A mixed bag of reports came in on the weekend’s Jazz Festival though most that went enjoyed it. Improvements over last year included the two venues but getting onto the beach and finding a spot was still a crush as the night went on. Security was heightened this year with areas being cordoned off and bag checks taking place, maybe they were expecting something.

A lack of seating at the park stage meant bums on cold concrete and a general shortage of good food stalls at the Park and along Damnoen Kasem Road was quite bizarre considering the enthusiasm for food in Thailand. The music, as always, made up for these minor shortfalls with top performances from Shakatak and Koh Saxman. We did miss our favourites Prode and T-Bone though and hope they’ll return next year. Photos from the event can be found on the forum and at www.jazzfestivalhuahin.com.

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Visas have been the hot topic of the week as Thailand’s immigration department made another clampdown on border runners, adding to the already mind boggling levels of confusion on the subject. The latest restriction has been placed on those crossing the border for a 15 day stamp and it seems that Thailand is trying to weed out the undesirables, or those that don’t have proper visas. What is more mind numbing is that in the year when the economy is hitting record lows and tourism numbers continue to plummet Thailand carries on with its customary clampdowns.

Naturally the discussion evolved into one on long term options which are also becoming rather limited for those under 50 without an overseas income, it appears that if you are old and wealthy you’re welcome. Getting a work permit is no longer that easy in the current economic environment as many companies can’t afford the expense or deal with the ever increasing bureaucracy of hiring a foreigner.

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