and forum contributors for sticking with us during 2008. We took a glance through our annual readership statistics and are pleased to report a growth of almost 20% from the previous year; we now average almost 1,900 readers per day and totaled approximately 690,000 on the website and forum for the year. We do have a number of new services and will be expanding the site in 2009 so hope you will carry on logging on to see what is happening in Hua Hin on the town’s only active web board.
Hot topics were actually of a cooler nature last month as a cold spell hit Hua Hin and Thailand. Some amusing observations around town were noted as foreign tourists from cooler parts of the globe reveled in the sun as their expat and resident counterparts were buried under several layers of clothing.
The town did seem a little busier throughout January however most hotels and local businesses were still reporting very low numbers for this time of year. Market Village is one place that never seems short on foreigners, it’s just a shame that the management won’t open their eyes to this market and offer more to Hua Hin’s burgeoning farang population.
As the property market seems to have gone into hibernation many people are getting online to find themselves a rental house or condo and escape the European winter. There have been plenty of enquiries for rental properties which proves that, despite what the doomsayers predict, people are still coming over. Maybe they are being a little more careful with money this year and seeking a villa for rent as opposed to splashing out on five star luxuries.
There have been a number of charity events held over the holiday season however one that is worthy of mention is the coming together of expats via HHAD to help a friend in need. Chris Brown, who could previously be found in the Sugar Cane bar before moving to Bangsaphan, recently suffered a perforated stomach ulcer and was admitted to Chumphon hospital. Following several operations his condition deteriorated as the medical bills mounted up. Through the forums both on HHAD and in Bangsaphan events were arranged and enough money was raised to help cover an otherwise un-payable bill and get Chris back on the road to recovery. We would like to thank everyone on behalf of Chris and Oi for all of their efforts and pledges.
The big concern on the financial front for many residents is the strong baht and weak offshore currencies. Many in Hua Hin rely on pensions and income from overseas to live here and with the unfavourable exchange rate they are finding it hard to meet the visa extension requirements this year. Of course the answer from immigration tends to be “we don’t care, we only want the rich”. Let’s hope the new government can offer a glimmer of hope for the hundreds of long term residents in Hua Hin, after all their income goes straight into the local economy.
The big news story of the month is the relocation of the ASEAN summit to Hua Hin at the end of February. There were mixed views on this, some claim it will cause traffic carnage (beyond its usual chaotic standard) and alcohol bans. Others predict it will attract hordes of egg wielding, red shirted savages. One thing for sure is that Hua Hin will get more international news coverage which can only be a good thing for local businesses currently feeling the squeeze.
As usual ‘Ask the Expats’ had another array of bizarre requests ranging from fixing leaks to panniers for a sports bike to kettles and finally mercury thermometers to see how cold it really was! Find out more on the Hua Hin Forum