Well the wet week is now over and as expected the death toll on the roads made the violence in Bangkok look like a Sunday picnic on the beach. Alcohol, water fights and motorbikes don’t mix and never will so we trust you all were sensible and never left the safe confines of your local bar!
Many expats have grown a little tarnished over the years and avoid Songkran at all costs; we still find it a great day out providing it doesn’t get out of control. Hua Hin only celebrates the 13th but as you read this people will still be flinging cold water at each other in different provinces around the country.
Due to recent turmoil in the city the government have extended the holiday this year so town may be a bit busier than usual over the weekend. That’s one thing we can thank the red shirts for, we can also thank them for ruining the Kingdom’s reputation (even further than it is already), and further damaging a fragile economy that they all need to depend on.
As peace and normality descend once more to the streets of Bangkok we’re left wondering how long it will last for. Thaksin’s quest for revenge knows no bounds; he will not stop until he gets back at those who ousted him in 2006, no matter how many livelihoods or lives are destroyed in the process. Democracy is a word that gets bandied about a lot here but doesn’t really apply to Thailand yet as it has never truly had it; none of the political parties were fairly elected so both sides are as bad as each other. They should just wear orange shirts and get on together!
This time of year is also the hottest so if you have yet to experience a Hua Hin hot season get ready to cook! Tempers often fray as the temperatures rise so our advice is stay off the roads and on the beach for as long as possible! It is also a great time to take a sea cruise, the oceans are calm and the water is often clearer this time of year, especially further south. We can recommend Mermaid Cruises and the Mai Thai for boat trips around the coast, details and trip photos can be found on the forum both operators offer charters and trips for individuals.
Thai New Year also marks the end of the high season, not that there was much of one this year, so those of you lucky enough to be based in Hua Hin will find things a little quieter for the next few months. Many of those in business will need to tighten belts or invest wisely in marketing and promotion; of course Hua Hin Media can accommodate all needs especially in these hard times!