The high speed Hua Hin to Pattaya ferry service got a news update as many suspected that the project, like others before it, had fallen by the wayside. Permits and licenses to operate the service have been granted however the Swedish company that owns the project will not start it until they are 100% happy with the vessel. Public safety is their highest concern so they are modifying the ferry so that it complies with their high standards. Be sure to check the forum for more updates and news.
Normality returns once again to Hua Hin and the traffic levels are back to those where you can cross the town in under an hour. The ASEAN cleanup was swift and efficient, all of those cones and roadblocks disappeared as quickly as they arrived and apart from the odd upturned car and flattened cop the entire security setup went according to plan. That plan was a trouble free conference and to repair some of the damage caused by political protestors last time, Thailand got some of its cred back.
A question was posed about a British Embassy representative in Hua Hin and although such a person may exist you still have to get visa letters and the like yourself however this can be done by post. Financial requirements for retirement visas were questioned again but as far as forum gurus are aware the goal posts haven’t been moved for a couple of months which makes a nice change.
A new English language Rotary Club for Hua Hin was announced as the world’s first civic service organisation welcomes foreigners. A Thai Rotary already exists here and they, along with the English language Rotary Club of Bangkok South and helped to set this one up. More information and details on meetings can be found on the forum.
Halloween had a mention as readers enquired as to whether there would be any frightening activities in Hua Hin. The big hotels may put something on but aside from that you can always get a fright in the late night karaoke bars in the Bazaar area.
The launch of Windows 7 last week sparked a new poll on whether people would upgrade to it from their existing operating system. It was no surprise that the majority either said no or wanted to wait until the bugs were ironed out, it seems that confidence in Microsoft to build a bullet proof system is still wavering. Those that have tried the new Windows were impressed and have posted reviews and reports on the forum in an effort to help others with their adoption of it.