This month has been one of turmoil for many travellers to and from Hua Hin and Thailand with the political violence disrupting Bangkok, Songkran week resulting in the usual closures and road chaos, and the Icelandic volcano stranding thousands of passengers here and forcing more holiday cancellations. Just when we think Thailand’s tourism industry couldn’t suffer anymore it does.

The forum has been abuzz with discussion on Thailand’s political rift that seems to be widening, fortunately here in Hua Hin it is business as usual with no sign of any disturbances or shirt colour disparities. The results appear to be a surge in domestic tourism to the town as the holiday week witnessed unprecedented traffic levels with Bangkokians escaping to the sea side. Petchkasem Road became a solid three lane bumper to bumper queue of Benzes, Lexuses, BMWs and SUVs as Thailand’s “haves” inched their way into Hua Hin while the “have nots” threw bottles and stones at riot police in capital.

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