The big news of the week has been the railway accident in Khao Tao which appeared on the forum within a couple of hours of it happening. As foreign and local news organisations scrambled for the story the grim details began to emerge and messages of condolence hit the board. These incidents are quite rare in Thailand which is a surprise considering the number of dangerous crossings and the antiquated rail system that runs throughout the country. Many railway crossings in Hua Hin, such as the one on soi 94, have been the scenes of accidents as they have no barrier and are very poorly signposted.
Security around Hua Hin is about to be beefed up as the government enforces the Internal Security Act from Monday 12th. They are taking no chances for the ASEAN summit which will be held from October 25 to 27 in Hua Hin and do not want a repeat of the circus caused by the red shirted Thaksin mob in Pattaya last time. Measures will include restrictions on movement in and out of the city and there will be a heightened police presence so all those that will be using the roads be aware.
Registration for Hua Hin residents to get vehicle stickers has been going on and collection should start this weekend – it looks like we will need them!
Buying a motorbike was the topic of discussion for one reader and many offered a response on their choice of two-wheeled transport. Some have decided to avoid motorbikes all together due to the dangers and the shocking standard of driving in Thailand and others take it all in their stride. One common thought was that small scooters such as Honda Waves and the new range of fully automatic bikes are great for short trips around town but not really suitable for longer journeys where you’re likely to get knocked off by idiots in pickups doing 140 or hit enough potholes to give you a hernia!
An aging discussion generated a good response despite being a little morbid at times. The question was essentially where do you want to be buried, here in Thailand or in your home country? Seeing as the majority of forum members and Hua Hin expats are ‘playing their second halves’ and many have more ties here than their homelands it was no surprise that they wanted to be buried or cremated here in Hua Hin. Many have lived in town for numerous years, have families, and have grown to call it home … it’s just a shame that immigration will never see it that way!